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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  Freakin Awesome! - 2002 Honda S2000
  By kwyxand - August 23 - 2:00 am

  This is the most fun you can have outside of sex! The power surge that you get when the VTEC cuts in takes you from "driving the car" to "just holding on" is a rush! And the handling was a pleasant surprise... my Acura TL-S feels like a boat now. Thr controls are easy to operate and well positioned for the most part... Im not real fond of the cup holder in the console since it interferes with shifting when there is a 16oz cup in it. And the stereo is just okay. It could benefit from a few more amps and better speaker placement... the CD also has skipping problems, probably from the stiff suspension... not a sign of the quality unit that I expected.

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  2015 CR-V - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By patf3 - August 22 - 11:06 pm

  I traded my 2005 Pilot for the 2015 CR-V in November. I did not notice in the test drive but I have the same transmission vibration others have described. I now have 1800 miles on it and I am getting nowhere near the mileage advertised. I average 22-23 mpg combined city/highway. Now that I have gotten the disappointments out of the way I have to say I love the car. It is comfortable and stylish inside and out. The cargo room has been sufficient for me considering I came down in size from the Pilot.

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  Rear Brake pad nightmare! - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Astounded white girl - August 22 - 2:43 pm

  I have owned 4 hondas and have come to rely on the fantastic quality of performance and lack of maintenance issues. I can literally change the oil religiously with a Honda and it will go forever. Not with this latest purchase. I have owned the vehicle for 1 year and 7 months with 21,000 miles and just paid for new rear brake pads! Unbelievable that after only 3...three oil changes, I am replacing brake pads. WOW Honda! I am extremely disappointed that the reliability and quality that I have come to expect from your cars has come to this.

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  1997 Honda/Isuzu Passport/Rodeo LX 4WD - 1997 Honda Passport
  By Tengt1968 - August 22 - 2:00 am

  Well in the short term, what a great SUV!, i Dont care if it is a Rodeo underneath the Honda Emblem, what a fun truck to drive. No major Warranty claims to date. Have not been off pavement yet, but will write about it when I do.

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  So Far, So Good - 2006 Honda Civic
  By bernball - August 20 - 9:00 am

  One of the first HCH cars sold in the Raleigh, NC area. So far, my highway mileage has been between 45-53 mpg; city 35-42 mpg (my commute is 99% freeway). Seating is quite comfortable and the cabin is fairly quiet. Engine noise is most pronounced during hard acceleration and there is some wind noise around the side mirrors. Acceleration is adequate and the CVT (transmission) is wonderfully smooth. Overall, much improved over the 2005 model. Me likey! A lot!

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  New Honda - 2008 Honda Fit
  By Peekie - August 19 - 12:20 pm

  Just bought the car a few weeks ago & love it. Test drove others but found the Fit the best. Both myself (63" tall) & my husband (75") can drive it comfortably. This is the only car where he has inches of head rooms. The seat fold-down ability give it the best trunk space I have ever seen for a small car. Also like the ability to fold down the front seat level with the rear passenger & completely stretch out on long trips. Dont know yet about the mileage & reliability but Honda sells an extended warrenty that seems worth it. It is hard to find one of these as they mostly go to Europe & Japan.

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  Good car, but... - 2009 Honda Accord
  By DILLIGAF - August 19 - 5:50 am

  Overall this car has been solid and reliable for the most part. My biggest complaint is the drivers seat. I did not notice this until I took the car on 1+ hour trips, the headrest design causes the headrest always to be in contact with your head, adjusting the height and seatback does not seem to help. Also, the seat does feel very hard on my back. I notice that I have been making more trips to the chiropractor than before. I had high hopes for this car, but based on how I feel from longer drives and how it is affecting my overall health, I honestly cannot wait to get rid of it. Honda customer care said the seat is designed according to safety regulations and they will not help.

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  Staying Young at 61 - 2009 Honda Civic
  By Hal M. - August 19 - 3:16 am

  Ive had several Accords, so I know how reliable Hondas are. I have had my Si for a year now, and its the S2000 I didnt buy for reasons of practicality. I was 60 when I bought this sports car with a trunk and a (roomy) back seat. I love the styling, the performance, and most of all... the seats! These are the best seats I have ever had in any car; great back support, and with the red stitching and Si logo, they look way cool. I average about 25 miles per gallon in mixed driving (best was 28), not bad considering its hard to resist putting your foot down to experience the i-VTEC rush that kicks in at 6k rpm. I wish it was quieter, though. Engine noise is cool, but lots of road noise, too.

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  Fun to Drive for short time - 1996 Honda Prelude
  By Club VTEC - August 19 - 2:00 am

  I personally love Prelude 92-96 Model. It is really fun to drive but not for long drive. The seat is not comfortable. This is a great car to have. Dont miss it

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  very helpful review from a honda lover - 2005 Honda Accord
  By marlon - August 18 - 6:03 am

  I would not recommend this for now..wait a year or two for the some changes. engine is very strong and does not compliment the handling. it does not hold tight enough on curvy roads like around mountains but in a straigh line its very nice, quite and smooth. but around town, handling is fine.what amazed me the most is the brake system. Its very powerful. it really bites. regarding gas mileage, i get almost 30mpg 85% highway with milow driving. the transmission shifting to second gear is very noticeble or is not smooth. i already got 7100miles. i use mobil 1 oil. after 2 mins engine warms up at 60degrees and auto stop works. overall I rate this car 7.5. there is plenty of room for improvent