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:

• 

  Obsidian blue crv - 2017 Honda CR V
  By Stephanie Dembski - November 18 - 7:30 am

  The suv drives really smooth, dont realize how fast your going till you look at speedometer. Can hear some outside noise, all items are touch control, but you have a knob for volume, and some climate buttons. Only thing is I dont like, no CD player. All, safety extras can cause unwanted things to happen, so I turned them.off, too distracting. I wish instead of all radio options, like Apple car play, and such, they had a maps, navigation feature.

• 

  Good but... - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By 4 timer - November 18 - 6:14 am

  This is our 4th Honda vehicle and I think we got a lemon this time. It was delivered with a scratch on front bumper which needed to be replaced. One year in we had to replace transmission! Weve had lots of issues with driver side window motors, replaced engine mounts twice, replaced tires every 20K miles, rubber sealing on floor area of sliding doors is coming off and my Honda dealer service people know me by name... not a good thing! I dont know what engineers were thinking with shallow cup holders on tray and pull out holder is horrible... too loose to hold things. This van was not what I bargained for... one issue after another since we got it. Thank goodness we got Ext. Warranty!

• 

  Performance, reliability, & MPG - 2016 Honda Accord
  By Steve C - November 18 - 1:57 am

  In June, I purchased my Honda Accord EX-L V6, so far I am loving everything about the redesigned Accord. I feel this is a definite upgrade from the 2013 Subaru Outback Premium that I previously drove. The engine is responsive and quite compared to the Subaru’s 4 cylinder with CVT. I do enjoy driving the car in all three modes (Eco, normal, and sport) and have noticed the Eco MPG increase during normal driving. The cabin noise is much quieter than the Subaru at freeway/city speeds. I am currently around the same combined (City/ highway) MPG with the Honda that I was obtaining with the Outback. My only issue so far, is the glitchy android auto. I do notice that when selecting the incoming text message there are long delays before android auto reads out the text message. Also, when attempting to create a text message through the audio prompts there is another long delay. As for the radio, I do not miss any knobs on the face of the radio. I tend to use the volume adjustment on the steering wheel the majority of the time. Overall very pleased with the Accord EX-l V6…

• 

  Disappointed - 2001 Honda Civic
  By Deb - November 18 - 12:37 am

  I love my Hondas, Ive driven my share, but this may be the last one I own. The last two Civics had front end problems. The one I have now, has a rear main seal leak, which Im not happy to hear at this point of owning this car. I cant pull all the way up to the curb because I may pull the entire front end off when pulling away because it sits way too low.

• 

  Great Car / Value - 2005 Honda Civic
  By CARBO - November 17 - 8:33 pm

  The 05 Civic EX SE is a awesome!!! This vehicle combines the dependbility & affordability of the traditional civic sedan with some style & pep. Under the hood, a larger engine provides all the pickup you need to get onto that highway from a deadstop with trucks and larger vehicles racing by. Inside the 6 disc CD changer is nice and , sytems cranks , and the dashboard is cool when lit. The spoked 15 alloy wheels and rear spoiler will get you second looks from padestrian traffic so be ready!

• 

  Love it but Keep in Mind... - 2009 Honda CR-V
  By CJ - November 17 - 3:38 pm

  I just bought a beautiful 2009 Tango Red AWD CR-V EX and I have to say I love it. The steering and the front view you get is the best! It has a very secure feel to it including when its pouring rain. The only down fall to it is that even though it claims to make 22 city and 26 hwy miles (for gas) and it has only given me an average of 16 which means that Ive had to refill my tank after only 250 miles. :( It should be at least after 350 miles. I dont drive much in the city so I was extremely concerned. I just spoke to two different Honda dealerships that told me that it takes up to 5000 miles on the car before it gives the average of 22-26 miles on gas. I was relieved to hear this news!!!

• 

  A Great Car With A Few Flaws - 2007 Honda Fit
  By CF - November 17 - 3:13 pm

  I love my car. I love the Electric Blue color, the size, the interior space & driving it. It is absolutely amazing how much you can fit inside. Its also roomy & comfortable for all the passengers. The gas mileage is great at 33-40 mpg depending on city/hwy, how close it is to needing an oil change or if the AC is running. A few things have bothered me: the fact that the AC is auto on with the defrost, my dome light burned out at 45000 miles (Ive never replaced this in any other car (even over 150K miles), the paint scratches really easily, no front car mats & the tires did wear quickly as others have said. Overall Im happy with this car, except maybe shouldve gotten the Sport instead.

• 

  Honda Accord Best bang for your $ - 2013 Honda Accord
  By Sam mora - November 17 - 12:55 pm

  Fuel Efficiency is great, very reliable, runs like and better than its European competition and you pay $10k less. Roomy back seats, passengers have said they feel like their riding on a cloud due to the smooth ride.

• 

  Honda Odyssey - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By jerdesab - November 17 - 12:45 pm

  Heavy to drive and after two years I started hearing noises on the right door. Power is not consistent. Sometimes good acceleration, most of the time bad acceleration.

• 

  2010 Pilot Touring 4WD- 2 Thumbs up!! - 2010 Honda Pilot
  By SB - November 17 - 5:23 am

  We needed a larger vehicle for our growing family. We looked at the Honda Odyssey, Toyota Sienna, Forerunner, Highlander, and Buick Enclave. For many reasons (fit, feel, steering, 3rd row, all-wheel drive) we chose the Pilot. We have had it for 2 weeks now, and its been great. We put a rear facing car seat with a infant car seat next to each other in the left side of the car. Still enough room for adult on the right and for access to 3rd row. 3rd row is very usable for kids and adults. Tech in the vehicle is great. Impressed with the bluetooth, iPhone integration, Nav, and entertainment system. Gas mileage isnt great, but we knew that going in. Its been a great choice for us!