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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  Honda Pilot Ownership - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By Roberta Napoli - December 22 - 9:30 am

  The design and features are excellent. There is quite a bit of room for cargo when the seats are down. However, it would be better if it came with an option for a sunroof.

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  Givin some love to the new car - 2008 Honda Accord
  By iwanthonda - December 22 - 5:46 am

  Just picked up the car a week ago, and I am loving it. Before my purchase, the comparison was between the highest trim levels of the Accord, Altima 3.5 SE, Camry SE V6, and Subaru Legacy GT. This car has excellent build quality that is unmatched by any of the competition, and along with the best Navi system of the bunch, clinched the decision for me. The V6, while not as well-rounded as the competition, is very competent and has a satisfying growl to it. As for the reality check, Im currently getting about 18.5 MPG over about 250 miles driven thus far. This is to be expected with a V6, however, as my current commute is about 2.5 miles one way to work each day.

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  90K miles and counting - 2007 Honda Fit
  By volksheime - December 21 - 11:32 pm

  Ive put 90K mile on my fit since 4/06. Average 38.5mpg in summer, 33.5 in winter 90% highway. Cargo room is unbelievably useful and well designed - I put a water heater, car engine, tv boxes etc you do not need a truck. Sporty and fun to drive - nice dash instrumentation broke 2 windshields b/c of stress cracks, rattle in the dash started, wore factory tires out in 30K, tires rubbed and wore through the loose plastic fenderwell, rims have curbrash, drivers seat is tolerable but not the best, need a center armrest. Power steering acts up when cold out and American Honda wont replace it for free ($800 fix) even though there is a bulletin. I love my car for what it is.

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  Disappointed - 2017 Honda Pilot
  By Jeanne Dodge - December 21 - 9:03 pm

  It doesnt feel like an SUV. Its like a car combined with a mini van. Loose steering, slow draggie start up, sits lower so not able to treat like SUV. Lower interior limits hauling anything large. Seller was very limited on the knowledge of the vehicle and, until I received the owners manual, I didnt realize the limitations on the stereo/interface system that doesnt meet my needs. Irresponsible information from the seller caused ordering of wrong equipment. Overall disappointed with this vehicle and wish I had looked elsewhere. Nothing great about this car for the money spent.

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  May be my last Honda - 2014 Honda Accord
  By Jenny - December 21 - 7:15 pm

  I bought my 2014 Honda Accord EX-L used with 59,000 miles on it on 2/26/17. Shortly after I purchased it the back up cam started freezing and or clacking out once a week. I would put the car in park, shut it off and restart and it would work, up until last week when it went black for good and hasnt went back. Now all I see are the yellow and orange lines. Im hearing this is a big issue that new accord owners are having with the back up cam but when I called Honda, they said there is nothing they can do to help. Im at my wits end, has anyone had any luck?

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  Had to say goodbye, so sad - 1993 Honda Accord
  By Ruchy - December 21 - 7:09 pm

  This was my husbands car, well on 12/18/09 a budget rental truck slammed into the pass. side. She had 209k and NO signs of breakage coming soon. We drove away straight as an arrow, but it would cost more to fix, believe me we thought about it. THIS IS THE MOST RELIABLE CAR EVER!! I personally own a 91 accord wagon, had it for 12 yrs. she always starts, I have the oldest car at work, but it always gets me there. We were planning on giving it to our 15 yr. old son, nothing more important then knowing your child has a reliable car to get them home. But we decided to part it out and say good bye to the work horse. Definitely will always own Hondas.

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  One quality built and reliable CUV! - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By MHadden - December 21 - 11:03 am

  We now have over 33,000 miles on our CR-V in 22 months time and dont have a single rattle or creak (Japan built). Only a speaker has been replaced under warranty. Although the 2.4L I4 is pathetically weak, it still has decent pep around town and on the highway, especially when the rpms are high. The AWD is decent, though the traction control will kick in before the AWD does. Weve only rotated the tires and changed the required fluids. Ride is firm, but both the wife and I like it. Weve managed to get 25mpg over the course of ownership. Its still a great reliable vehicle for the price and feels much more upscale than a comparable RAV4.

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  Best car to own by a student - 1992 Honda Civic
  By Andrei - December 21 - 9:11 am

  I gave this car all tens because it never let me down. I commute 35 miles 5 days a week to school, in Vermont, and it always took me there, no matter how bad the weather was, or how deep the snow got. Having a low clearance its very stable while cornering. And mileage, only a hybrid would get a better mileage than this car. I will remain with Honda and drive this baby for as long as it can take me.

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  Miss Daisy would have loved this car!!! - 2008 Honda Civic
  By Jim - December 21 - 8:50 am

  I bought a 1995 Honda Accord ex about 2 years ago and even that car stills runs good. I swear you cant kill a Honda. After that one i needed to upgrade and I did. I just love this car, I wish it was more powerful but hey its only 140 hp what do you expect, but overall this is a very solid car, I cant wait to drive it again!

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  Crv better than Jeep - 2017 Honda CR-V
  By Kenneth landis - December 20 - 8:17 pm

  Wife has driven a Jeep Grand Cherokee for the past 20 years. I asked her to drive the CRV. She did and she loved it. We bought two!