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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  range of keyless entry - 2007 Honda Accord
  By tbeezy - June 29 - 2:36 pm

  The range of the keyless entry and lack of horn or otheer audible single makes it hard to locate your car in a giant parking lot. the range of the feature is approx. 10 feet. If you have to be that close you do not need to hear the horn, you have already located the car.the the voice command system for other features is also poor.

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  Great car marred by infotainment & dim instruments - 2016 Honda Accord
  By Steve - June 29 - 6:18 am

  This is a great car marred only by a maddening and slow infotainment system and instrument panel lights that are difficult to see with polarized sunglasses. The infotainment would be okay except the touchscreen symbols frequently need two or three pushes to make something happen. The infotainment control wheel/button would make an acceptable substitute for dials except for the delay when you push the button to change from, say FM to Sirius/XM. Its measured in seconds - come on Honda these are electrons for heavens sake. The instrument panel lighting control doesnt seem to want to work unless the headlights are on and it is dark outside, and then you cant turn it bright enough for daytime use to offset the view through sunglasses, especially the gray-on-black center portion of the display. Hopefully Honda will check he simplicity and clarity of their past designs and get serious about a do-over. Then the Accord would be a perfect car.

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  Drive what you need! - 2000 Honda Insight
  By Firecracker - June 27 - 10:58 pm

  I never considered the insight until a technology savvy person convinced me to test drive it. (I was not keen on the side skirts) Once I did I loved it and traded my Audi A6 in on the spot. Best decision I ever made! My lifestyle was very welcoming to a Honda Insight. I have been excited to drive it every day for the past 2.5 years. There is always a smug look on my face when I drive through the gas station past all the SUV owners and walk inside, just to get a soda! The thing is most people dont drive what they need. All seem to own a vehicle that could move a whole house if necessary. I say, buy the insight for the rest of the days you are not on the move to save $$$

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  2008 Honda Accord V6 - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Denise - June 27 - 2:17 pm

  I love this car. It handles great and still looks great. Everything still works except the keyless entry quit working a year or so ago. It uses a little oil and about 1/2 qrt. needs to be added every 2-3 weeks. Car still runs great. Over all, Im not impressed with Honda Corp.s customer support but the car is good.

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  2006 Pilot EXL with Entertainment system - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By drbdab1 - June 26 - 9:20 pm

  Primarily bought for my wife, currently we have 12000 miles on the pilot and have had no problems. Great features such as the leather seats, DVD, AWD, and definitely a bargain compared to what other SUVs cost and charge extra for.

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  Best Car You Can Buy For Your Money - 2001 Honda Civic
  By Zambinina - June 22 - 9:08 am

  I bought my car used with 41,000 miles on it. I have been driving it for less than three years and it now has over 130,000 miles on it. I am a pizza delivery driver and have driven this car to 34 states and it has NEVER broken down on me. I have never done anything to it besides routine maintenance. I can drive it from San Antonio, TX to Houston, TX and back on one tank of gas. I can not stress enough to you how dependable this car is. I will never buy anything that is not a Honda again.

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  Good & Bad - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By shawn - June 21 - 11:01 am

  This vehicle typically gets rave reviews. I have a few gripes. The interior plastics grow old quickly. Too many rattles and road noise in the cabin. Pluses are a smooth auto transmission, convenient tumble forward rear seats and excellent side panel rubber molding to prevent door dings. My CR-V had a failed drivers seatbelt, replaced free (after waiting a month) and an airbag recall. Very poor MPG- expect 18-19 on average in combination driving. If youre used to driving a sedan this vehicle takes some getting used to. As far as reliability, it has been all Honda-no problems.

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  Honda CRV 2015 - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By azzam - June 21 - 9:19 am

  I purchased my Honda CRV2015 on Dec.2014.I thought i was getting really good deal.It never even crossed my mind to do research, didnt think twice about about buying it on the spot either.After taking it out on a test drive and everthing was working smoothly,i took it home.However,everytime i arrive at a stop light/sign,the car vibrated vigorusly when i start to accelerate.I took it back to the dealer and at first they refused to acknowlege the problem I was experiencing,but later they admitted to receiving complaints about the same issue.They told me that they would give a call once they find a solution to it and fix the car.I didnt expect this much hassle after buying a Brand new car. >:(

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  Just bought 2005 Pilot - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By unlvtom - June 21 - 12:50 am

  I bought my 2005 pilot just under a month ago. Originally I purchased the Pilot for its 8 passenger capacity and just thought of it as a good people hauler. It is a very fun SUV to drive. I still have a grin on my face everytime I drive it. I traded in a 95 bmw 325is(very fun car) and I have no regrets. After a month of owning it. I love the way it drives. I do have two compliants though. I cant seem to find the perfect position with the power driver seat. And the steering column shifter takes getting used to. I like have the extra storage space between the driver the passenger seat though.

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  Great Car - 1998 Honda CR-V
  By Mark - June 20 - 10:24 am

  I bought this car about two years ago used with 80,000 and change on it. It has AWD, and is a manual. I have had other hondas in the past and this is the same as the three prior ones I have had. It never gives me any problems, smooth running, good mileage, lots of room inside. I can take four people skiing for the weekend in comfort. More back seat leg room then just about any SUV on the road. Handles like a car, I drive it in Manhattan a few times a week and do not get the extra charge that most SUVs get at the parking garages. I have even taken it for light off roading going to cabins in upstate NY and in Mass. I can not say enough about how nice of a car this is.