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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  Pilot - great car - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By Jen Powers - February 6 - 6:33 pm

  It handles well, is fun to drive and is very comfortable. I wish the Nav came with voice activation, and the standard tires arent the best, but otherwise its a fabulous vehicle and I like it more as time goes by. Really glad I researched SUVs and bought a Pilot.

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  My Third Accord and Probably Best So Far - 2004 Honda Accord
  By ILoveAccords - February 6 - 12:18 pm

  I just traded in my 96 Honda Accord EX on a 04 Honda Accord LX, and so far I love it. This model feels more substansial than my last one. I have owned a 00, a 96, and now an 04. Out of all 3 models, this is probably the best one Ive had yet. I love the way it handles, the way it gives you a "command" view of the road. It sits a lot higher than my 96. I drive it to school and to work. But I plan on taking this one on a few trips to visit family. I love the center stack for the stereo and heating/ac controls. It really brings the car up into "luxury" model status. I also love the tilt, telescoping steering wheel. Havent had it long, but so far, no complaints.

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  My sixth Accord - 2002 Honda Accord
  By Roger Millnitz - February 6 - 10:00 am

  This is my sixth Accord. My experience with all of them has been very good, mainly because theyre predictable. I havent had any problems. This one, a V-6 EX with leather, is fun to drive and more comfortable than any Ive had to this point, and my lease rate is great. I could buy a more expensive car, but why? I love the quality, comfort and the styling.

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  New LX Sport - 2009 Honda Civic
  By oconn11 - February 6 - 5:26 am

  The new LX Sport is for those who do not want an EX (sunroof) but want upgraded class vs the LX. Just over 100 miles so far so good. Very peppy, comfy ride, handles very well.

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  No regrets - still happy after six years - 2011 Honda Civic
  By Fred - February 5 - 10:16 pm

  I bought this car new back in 2011 and have a little over 90,000 miles on it now. Other than the passenger air bag recall (which was free), Ive had exactly ZERO non-scheduled visits to the dealer, nothing but regularly scheduled services. This car has done multiple 3,000 mile road trips in summer across the California and Arizona deserts and winter, including blizzards (which I wouldnt advise no matter what youre driving). This car has always been dependable. On the long trips, Ive gotten as much as 39 mpg and never less than 35 mpg. Doing short hop, day-to-day driving, Ive never gotten less than 25 mpg and usually get in the 27 mpg range. The interior has held up including the driver seat (no holes worn into the bolster where I get in and out like in a previous car). Im a about 62", and I dont need to have the driver seat all the way back to be comfortable. The seats have been very comfortable on those long drives, much better than those in my wifes new Subaru Outback. My paint (white) has had no issues whatsoever with unusual chipping. No fading of the primary paint at all. The only paint thats faded at all is the paint on the black trim strips where the front and rear doors meet, but from what I can tell, thats very common with cars having that same black trim. My only complaints have been with the Honda dealer where I formerly had my car serviced. In winter, they filled the washer fluid reservoir with plain water which promptly froze when I drove up in the mountains. On another visit, they charged me $90 to rotate my tires, but they didnt actually rotate my tires (they were marked). I didnt notice this at first, but a week or two later when I did, I called the dealer, and they said they check to see if the tires need rotation but only rotate them if they need it, so they charged me $90 to look at my tires. That was my last visit to that dealer for service.

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  Like it so far - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By Billl A - February 5 - 7:43 pm

  I am really enjoying my V so far, the ride is firm, and it handles well. Tire noise is noticable, but wind noise is minimal. Steering input is great, no play and enough road feel to let you know what the tires are doing. The V is very stable at speed, Im sometimes surprised at how fast Im moving. The engine, is smooth, quiet,and revs freely. Power is more than adequate for most situations. The transmission shifts readily, but does not hunt gears do to the grade logic system. This is an English made V, fit,finish, build quality seem very good. Materials are of a high quality. I did notice some minor orange peel in the paint (Black pearl). Avg MPG 26-27

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  Still Going Strong - 2001 Honda Odyssey
  By Mrugesh - February 5 - 6:50 pm

  Bought this van new in 2001 and its never been taken to any repair shop. Dealer or otherwise. If youre gonna put your precious cargo (wife and kids) in a box, this is the one. The safest, the most reliable, the most luxurious and the most worry-free box out there in the market. BTW, I also own a BMW Z4 which has been to the dealership for "tweaking" 3 times since i bought it last year. Something about them Japanese engineers. I bet in the next 25 years or so well think Japanese when we think of prestigious automobiles.

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  Catch Review - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By John G. Dyson, SR - February 5 - 2:05 pm

  I am thoroughly pleased with my new 2016 CRV. This is my 4th CRV. I have been purchasing and trading my CRVs with colonial Honda since 2004. Colonial Honda is worth the drive for the value and comfort of their automobiles. I highly recommend Colonial Honda for all your automobile needs!

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  Wow, more bang for my buck - 2008 Honda Civic
  By onebigkid50 - February 5 - 8:36 am

  The Civic rides so smooth and is such a pleasure to drive. Feels like you are floating and for a car at this price range I was impressed and would have expected to pay a lot more for everything that was included. All the safety features were icing on the cake!

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  Great, dependable little car - 1998 Honda Civic
  By f150xltgirl - February 5 - 6:38 am

  I love my cCvic, it was the best vehicle purchase I have made. I drive it on a 97 mile round trip daily and have not had any problems with it in five years. I would highly recommend a 98 Honda Civic EX!