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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  Love this Accord - 2000 Honda Accord
  By mdurkin - November 27 - 7:52 am

  I bought this car in 2000 and have owned it for 8 and half years. In that time I have put 135,000 trouble-free miles on it. Literally, no problems, not one. I have maintained it well, but have never had anything break on it. I am giving this car to my son this weekend, I am sad to see it go, but he needs a car and cant drive a manual transmission, so I am giving it up. It feels like a divorce. I have loved this car, and expect it to last another 10 years with good maintenance. Good fuel economy, about 25 around town, 30 to 33 on highway with cruise control. I would highly recommend this to anyone looking for a new car.

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  Our baby... - 2007 Honda Pilot
  By VR - November 27 - 6:36 am

  Performance, in several different facets, is near top of the line. The handling around turns for a vehicle of that size is jaw dropping to me having been previously accustomed to driving an Explorer for 6 years. I was initially somewhat skeptical that an engine displacement of "only" 3.5 L was enough to get the kick in the pants sometimes required to merge into tight traffic. Again, very impressed with the Honda VTEC engine. Its operation is very smooth, quiet and very responsive when getting into the higher RPMs thanks to the variable valve timing. Its more acceleration than Ill ever need for daily commuting. Plenty of room for passengers in three rows of seating.

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  Thoughts on Purchasing a 2016 Honda Fit - 2016 Honda Fit
  By ANTHONY PETERSON - November 27 - 6:30 am

  Positives: The 2016 Honda Fit is a visually attractive car with its sleek design. Although it looks very small on the outside, it is plenty roomy on the inside. I have to admit that I did have to adjust the steering wheel height to gain some extra space. The entertainment features (MP3, Bluetooth) are phenomenal and making the driving experience even better. The gas mileage is insane and I love the dashboard color feature that alerts you to how fuel efficient you are driving. I also love that because I am taller than the vehicle, cleaning the exterior is a breeze. Negatives: There are not too many negatives with this car except for the acceleration. When stepping on the gas after a dead stop, the car seems to take a few seconds to get up to optimal driving speed (e.g. 0 to 40 mph). I suspect that it may be a function of the CVT, which I am still getting used to.

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  Im picking-up my new Odyssey tomorrow - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By Honda fan - November 26 - 10:01 pm

  I bought the van with the idea that in retirement I could haul stuff, and that with the navi, travels would be easier and more fun. All that is spot-on and more. I love the way it rides & handles even in NC mountains. It has plenty of power to merge on I-85 or pass on NC158. We consolidated 2 houses into 1 at retirement, and the van more than paid for itself in hauling our belongings to the new house, the dump, the Goodwill, etc. I also feel very safe driving it, with all of the safety features built-in. I bought it thinking I would find it useful for travel (which it is), but I really just enjoy driving it every day, and that surprised me! Tomorrow I pick-up my new 2009, the 05 to my son.

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  Almost perfect - 1999 Honda CR-V
  By Cr-V 4U&me! - November 26 - 9:12 pm

  Weve owned ours from new in 99 and echo what many have said. Were coming up on 300,000 km on little more than gas, oil, and tires. Still have original clutch and have had only 1 (yes!) brake job. Exhaust original as well. 2 recalls (ignition switch and rear differential fluid). This car has been fabulous. There are some complaints, however. The fan and a/c is weak for the interior volume (although still works as if new). The seats are the worst part of the car - seat cushion too short and hard. Its underpowered for its size and noisy on the highway owing to high revs. Needs a sixth gear. I know it seems like a lot of complaints but, actually, its a great car. Would buy again!

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  New Si - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Kalamazoo - November 26 - 4:56 am

  Quieter than 04 Civic, George Jetson styling. BMW3 performance. Big bang for the buck, which makes it even more fun to drive.

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  This is the one to beat! - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Accord Lover - November 25 - 4:16 pm

  The new Accord is the real deal. The steering is silky. The seats are very comfortable and I love the cloth.(I never owned a car w/o leather). My wife was surprised by the new body style when I brought it home. She said it looked very expensive. I got 26.5 MPG on the 1st tank of gas. Overall, this is the best car on the market in its class!

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  Lots to love about a Pilot - 2008 Honda Pilot
  By Walkn1 - November 25 - 4:09 pm

  Ive owned respectively a Rambler, a Honda Civic, a VW Golf, a Prius, Smart Car, Toyota Yaris and NoW the grand mamoo of all ----the Honda Pilot. What a joy! I feel like a princess and a cowgirl. My dreams of comfort, safety, reliability, and handling have all been met. Probably wont need a husband again! And theres an eco-button which averages around 33 mpg. Does it get better for me than that? Get in and get up up and away. I took a road trip within 2 months of buying it used.

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  Good Choice For An SUV - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By NY Driver - November 25 - 12:26 am

  I have found that this SUV is very comfortable, easy to handle, has decent gas mileage, and is fun to drive.For what you get with the price you cant beat it with other SUVs.

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  cr-AvE - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By 2Market - November 24 - 11:49 pm

  I absolutely just love my CR-V! I totaled my 2000 CR-V back in April (negligence on the other side). I had 186,000 miles on my vehicle. I immediately started looking for another CR-V. I found a 2005, and a 2003. Went with the 2003, it only had 42k miles on it. I do not care for the new CR-Vs and know I will not buy one of that style in the future. No regulated spare tire, only a donut. No picnic table (cmon guys, this was what the CR-V was known for when it first came out). It is time to rethink the CR-V features that we CR-V owners have been know to love so much.