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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  Fantanstic Value - 2006 Honda Accord
  By Shreveport Sam - January 6 - 2:03 am

  A very solid, comfortable, and well-built car. Good, economical highway car. Car looks more expensive than it is. For the price, the car is very well-equipped and I have not missed any extras that are available on the other Accord models. Also, the car came with airbags and ABS as standard equipment. I am used to driving a small Civic, and have not had any trouble adjusting to the larger Accord.

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  Comfy Special Edition - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By KAREN LOCK - January 6 - 1:33 am

  This is my second CRV and I love it. The special edition has leather heated seats that are comfy yet durable. This upgraded edition offers a different driving experience due to the luxurious interior. there seems to be ample room for anything and all features are well thought out. The overall appearance, inside and out, aesthetically makes this edition extremely appealing.

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  Sweet Ride.... - 2005 Honda Accord
  By Jimbo - January 5 - 5:06 pm

  Ive had the new Accord EX-L for about a week. It is one sweet ride. Some reviews have complained about road noise, but its not a problem for me. The car is quick and responsive, escpecially for a 4 cyl. car. The auto tranny is unbelievably smooth. You can hardly tell when it shifts. Handling is great. The interior has a quality feel. I especially love the XM radio that comes with the leather package. One catch is that the front passenger seat does not have a heater in the backrest, just the seat. The brakes on my car are a little touchy, so I will bring it back to the dealer for an adjustment. Other than that, its the perfect car for me.

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  Another winner from Honda - 2010 Honda Pilot
  By HondaBTR - January 5 - 4:20 pm

  Bought the Pilot as my family was outgrowing the 08 CRV I had. My final choice was between the PIlot and the Toyota Highlander. The Pilot won because of the useful third row seat, more standard features on the trim I was loking at and my general bias towards Honda. The car has been a revelation. It has a comfortable ride and at the same time has enough power under the hood to accelerate nicely on highways. Absolutely love the spacious interiors, the 6 cd changer and seven speakers. Only complaint I have is the horrible mileage. I emptied my first full tank and according to the trip meter, the mileage was a horrible 15mpg, which is low even for city driving.

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  Satisfied - 2009 Honda Civic
  By Informed - January 5 - 1:06 pm

  Car so far has been pretty awesome. Vehicle drives smoothly and I receive many compliments. I have to say overall I am very satisfied with the car. It has hot heat and cold a/c. Test drove many other cars for many months and feel in love with this one. Really love the placement on the digital speedometer. Has a pretty decent sounds system, get about 37 mpg on the highway and 23 in the city.

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  Luv it - 2008 Honda Civic
  By SDSU - January 4 - 4:06 pm

  So this is my third civic. 1st one i totaled 2nd one was a 2004 civic sedan and now the 08 EX-L coupe. Love the leather. Love the handling. I have a lead foot and this car just flows with me around the turns. For example, theres a turn thats legally supposed to be taken 35 but this car goes 60 on it easily without even a skid of the tires. Hugs the road perfectly, great suspension. Fun to drive. If your like me and love just letting it all loose on the road and having a great time. this civic is for you. The leather trim steering wheel.seats, seat warmers and great interior doesnt hurt either.

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  Great DEPENDABLE car, comfortable - 2013 Honda Civic
  By honda lover with 1st Honda - January 4 - 12:18 pm

  Super gas mileage, frequently get better than stated estimates on trips 44-45 mpg combined city traffic with standstills and highway, rural, avg 34 mpg

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  ok - 2016 Honda Odyssey
  By Zoe Yang - January 4 - 10:49 am

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  What a Blast! - 2009 Honda Fit
  By RonS - January 4 - 12:13 am

  This is the first vehicle Ive owned in 30+ years that makes me want to drive. Its no sports car but its still a hoot! On decent roads the engine smoothly hums along and the car is quieter than my 2000 Accord. The noise level does pick up when the engine is pushed but it seems willing enough and the transmission shifts with precision. It rides very nicely on good roads but things get somewhat choppy on rougher surfaces. However, the car remains very composed on all surfaces and is very easy to handle. Gas mileage in lows 30s around town and low 40s on highway. A lot of thought went into this design!

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  Still purring! - 1999 Honda Accord
  By Robert - January 3 - 9:43 pm

  Well, now what a surprise the ole-girl has 150k on her and looks and drives like new. Do what the maintenace schedule says use only Honda parts! This car has been a delight to me and my wife now for eight years! No mechanical failures only one slightly costly driver side door mechanism hickup. A little pin broke and locked the door permanently. It was real interesting taking the door panel off and cutting the locking mechanism out with a dremel. Total fluke nobodies fault. 32 gpm highway which is most of our driving. Pushes snow with quality snow tires. Love stick shift, changed out the cloth for leather heated for $1400, would do it again. Going to drive her till she dies!