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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  Tight, fun and ready to run! - 2004 Honda S2000
  By M32S2K - December 17 - 8:12 pm

  I had to replace my 1998 M3 coupe and agonized for months for anything else with such near perfect combination of sharp handling, power and decent fuel economy. There were many worthy considerations including the g35 coupe (too heavy), the Mazda Rx-8 (too soft), and even the Mini Cooper S (too cute). But just one test drive in the S2000 snapping through the gears and carving up corners with surgical precision and the choice was easy.

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  Buy Used - 2013 Honda CR-V
  By Michael Batton - December 17 - 7:32 am

  Find a well kept vehicle with low miles and save a few dollars. This vehicle meets expectations and will last if taken care of.

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  73k & still running like new - 2000 Honda Accord
  By Bw - December 15 - 4:15 pm

  I have put 42k miles on car and only replaced tires & brakes recently. Solid, sound, refined car. I have had to do nothing with. Drive it, change oil every 3500 miles, no major disappointments. Could have better leather upholstery, driver side shows above average wear. Decent sound system, sunroof "squeaks" randomly when closed, slightly oversteers (heavy car) but ABS and "smart" transmission controls car well when braking or turning/going downhill. Metallica paint is average, just keep it waxed. Interior is very nice, well appointed controls and feel, quiet ride and it looks great. Will easily put 150k miles on this car.

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  Best mid SUV for the money - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By cisco - December 14 - 2:00 am

  After owning a 2001 Mitsubishi Montero we wanted something less truck-like. At the end we had to decide between the Mitsubishi Endeavor and the Honda Pilot, both cars drive great, in fact the endeavor drives a little better but we ended up with the Pilot because it can seat up to 8 (endeavor seats 5) and it has Hondas high resale value, unfortunatelly our Mitsubishi Montero depreciated enormously. Up to now we are happy with the Pilot and for the money its the best deal around in semi-luxury SUVs.

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  TrannyGear ShiftTroubles - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By ChinaSgt - December 14 - 2:00 am

  First off this is my 4th Honda. I own 3 Accords so I like the Honda brand. The CRV is a disappointment as far as the Honda workmanship goes. My gear shifter doesnt go into gear easily. Its a struggle to get it to go into gear. I brought it into the dealer and they just lubricated the cable. It still gives me a hard time to shift into to gear. The mileage does not get anywhere near the what the sticker states. Out of all my Hondas this one goes to the gas station way too many times.

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  Eh, its ok. - 2004 Honda Accord
  By Ginger2 - December 14 - 2:00 am

  Driverside room: Head is too close to the roof; the steering wheel has to be pointed toward face to allow leg room. The 4-Cylinder: On the highway - engine makes a lot of noice to get up to speed. The Voice Activation Navi-System disappointing. Has to be fairly quiet to hear voice commands. Highway noice disrupts it. The air conditioning turned on several times b/c of this (its winter) If its raining... Not totally voice activated; requires manual input. Dont like the Navis newer display. Its harder to see. The silver molding around the windows - Yuk Gas milage: not as good as I thought it would be. Advertised 30-38 city/hwy.

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  Great car - 1998 Honda CR-V
  By monkd - December 14 - 12:58 am

  This is an exceptionally versatile car. I have the economy 4WD, so the comfort level is utilitarian, but thats all I wanted, really. This is the car I use for DYI projects and going back and forth to work. The 4 cyl engine is perky, but weak on the steep hills, but the mileage (22/city) makes up for it. It is the only SUV with a wheelbase that actually looks stable.

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  V6 Not Up To Snuff Disappointing Mileage - 2008 Honda Accord
  By BlancaHouston - December 14 - 12:23 am

  In trading in our Chevy Avalanche we had expectations of good fuel economy and an excellent driving experience in buying a fully loaded Accord V6. In reality we have been very disappointed our in city mileage is 16-17 and highway is better at 27.4, this is driving very slow, taking off at stop lights at a snails pace, coasting to the next stop light and putting the cruise control on and running at 30 miles per hr in city. Driving 55 miles per hr between Houston and Austin this slow is very painful, boring to drv,Our Avalanche averaged 15 city with a very comfortable seat and only 20 highway but the vast majority of our driving is in the city not a good trade off. We are trading the Honda

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  Good but not up to Honda standards - 2002 Honda Civic
  By jim4nier - December 13 - 11:26 pm

  Very good vehicle over all. We were disappointed in a few things and annoyed at a few others. Weve owned other Hondas before and this one isnt up to Honda standards.

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  Nice, but over-rated - 2007 Honda Accord
  By ljd - December 13 - 1:26 pm

  Although I am happy with my first Honda, I feel they are somewhat over-rated. The Accord EX-L V6 sedans ride is very firm and can be punishing on some road surfaces. The paint has some orange peel and is very susceptible to stone chips and scratches, particularly on the front edge of the hood. Some of the ergonomics and features are quirky. However, its averaging 23 MPG in a daily commute, and it looks great in Nighthawk Black Pearl.