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 CR-V SE - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By john - December 6 - 8:13 am

  I thoroughly enjoy this vehicle. I like the power.road handling and feel. the drawbacks are the design of the key fob- which has a button for the back hatch closely resembling the door lock. It also has sparse power controls - the seats are manual not power, and the passenger dash is unusable - poor design. The underseat storage is minimal. This seems to be a fault across the board with Honda products. Tuning the finer points would make a great vehicle into an exceptional one. Overall I am pleased with the performance of this one.

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  Best SUV in its class for the $ - 2010 Honda Pilot
  By Corona Lites - December 6 - 7:57 am

  We researched every SUV in this segment and hands down for the $$ the Honda Pilot EX-L w/ DVD is the best product. I do not agree with the Edmunds review or some of the others I have seen. For prospective buyers, I would test drive and come to your own conclusions. We got this vehicle for invoice $32814 (MSRP 36155) and they threw in the front door window tint and pin stripe. I paid $261 to get the trailer harness wiring installed.

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  Honda Quality isnt what it used to be! - 2016 Honda Odyssey
  By Angela - December 6 - 6:45 am

  After loving my 2005 Odyssey for almost 12 years I decided it was time to update. I didnt put a lot of time into research because I knew what I wanted. Well you know what they say about assuming. I assumed that the new Odyssey would be as good if not better than my last version; I was unfortunately wrong. First, the only way I could get both Navi & Rear Entertainment is to upgrade to a Touring; even though that combination used to be available on the EX-L. Fine, I can upgrade. I will start with the changes I find inconvenient. There are at least 4 cup holders missing; 2 in the front that used to pop down from bottom of the dash and the two on the sides of 2nd row seats. There is no good spot for kids in the second row to put their drinks. The tray on the center console is very shallow; it is not even deep enough to hold a stack of mail. There is a large storage box in the center console now, but it is so deep it is not realistic to go digging in there while you are driving; and to open it up means you cant store anything on the top tray. There is now only one glove box, rather than two; I found the little glove box was just right for registration and insurance cards, now just throw them in the big hole. The hidden compartment in the floor of the second row is now gone. With the old version of the rear entertainment system, it was one button push to control it from the front; that is not the case in the new version. The entire menu / control system is very difficult to use; no longer a quick touch but now you must dial and toggle and dial some more, and then go find the button to push. Fortunately my kids are now big enough to control it from the back but I dont think it would be doable with younger children (which surprisingly was the big selling point over the Toyota when I bought my first one). It is nice to be able to synch your phone and you can even voice tag your most used contacts. Only problem is that the voice tags dont seem to work, it actually brings up every person with a J in their name except for the one I want, even though that person is my number one favorite. Now for the more serious concerns. The windshield had a very bad distortion, so much so that I had a headache the entire day after I drove it to work. Imagine wearing someone elses glasses or looking through a fish bowl; that was the effect. Every person I had get in the driver seat saw it (except those at the dealer). Now today, the first time I use the windshield wipers because it rained, the passenger side wiper arm pops off while I am driving. I have only had the car for about 10 days, but if this an indication of Hondas quality I am concerned.

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  Satisfied customer - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Steve - December 5 - 11:02 pm

  I purchased this Civic for work when my daily drive became 55 miles each way. 25 freeway and 30 mountain switchbacks. The fuel savings have paid for my car. The only problems in 80000 miles have been the sun visors and the OEM Bridgestone tires wearing out. The engine performance as well as the fuel economy improves with the engine RPM. Keep the engine up over 2500 and the car performs well. Run it at 3500 and it really scoots. I put on some Perreli P3000 (now 5000) tires increasing the handling and doubling the tires life. The only drawbacks to this car are it seems to be invisible sometimes in freeway traffic probably due to its low roof line and it has no room for snow chains if they are required.

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  Youotta git-one! ! ! - 2009 Honda Fit
  By Sporty 60Youngfella - December 5 - 7:03 pm

  I may be 60 years old, but I dont think like older folks. This car is fun, fun, fun, and way beyond that!! It turns on a dime (gives you 9 cents change), slices thru traffic like a Cutco knife!, and gets 36.5 mpg to boot (city/hwy)!! Steering is quick and takes getting used to. Handling of the car exceeds the org. tire capabilities. My wife & I took an 1100 mile trip in it and she said that the seats are better than her 2006 Accord!! The agility is awesome, even on the hi-way. WOW! The ride is firm, but this is a SPORT! Be sure to leave space from the curb, clearance is limited! The admission price seems high on a Honda, but well well worth it in every respect. After all, this is my 4th Honda!!

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  Hondas are the best! - 2000 Honda Civic
  By nowayanoin - December 5 - 5:31 pm

  I purchased this car after owning 4 Saturns which had no problems out of and got an avg mileage of 40 mpgs, I was worried about the price it would be to fix, and up keep a Honda, but have had no problems in the past 2 yrs. Only work that I have done is oil, brake, and tire changes! Bought the car with 120000 miles in 2007 now has 250,000 and runs like the day it did when I bought it! It is a very comfortable car. I am 511" and the seats are very supportive and show little wear! Very fun car to drive and gas mileage is amazing, get 34-38 mpg! Would strongly recommend getting a Honda to anyone!

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  Happy in Melbourne - 2011 Honda Accord Crosstour
  By captwest - December 5 - 4:00 pm

  Waited 3 mos. to write the review in case of problems and there are none. Crosstour styling is fine with me and it rides great and the interior is extremely comfortable. Traded in the hybrid Insight and my back does not hurt anymore on long trips. Car is heavy, but does not drive like a truck, handles very nicely and has above average acceleration. MPG city has been around 20, highway about 26.

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  Nice driver, versatile usage - 2009 Honda CR-V
  By lovemycr-v - December 5 - 3:14 pm

  I bought my black L as a used car, it had 4k miles on it, and for those 4k miles I got a $5K discount from new price. Love the looks, handling, power is adequate, coming from an audi a6 I needed to learn how to paas with it. It takes a little more time. Mileage is about 22 around town and 27- 32 on the hi-way depending on speed. I drove 100 miles at 55 and got 34mpg not bad for an suv.

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  No worries - 2001 Honda Civic
  By fremontcivic - December 5 - 1:58 pm

  I bought this car new in 2001 and have only changed tires, oil and wipers. Not a single thing has needed repair on this car. I wrecked a civic SI and bought this car with the insurance check. I drive it very hard and it just wont break. Great car.

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  A good city car - 2009 Honda Fit
  By Douglas Lower - December 5 - 1:57 pm

  I drove my car to work every day, and drove it on two long trips. My mpg avg for city with the air on was 34 mpg, 38 mpg with the air off. The mpg readout on the dash display was inaccurate it would show 42 mpg. Mpg was worse on the frwy, do to the high rpm of the engine in 5th gear. My other car an 09 Ford Focus w/auto did better on the frwy 42-45 mpg. I enjoyed the design of the interior, but felt cheap materials let it down. I did not feel safe on the hwy, to jittery and crosswinds threw it. The shifter clicked loudly into 2nd and 4th. The roof panel would sink down when I washed the car, metal to thin. Have a 2nd car for hwy use, use this for city. Headlight illumination not efficient. No satelite radio.