Overview & Reviews

Why are Honda vehicles so highly regarded by American drivers? Certainly, their excellent reputation for reliability and quality is a major factor. But it also has to do with the overall driving and owning experience. Read any Honda review and you'll likely notice common themes such as thoughtful design, a friendly nature, better-than-average fuel economy and attention to safety.

Japan-based Honda Motor Company was founded in 1948 by Soichiro Honda. The company got its start making motorbikes. Japan had been rendered cash poor and fuel-starved after World War II, and its citizens were hurting for an inexpensive, fuel-efficient mode of transportation. Honda's first motorcycles mated engines with bicycles to create a motorbike that was cheap to make and operate.

Honda's bikes quickly evolved into vehicles far more sophisticated than small engines stuck into bicycle frames. The manufacturer's 1949 D-Type could reach speeds of up to 50 mph, and offered front and rear suspension. The 1950s saw the launch of the successful Juno scooter, built to steal market share from the Vespa knockoffs that were popular in Japan at that time. In the latter part of that decade, Honda introduced the ultra-successful C100 Super Cub. The motorbike was remarkably easy to operate and featured a crossbar-free frame that made it popular with women. It went on to become the first Honda motorbike sold in the U.S. via then-new American Honda Co. in 1959.

By the early 1960s, Honda had built its first automobiles for the Japanese home market and entered Formula One racing. But it wasn't until 1970 that it exported its first car, the diminutive N600, to the U.S. The automaker initially had a hard time sparking interest among American buyers, but that all changed in 1973 with the introduction of the Civic. The car was larger than Honda's previous models even though it was still very petite compared to compact American cars. The Civic's high fuel efficiency (an important selling point given that decade's energy crisis) and affordability made it Honda's first American success story. By 1976, the Civic had been joined by the Accord, which quickly became a favorite with U.S. consumers as well.

By the 1980s, Honda's success and its reputation as a maker of well-built reliable cars and motorcycles continued to grow. It began building Accords in the U.S. in 1982 and by 1989 had earned the distinction of making America's most popular car. This was also the decade in which Honda created the Acura brand as a way to sell more upscale and luxurious vehicles. Throughout this decade and into the 1990s, the Civic and Accord were huge sellers and considered class benchmarks. Also during this time, Honda continued to innovate through such technologies as variable valve timing, aluminum body construction and improved safety features.

Today, Honda's lineup runs the gamut. Included are fuel-sipping hybrids, a spacious minivan, reliable family sedans, practical SUVs and even a pickup. Although the latest Civic and Accord aren't quite the benchmarks they once were for their respective classes, Honda's brand as a whole continues to be one of the most well respected in the industry, with millions of loyal and satisfied customers.

User Reviews:

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  3.5 years and still happy - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By Boxman - January 25 - 6:53 pm

  3 1/2 years and no buyers remorse! My CR-V has proven both an efficient and comfortable daily commuter as well as a versatile camping vehicle with decent offroad capability - which has been put to the test many times. I havent charged across raging rivers or rumbled up rocky slopes like in the commercials, but Ive sure as hell put the AWD to the test on muddy trails, sandy ground and rough terrain (never been stuck yet!). Ive obsessively tracked the mileage since I got my CR-V, getting a lifetime average of 24MPG in 50/50 mixed city/hwy driving. Ive gotten up to 31 MPG on long road trips. Not bad for an AWD SUV.

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  Awesome to drive - 1991 Honda Prelude
  By sylence - January 25 - 1:22 pm

  I always wanted a Prelude and I found one cheap. This has absolutely been my favorite car that Ive owned. Very easy to drive and handling was excellent. Much faster than I expected. I was in an accident where I was t-boned on the highway that spun me 2 times in the center of the road. The car hit my rear wheel at about 55 mph and I was still able to drive it home. Im planning to purchase a 1999 or 2000 model in the near future.

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  My wife and I are very pleased with our new Pilot - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By John Braun - January 25 - 5:47 am

  We love our new Pilot, having owned it for only a couple of weeks to this point. For us, it came down to the Pilot vs. the Toyota Highlander. Our previous 2 vehicles were a Toyota Rav4 and Toyota Venza. We had no problems with either of them, but we felt it wouldnt hurt to look at the competition- the Pilot. We test drove a 2016 Pilot, then a 2015 Highlander back-to-back. Surprisingly, we both quickly chose the Pilot hands down. We felt that it was best for our family. Highlanders 3rd row was quite inferior. As for the reviewers that criticize the Pilots styling, I cant help but wonder why you would still move forward and purchase the vehicle if you didnt like the way it looks. I personally like the way it looks. As for the 9 speed transmission, I admit that we were tempted to get the Touring model, but some of the critical reviews scared us off. If you are considering a 9 speed, be sure to take one out for an extensive test ride to save yourself from any surprises later. All in all, we are quite pleased with our Pilot

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  I absolutely love my Accord! - 2005 Honda Accord
  By Paige - January 25 - 5:00 am

  If you like to travel, then this is the car for you. Since purchasing my Honda Accord I have been to Atlanta, GA, Savannah & Tybee Island, GA, Hilton Head Island, GA and Myrtle Beach, SC. This car is fun to drive and handles incredibly well. My mother fell and broke her right ankle, and left foot. Even with 2 casts on she was able to fit comfortably in the backseat as well as the front passenger side. Investing in this vehicle was the best decision I have ever made!!

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  Love my CRV - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By hawks1 - January 24 - 2:54 pm

  We have had our CRV for about 9 months and just love it! I love the gas mileage -- I average in town 23-24 and my best mpg on the highway has been 30! Handles nicely in the snow/ice, and I feel very safe in it. It is a good size for me, and still sporty enough for my husband. And there is plenty of room in the backseat for passengers! I could go on and on! A + rating!

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  Best SUV on the market! - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By Bob Semple - January 24 - 12:55 pm

  This is an amazing vehicle! It features a smooth, quiet ride with exceptional visibility. Weve owned it since April - 14,000mi so far - two major road trips. It handles beautifully with gas mileage 24.7 overall. The 9-speed transmission is smooth and shifts flawlessly. We purchased the Elite to get all the electronic safety features we could - they all work beautifully. The vehicle is close to being able to drive itself! The fabulous GPS has guided us through 11 states without mistakes! The entertainment system performs well in all functionality including movies. After owning 4 vehicles from Lexus I can honestly say that this SUV is one of the great ones - nice job HONDA!!!

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  The best car I have ever owned - 2003 Honda Accord
  By great car - January 24 - 12:30 pm

  I love this car. It is has great power, is very smooth, fun yet comfortable ride, handles well, and gets great MPG for a 240HP vehicle. I have 123,000 miles on the car. The car is very reliable. When the car was new, it had a couple of issues that were fixed under warranty. But overall, this car is bullet proof. The car seemed to get better as it aged. (You would expect that that after the warranty expires and the car got older more things would go wrong, but just the opposite was true. After the warranty expired, the car did not have any issues) This car is almost maintenance free.

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  2006 Accord LX - 2006 Honda Accord
  By Rick - January 24 - 12:20 pm

  I own a 1990 Honda Accord with 180,000 miles and am completely satisfied that I got my moneys worth. So far, I have found nothing with my 2006 Honda Accord that I am not completely satisfied with, except maybe the color selections available.

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  2014 honda accord EX-L hybrid - 2014 Honda Accord Hybrid
  By wandayvette - January 24 - 7:19 am

  I love this car! I had the 2010 accord leased and bought the new hybrid its sleek style and economical gas mileage is my fav features. The power it has at take off its like if it were a v6 engine. I would never think its that powerful and I thought I would lose power for fuel economy but I was wrong this car has more power than the 2010 Honda. Love it! Thanks honda for an even better car!

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  Quality - 2009 Honda Accord
  By RC - January 24 - 2:26 am

  Ive owned an Audi & a Lexus, but the 09 EX-L, 2d w/nav (4cy) is an incredible car. My first Honda and what a pleasure to drive. As quiet as either the Audi or Lexus. Craftsmanship is superb. Ive already been asked by several people, "is that a BMW?" Ah nah, and Ive got the extra cash in my pocket to prove it. Excellent ride.