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 vehicle!! - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By taylor - January 10 - 10:41 am

  I owned a Honda CRV EX for 3 years. It was a great, dependable SUV. I never had any problems with it. The only thing that was going out was my driver side automatic window, which does not cost too much to repair. I recently traded it in for a minivan because of my growing family, but I will really miss my CRV!

• 

  keep Fit, stay Fit - 2007 Honda Fit
  By SAB - January 10 - 9:23 am

  Just bought it. Love it! Very responsive throttle, so it feels zippy. Much bigger inside then expected. Comfy ride and surprisingly quiet. I had a 2002 CRV EX and the Fit rides just as nice and has less road noise... could be a better stock tire. I am happy with this little guy and with this kinda gas mileage Ill be grinning from ear to ear for a long time.

• 

  Really nice car - 1992 Honda Civic
  By albert - January 10 - 8:41 am

  Well this car like the common old car gave me the typical problems, catalytic converter, then the brakes, and one problem whit a washer somewhere in the engine, but after almos 70 000 miles what do you expect, yes, I put like 35k miles per year to that car.

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  First time owner of a Honda SUV - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By Richard Strama - January 10 - 3:20 am

  Must do price comparison, getting internet quotes is a good way to start . Know what safety and technology features you want and what are available in the different model lines. Have a price range in mine. Must be flexible and willing to negotiate. We brought a DEMO which was driven for 2months and had very low miles at an excellent price.

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  yet another one... - 2006 Honda Accord
  By theaccordfactor - January 9 - 6:36 pm

  Ive owned every style Accord since 1990, and this is yet another winner. I was about to purchase an Altima, but the Accords torque and smooth acceleration hooked me in. The VP gives us the basics we need, and the interior design is decent. I wish they would just add the rear speakers...how much more did they save by not doing so? You cant go wrong with a car with known reliability, quality and build.

• 

  Extremely Satisfied - 2008 Honda Civic
  By Happy Camper - January 9 - 3:36 pm

  After one month of driving my new Civic Hybrid, I am completely satisfied with my purchase. The MPG is 40 in town and 45 on the Hwy as advertised without having to change my driving habits. The fit and finish are excellent. The ride is quiet and comfortable. The instruments are all easily accessible.

• 

  Very Reliable Car - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By GeoMan - January 9 - 2:15 pm

  I now have over 70,000 on this car that I bought new in May, 2003. I have had it in the dealership for just one minor issue. One of the front struts was not torqued down to specs and began rattling. The dealer fixed promptly and aside from oil changes, its run perfectly ever since. The gas mileage could be a little better. I can consistently get 25 with highway driving and about 23 with city and highway. The car is very easy to drive. It is easy to park and easy to manuever. Im 62" tall, so it could have a little more leg room. Especially since I rarely have anyone in the back seat.

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  Still love it after 17 months - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By Mom of 3 boys - January 9 - 11:03 am

  This is our 3rd Honda and our 2nd Odyssey. We have been driving it for 17 months now, so I think I can give a pretty accurate review. Gas mileage improved once we hit about 15000 miles. We have driven it in snowy conditions and the TCS works well. I love how it handles and the power it has. We have had no problems. No car is perfect but this is pretty close.

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  Poor Mileage - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By gam14 - January 9 - 10:00 am

  The good: Handles well; Fun, smooth drive; Good performance and seating options. The bad: Terrible mileage! My Pilot averages 14 mpg city/17 mpg hwy. Dealer explains my cruddy mileage as being the result of "vehicle to vehicle variance". Consumer beware! Another problem is that the driver is unable to control unwanted backseat air conditioning. Finally, leather used in seating stretches and makes new seats look old and worn.

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  Good, but... - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By JLarry - January 9 - 10:00 am

  OwnerÂ’s man needs to correct grammar & errors like use dishwash det to wash car & failure to note only elec spray to clean clear plastic. Manual should say replace fuel vapor canister every 50K mi & gas tank not go below 1/4 so no overheat. Needs: timing chain rather than timing belt, split tailgate design, tailgate window to roll up/down, rear seats to adjust & recline, telescoping steering wheel, 42V elec sys, sun roof, compass where outside temp is, 7 yr/100K war, frt & rear side air curtains, color- match metal door-edge guards & elec tire pres monitor sys like Corvette has & govt will mandate soon.