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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  Great overall**excessive Road Noise - 2013 Honda CR-V
  By angiev3703 - August 19 - 11:25 pm

  Shopped around for a couple of months before deciding to purchase a new Honda Suv My previous one had horribly uncomfortable seats. That was 8 Years ago. Have only had this one two days so far no complaints on comfort. Overall great looking good fuel economy, love the technology. Very roomy. Good visibility. My only concern at this point is road noise. I would classify it as excessive. Ive had a Ford Expedition and a Honda Pilot both were 4-wheel drive and much less road noise. Im going to try my carpeted floor mats to see if that helps otherwise the car may be going back to the dealer on day number three.

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  Beyond Expectations - 2013 Honda Pilot
  By commandoii - August 17 - 8:05 pm

  Okay, I bought this car for my wife and now I want one. Drove everything in this category, CX9, Stretch and non stretch Sante Fe, GM moon rovers, explorer. Big fan of explorer looks and big Ford fan in general, but it drove (actually rented) too big and sadden to say, My Touch is out of touch. This pilot was very well equipped and drives fantastic and the Consumer Report parking lot handling quips are BS - it handles them with no problem. Everything inside is just right. But most of all the wife "loves" her pilot and for me that is all that matters. BTW those that dont like the boxy look try a few add-ons (eg.visors) , they sweeten the look. You dont drive the look. Great product!!

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  Excellent Car (EX Sedan Automatic) - 1992 Honda Accord
  By creek2013 - August 15 - 5:05 pm

  I dont think I can say much negative about this car - Id say it has everything a driver needs plus more. Ive been driving it for a little bit more than 3 years now - it is my first car. Its reliable, sporty, comfortable, and I think it looks awesome (no mods)! I happened to come across one that looked like new, and it rocks! Only minor problems so far Id say - like hoses leaking, otherwise, great car. I think I just hit the 180000 mile mark - I think it has yet to hit its break-in point...may drive this car for years to come!

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  Honda is back on track! - 2013 Honda Accord
  By hardtoplease2 - August 9 - 9:49 pm

  I loved my 2000 Accord SE, but it was time to pass it down, and get myself something new. This Coupe is amazing. I have driven many manual trannies, but this one is the best. The engine has plenty of power, tugging smoothly at the low end and breathtakingly at the high end - and it makes wonderful sounds! Theres always a correct gear to select. Positioning of all controls is great. With only 200 miles on it, I got 30 mpg on a 460 mile trip, with a combination of city and mostly high speed highway, cruising at 80 mph (the speed limit in that part of Texas, thank you) and making no attempt to be frugal. City-only is averaging 24, again without trying. Sound system is awesome.

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  An Aston Martin it isnt, but its pretty damn OK - 2009 Honda Accord
  By slimm1470 - August 7 - 3:17 pm

  I bought it with 48k and now it has 68k. I have all service records, its been cared for properly. Nothing has gone wrong with this car! Its a V6 sedan and its fast! It has about the slickest engine and transmission combination Ive ever driven. Except for some body roll, the handling qualities are great. The steering is agile and its goes exactly where you nudge it. Fine car.

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  Mostly love it but theres an issue with the battery - 2012 Honda CR-V
  By jefferson2014 - August 3 - 1:02 am

  My 3rd CRV so Im sold on Honda and I mostly love this one. However, there was an issue with the battery - had the car seven months when the battery died. Very strange but it was the middle of winter where we had a string of below zero days. Replaced it and went along until 6 months after that when the battery died again. Triple A could not even jump it so had it slow charged and then took it to the dealer. There is a battery drain issue with these models (Honda Service Bulletin 12-041). Dealer upgraded software and so far so good.

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  272k miles and going strong!!!! - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By martinbird - August 1 - 9:07 pm

  We bought this Odyssey 2.5 years ago with 220k miles and in pristine condition. We have had no major problems and LOVE this van. Our children are young (6,4,3,& 18 months) so the power doors are much appreciated. The only thing we didnt like about the van was the PAX system and cost to replace the tires. We solved that problem by "depaxing" our Odyssey 6 months ago and put 18" oem rims from a 2010 Acura Mdx (found on craigslist for $400) and Hankook h725s and LOVE THE NEW RIDE!

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  Love 2nd time around - 2012 Honda Civic
  By tikadawn - July 31 - 3:16 pm

  I recently owned a 2006 civic coupe and crashed at no fault of my own, it was totaled, so when I got the insurance check I immediatly told my boyfriend I want another civic. He tried to get me to look at other types of cars, but I had to have my civic and I just love my 2012 automatic w/ navigation. I feel safe and comfortable with the size of the car. I dont feel the road noise as people talk about or the vibrations. My car has a smooth ride and its a step up from the 2006, but to be honest, I liked the look of my 2006, it was more sporty, but thats not neither her or there, its a great car. I get double takes on the 2012 car all the time. I know I made the right decision.

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  Honda minivan 2006 - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By bmw125 - July 30 - 9:00 pm

  I think it has great value, it is fun to drive, and it looks good inside and out. Its not the coolest car in the world but it gets the job done just fine.

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  honda 2010 civic dx-vp - 2010 Honda Civic
  By stephanie35 - July 29 - 3:01 pm

  I bought this car used 1 week ago. 25,000 miles. I love it. It does not have any noise as mentioned in other review. As a matter of fact, my fiancé said it is so quiet. It does not ride rough - smooth ride. Air conditioning is great - I keep on low and I am always hot. Great car. I would recommend to anyone.