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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  The best CR-V yet! - 2017 Honda CR-V
  By Larry Gator - March 20 - 4:30 pm

  I have owned four Honda CR-Vs before this one. The all performed admirably. This one, however, outperforms the others by a wide margin. The new safety features are outstanding. There is collision avoidance, lane departure warning, and logical cruise control to name a few. I am completely satisfied with this automobile.

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  Amazing Honda - 1991 Honda Accord
  By kamran - March 20 - 2:15 pm

  I bought Honda EXR 5 years back.It already had over 200,000 KM on it.I drove it a lot and now it has over 400,000 km.Never had any major mechanical problem, except regular maintenance.I love to drive it. Still having good gas mileage. Only problem it has "RUST." Due to rust, I guess I have to replace it.

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  Perfect For Dog Owners and For Commuting - 2008 Honda Element
  By Louise - March 20 - 1:12 pm

  I spent a year looking for a suv that got good gas mileage and would fit my 4 dogs in (Great Dane,2 Rat Terriers and Border Collie). I keep turning away from the Element due to its not so attractive appearance,but it was overall perfect for what I needed! It by far beats every SUV with gas mileage and space. With the dogs, no carpet to worry about, therefore no smelly car! The buying process was painful. We spent 6 hours at the dealership trying to get a good price. We walked out paying $19k with $290 a month payments. We did good. Great Car, wouldnt give it up for anything!

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  Reliable and comfortable - 2002 Honda Civic
  By Happy customer - March 20 - 11:20 am

  This is a great car. It rides smooth and I havent had any large repair bills to date. Ive had this car 4 years and all Ive had to replace is the tires and regular oil changes. Im very happy with the gas mileage. I have had many compliments on this car from friends to mechanics. This is a great road trip car. Ive taken it to a bunch of different States and even out of the Country.

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  The perfect automobile - 2000 Honda Civic
  By Rodger - March 20 - 8:31 am

  Mine too has a clunk in the transmission when slowing down and then pressing the accelerator quickly. Thats about the only thing I can complain about. Everything else works perfectly with no problems. I recommend Honda products to all. I changed from a Lincoln Town Car to a Civic because of fuel economy not because I didnt like my Lincoln but I love my Honda even more.

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  Navigation is worthless - 2017 Honda CR-V
  By Nicholas - March 20 - 7:41 am

  Dont pay for navigation. Just use your phone. The system takes you the worst routes and longest routes and does not recognize any county back roads. we paid alot for navigation and cannot trust it.

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  What a great auto! - 2006 Honda Accord
  By JoeA - March 19 - 10:43 pm

  What an amazing auto! The V6 doesnt hold back, and the 6-speed manual transmission is so much fun! Gas mileage is exceptional for such a poweful car, and Vehicle Stability Assist really helps when taking those corners a little faster than you probably should. The Nav system adds a lot more fun, and is amazingly accurate and helpful. Forget BMW, Hondas got this one!

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  Nothing can touch it! - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By HondaGuy - March 19 - 10:23 am

  This is hands down the best SUV on the road, the price and performance cant be beat. Every Christmas I take my family from Houston to Chicago, 1100 miles with wife and three kids. This year we traded up the old minivan for the pilot, and I was a little scared we wouldnt have enough room for everything and still be comfortable. I was so wrong. Everything fit, the kids had enough room, and I averaged 25 mpg. My minivan couldnt make it over 20 mpg on the same trip. I highly recommend this vehicle to any family needing an all around great kid hauler.

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  Best Midsize SUV - 2008 Honda Pilot
  By Vanz of Tx - March 19 - 9:26 am

  Solid on road handling, easy to learn interior features(like the Navigation sys),lots of room for 8, safety and reliability. Although 16 MPG for city, very efficient on long distant driving. The drive is so comfortable...good job Honda!

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  2016 Accouring Touring - 2016 Honda Accord
  By scott L - March 19 - 3:09 am

  Great car for the price, it has everything you could possibly want, technology is superior