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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  Cool Road Vehicle - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By Bunches - December 24 - 2:00 am

  Compact looking on the outside but considerable room on the inside. Rides well and is comfortable for short trips. The lumbar support can get a little hard after a couple of hours. Good sound system. Could have a quieter interior. Easy to get in and out. Easy to park.

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  2016 Pilot EXL - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By Bruce Liao - December 23 - 3:31 pm

  Everything is great but the head unit. It is an ANDROID device, and we CANNOT install APP!!!! How sad is it? ...

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  Just keeps ticking - 1993 Honda Accord
  By Scubagirl - December 23 - 10:00 am

  I bought my 93 Honda because I wanted a reliable used car. It hasnt let me down. It now has 109,000 My prior Accord (89) I had sold to a friend, who drove it 210,000 miles before sending it to "car heaven." Even after a fender bender three years ago, I havent had any problems. I would recommend it as a trustworthy vehicle with great gas mileage.

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  Street Wise Reviewer - 2017 Honda CR-V
  By JUDITH SCHELL - December 21 - 8:53 pm

  The interior trim is not wood as I was told on the brown paneled part of the trim. Make sure you get into a class for new buyers. I bought my CR-V in June and still trying to get in a class in now mid August. Not happy about this at all.

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  Best CRV Yet! - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By Ben - December 21 - 3:33 pm

  I previously owned a 1999 CRV, and have had the 2007 for a month now. Its a great and most worthy upgrade. Ride is smooth and car like more than ever, and the lower center of gravity enhances the handling. Responsiveness and stability is so much improved, esp. when making turns. I initially did not like the exterior, and was largely impressed with interior design. But exterior does grow on you, and do have a better appreciation of the new look. Maintenance Minder is very appreciated for worry free driving. Fuel consumption is improved, though I find that I can get better than advertised 30 on highways, but lower than 23 on city driving. With more city driving, though, only ave. 20mpg.

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  Life with my Civic Honda - 2007 Honda Civic
  By knoll - December 21 - 6:50 am

  I takes a while to get used to this gem of a vehicle. The electric motor acts like a turbo to assist the gas motor. Ive had a few rattles and a window motor recall, but Ive been thrilled with the 36,000 miles Ive put on it thus far. Handling is superb. I can spin the tires, but I wish I could get a larger electric motor as an option to help with the 1800 ft. peak I drive over twice daily on my 45 mile commute. Mileage is controversial with this car; people report all kinds. For me, if I dont watch what Im doing, I get a combined 42 mpg (over the last 2000 miles). If I pay attention, and keep the revs below 2500, I can easily get low 50s mpg. If I draft a semi, I can get over 70!

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  2005 CR-V EX - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By Nick Nguyen - December 21 - 1:33 am

  Nice exterior design. Interior is OK. Head light is good at night. There is no coin holder/draw. Fun to drive. Engine power is good enough for a small SUV. Road noise is a bit loud on highway but still acceptable. Engine is quiet except loud humm noise between 1800-1900 rpm. The service manager at said it is normal for 2005 model. There is a problem with pull to the right which Honda dealer was unable to fix it after 3 trips to service department. On the fourth trip they said they tried every thing and nothing they could do.

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  cr-v - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By pworder - December 20 - 6:56 pm

  This car has a fun to drive factor, especially around town and doing errands. After looking at costs/benefits, we went with a two wheel drive base vehicle given the standard traction control, and it performed very well in winter (replaced an AWD VW 4 motion vehicle, and the CR-V drives as well in snow). We replaced the ugly wheels for lighter alloys at tire store for $600). Gas mileage (spring) is currently around 33 mpg highway (63 - 65 mph) and a bit better on secondary roads with few stops (34 mpg) - in Michigan driving environment and conservative acceleration. We were getting a little worse mpg in winter, 30 +- mpg hwy range once engine warmed up on longer trips. Overall 27 mpg.

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  First and Last Honda - 2009 Honda Accord
  By Tom - December 19 - 4:46 pm

  Talk about hype over a Honda. I have had 3 Jeep Grand Cherokees in the last 9 years and wish I had another one. Fuel economy nowhere near what Honda claims and that was the main reason I switched vehicles. Road and brake noise is extreme and the "Premium Sound System" cannot overcome much of it. Super uncomfortable driver seat and when below 20 degrees outside, better bring extra clothes. No insulation at all. Handling does not come close to the Jeep Grand Cherokee. Very disappointing. Thank goodness I can give it back in 39 months. Save your money and look elsewhere!

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  There is no better value - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By wolfgang - December 19 - 2:00 am

  We looked for more than half a year for the perfect minivan, after having made a terrible mistake with a Chrysler Voyager. We looked at Freestars, Siennas, Quests and well, we left aside the Town&Country and teh kings of plastic: Montana and Venture out. The Odyssey offered an unbeatable value. We hesitated to purchase the van with the new generation ante portas. But it is close to being perfect with minor flaws such as the placement of some buttons and the dashboard is a bit dated. But you get a powerful engine, great seating comfort – all for thousands $ less than at N&T. We would have liked the DVD, but people apparently stand in line for those cars.