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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  You will love this car! - 1996 Honda Accord
  By wjanus - November 7 - 10:00 am

  Outstanding reliability and comfort! Fun to drive! The ideal car to make your commute something to look forward to.

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  forever honda - 1997 Honda Accord
  By cici - November 7 - 10:00 am

  low mileage, great shape, one owner, maintenance kept up as scheduled

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  Much improved over 2000 CR-V - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By George B Search - November 7 - 10:00 am

  Traded a 2000 Honda SE CR-V for the 2002 Honda EX CR-V. Improved at all levels. Larger interior, much more power, and a much improved ride. Never had one thing wrong with the 2000 and I expect this same dependability with the 2002. They (at this point) are very scarce and the dealer has a better position in bargaining. My fourth Honda and they have all been the same - flawless!

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  First Honda, so far so good - 2008 Honda Pilot
  By boro girl - November 7 - 8:40 am

  After totalling my Chevy TrailBlazer, and then rushing to buy a GMC Yukon, I wanted a vehichle with a fold flat third row, 4wd, rear entertainment system, and lots of extras. I found it all with my Pilot Special Edition, with kids we knew we didnt want leather. I havent had to use the 4wd yet, but hope its everything Honda promises. It seems noiser than my Yukon, and not as comfortable, but I was willing to compromise given the rest of the goodies. The gas mileage is reasonable. In town, I get about 16-17 mpg, and 20-21 on the highway (at ~70mph). So far, everything rings true to the Honda value.

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  Proud to buy another Honda - 2013 Honda Accord
  By malcolm10 - November 7 - 5:20 am

  I have a super commute that makes fuel mileage a priority which the Civic does a great job however comfort and convenience suffered Now with the new Accord EXL coupe I have good mileage combined with a quiet comfortable ride wrapped in more technology then seems possible It does not match my wifes A5 in luxury but it is not all that far away

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  Great Technology - 2010 Honda Civic
  By 6gftbp - November 6 - 11:53 pm

  Ok you may not have a CNG station near you....but this is great technology. Virtually all US supplied gas. Clean burning and filling is as easy as any gas car. Great tax and car pool benefits and best of all it is a Honda Civic. It takes a little effort but there are wonderful rewards owning one.

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  Favorite Car to Drive - 2002 Honda Insight
  By Edmond - November 6 - 9:48 pm

  I purchased the CVT and have not regretted the purchase at all. I get an average of 52 mpg in LA with stop/go/AC. The car had 80,000 existing miles but Hondas extended warranty (150K) for the battery as well as the Honda Care extended warranty (7yr/100K) has taken care of any concerns. I enjoy the car so much that I will be selling my other car because I no longer drive it. Looking forward to the release of the 2009 Insight.

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  One month after purchase - 2017 Honda Ridgeline
  By Steve Ostling - November 6 - 6:48 pm

  Traded in our 2009 Ridgeline w/ all bells and whistles. The new 2017 is lighter, quieter, steers straighter, more alive and fun to drive. The navigation is way easier lights are where they should be and both the headlights and taillights , LED are beautiful. RDl-E. love it

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  Awesome car. Best for the Buck. - 2008 Honda Pilot
  By eric b - November 6 - 3:24 pm

  I already own a 2004 Honda Pilot. I test drove comparable Toyota, Nissan, and Acura SUVs. Honda is the best car/value Bar none. Theyve made so much enhancements to the Pilot since 2004 that I feel like I am driving a different car. Navigation is easy to use and I love the XM radio. I also like the fact that rear camera and fog light is now standard on Navigation model. I simply love it.

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  Test Drive One and You Will Buy One! - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By Granby - November 6 - 9:40 am

  My wife and I were in the market for a compact to mid-size SUV, so we test drove a RAV-4, a CRV, and a Murano. While we were overall satisfied with all three, I found the RAV-4 to be a tight fit for me and the Murano costs significantly more and while it has more power, it is at the cost of fuel efficiency. The CRV rides like a luxury vehicle, gets plenty of power out of its four cylinder, and gets reasonable gas mileage (a little over 23 mpg, combination driving). While my wife convinced me to go with the EX-L, the EX is very well equipped and will save you a couple of thousand.