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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  Wow - 2013 Honda Accord
  By joel21 - March 7 - 4:30 pm

  Just picked up an LX-S manual. It has every feature I want and nothing I dont. Incredible fit and finish, incredible refinement and sportiness, and incredible beauty. I cant believe that more people arent buying these.

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  Best CVT ever build - 2013 Honda Accord
  By ahmadbutt001 - March 6 - 6:17 pm

  So much power, never feel difference then other automatic transmission...good looking car so much leg room...way better then Toyota Camry and other cars. Love Honda

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  Great enthusiasts car - 2014 Honda Accord
  By bgsntth - March 3 - 5:04 pm

  I only have 1K miles on it. I bought the Sport because it was one of the few vehicles that was offered in a Manual transmission, was fun to drive, had enough room in the rear seats for teenagers, and I could fit comfortably (63" and 210lbs). It is a lot of fun to drive - even with a good portion of my 60 mile round trip commute being in bumper-to-bumper traffic. Gear change and clutch is one of the best I have experienced - slightly behind my old Miata, but better than my prior Cayman. It does not like to be rushed, however. Handling is a surprise. Very taunt with little bodyroll, but will begin to understeer at the limits. The ride is perfect - firm, but soaks up all bumps.

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  Looking for an SUV...? - 2013 Honda Pilot
  By hybridman2012 - March 3 - 4:34 pm

  Well....dont look any further. If you have not owned a Honda (my 5th), you dont know what I mean. Honda reliability, over all comfort, safety, service, price, ( did I mention reliability & safety) and the best dealers around...its a no-brainer! I get a soild 22mpg all the time and get a 25mpg on cruise, level ground, at 65mph. Beat that anywhere. You are also riding in the safest vehicle make on the market! We live were it snows... no worries it performs great! The 8 passenger capacity will haul the gang in style, without leaving that "one" behind. Just go and drive the Pilot you will come home with it! Financing has always beat the others hands down. Go see for yourself!!

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  2014 CR-V far better than the 2009 model - 2014 Honda CR-V
  By glennon1 - March 3 - 11:04 am

  Just traded in our 2009 CR-V for a new 2014 CR-V. My wife loved the 2009 but I thought it was just OK. Didn’t plan to buy a new car but the trade in was so good I could not pass up the new CR-V. The 2014 is a far better car. I love it. Better body styling, better handling, a lot more quiet on the road, more comfortable, more upscale interior, more standard features, better acceleration and better gas mileage. From a price/quality/performance perspective this is a great car, plus you get Honda’s reliability. I recommend the EX-L model.

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  Great little car! - 2013 Honda CR-Z
  By mom2tigger - February 24 - 9:03 pm

  My son needed a new car. After test driving the Ford Fiesta and checking out the Veloster and Civic SI, he decided on a cr-z and we are happy he did. The car gets very good gas mileage for around town (average 34.1 with a/c running most of the time and usually in normal mode). You cant go by the EPA mileage rates because that doesnt take into consideration the option to drive in Econ mode to increase fuel efficiency. Look up what actual drivers are posting for what they are getting and you will be surprised. We have the 2014 ex with the lithium ion batteries. Car has plenty of pep in normal mode and is really fun to drive so I dont know what the reviewer is comparing it to.

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  2006 Accord LX V6 - 2006 Honda Accord
  By snlane40 - February 20 - 10:02 am

  The best car I have had overall. Very reliable. Like any other car you must maintain it & it will last a lifetime. There are minor flaws/cons with it like any other car such as the clear coat scratches easy, minor rattles in the door, steering is very tight. Pros are gas mileage is okay, built to last, no major issues, and leather seats have held up very well. I havent had anything annoying or major happen. Ive just maintained the car and not had any issues. I wish it had an AUX port and I wish it was AWD like some of Acuras cars like it. The biggest pro for me is the really tight steering but the pros out weigh the cons for sure. Overall worth the money

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  I love my Honda Pilot !!! - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By prazb2jc - February 16 - 7:15 pm

  Purchased a used 2006 Honda Pilot EX, 3.5L, V6, 5-spd, 54,000 miles in 2012. My first Honda EVER after owning GM/Ford products. I researched this model in depth & found great ratings & high resale values. I also queried strangers driving Honda Pilots. None had ANY negative comments & ALL said theyd purchase a Honda again that convinced me! Its been 2 years & my odometer reads 66,000 miles - runs like the day I bought it. Unlike my prior GMs/Fords, my Honda has never seen the inside of a repair shop - EVER. I maintain my vehicles regularly. My Honda has more than proven its quality, value, & reliability. Its Honda for me from now till eternity!

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  Best Honda I have ever owned - 2013 Honda Accord
  By bayn8v - February 15 - 10:27 pm

  I love my 2013 Accord LX CVT. Probably the best looking Accord to date. Plenty of power for city driving or the freeway. CVT is a first for me but anytime you can cruise 70 mph @ 19-2000 rpm in a 3200 lb car is a win. Great interior, comfortable seats, great stereo. I managed 38 mpg on the highway today and the car has only 5k so Im sure it will loosen up a bit once its broken in and gets synthetic oil inside

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  Wonderful Vehicle - 2009 Honda Pilot
  By les_bennett - February 14 - 12:14 pm

  I never write reviews but after the outstanding performance of my Pilot this week, I felt compelled to. We had over 14" of snows with drifts up do 19". The pilot barreled right through. Up hills without any problems. The VTM kicked in as it should and functioned flawlessly. When all other were stuck at home, I powered through in my Pilot!