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:

• 

  Good, Solid Car - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By Rob - April 29 - 11:13 am

  Purchased the car in mid June. 2,185 miles so far. Driven in town gets 20-21 mpg, during a long highway trip 31-32 mpg, doing 65 mph w/cruise on. Car is well-built inside, except for the door handles which feel a bit cheap. Leather seats are comfortable. Very spacious and great visibility all around. There is just a bit of wind noise at 65 mph, which i was looking for after reading the reviews, but its really not that much. Inside ergonomics are great. Handles great, not stiff. A bit under powered if youre a more aggressive driver, but its plenty quick for highway passing. Very convenient with storage space and inside compartments. Outside looks great. Thats just a personal opinion.

• 

  CRVs - 1998 Honda CR-V
  By Great CRV - April 28 - 2:00 am

  My Crv has been nothing but trliable in the four years I have owned it. It Has taken me and my family on many trips to the Rockie mountains. I read the review of the last guy who reported transmission problems and i believe he may have got a very rare lemon. I see nothing but honda quality in my crv. I have never had to do any unscheduled repairs and it still runs smooth and great.

• 

  I love this car! - 2007 Honda Civic
  By Driving in VA - April 27 - 11:30 am

  I, like so many others, turned to fuel efficiency once gas prices went decidedly north. I love the looks of the car, comfort, and handling has been a pleasure. I thought the new wave dash would be a distraction but turns out to be a really nice feature. Has nice pick up in the higher rpm range, however sometimes pick up in initial take off can seem sluggish. Im getting about 32-35 mpg driving about 85% highway.

• 

  Great car, not great mileage! - 2006 Honda Accord
  By Hybrid2006 - April 26 - 6:33 am

  I bought this car thinking I was going to get 30mpg average, but I was wrong. I get 23-25 and to me I was only saving really little on gas. I love the car overall; the quality, the smoothness, the features, the power and performance. I mean for 30-33k I think I could of gotten the other accords and saved money and gas. They made the build (exterior) look the same and you really have to drive that car really really slow to even get 25-30 mpg. I am upset for them to even advertised 38 mpg because I have never gotten that good of a mileage driving smooth and slow.

• 

  Best car Ive ever owned - 2007 Honda Civic
  By Seàn - April 26 - 2:33 am

  I leased this car in June of 07 and so far I have had a few minor issues, but overall its a great car. You dont see too many of these on the road and thats a good thing. Engaging VTEC is very addicting.

• 

  Rattles and Squeaks - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Dave - April 25 - 12:20 am

  I have had my car in the shop six times in the past two months to have various rattles and squeaks fixed and still havent been able to clear them up. There are rattles coming from the rear of the car, even when I drive on smooth roads. The center console around the shift knob squeaks as well. The Honda dealer has not been helpful at all, usually ignoring my requests and not able to "find" the noises that I hear every day. Their response is that I have to expect to hear the noises as Honda doesnt use good insulation on their car bodies. I will keep that in mind when I shop for another car after Christmas.

• 

  Good Car - 2009 Honda Accord
  By GoodCar - April 24 - 11:53 pm

  While this sedan is probably one of the best around, make sure you test drive. The VCM at 65-75 MPH is constantly changing between the 3-4 modes and can cause jerking response. It is noticeable, causes nausea. Make sure you are ok with this. Be aware that the car must be warmed up for the VCM to work. Using cruise control and holding your right foot extremely still helps. Otherwise just drive 95+ to keep it in 6 mode. Everything else is just same good old Honda...engine...controls, fit/finish...reliability

• 

  Exactly what I expected - 2013 Honda CR-V
  By CR-V Owner - April 24 - 4:56 pm

  I bought a used CPO CR-V, its pretty much what I expected. Its a practical, roomy small SUV that is easy to drive and relatively efficient. It rides comfortably, a little choppy but nothing too bad. Its quiet. I expect it to be reliable and safe. A couple of points: 1) It doesnt come with a programmable homelink (garage door) button! Youll either have to use an opener or get something aftermarket. Maybe its an option now but mine doesnt have it. 2) Engine is a little underpowered, steering is numb. Dont expect to have fun or love this car. But, all things considered, I would definitely recommend.

• 

  The 2016 Honda Pilot; lots to love and hate! - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By Henry Malarkey - April 24 - 2:24 pm

  The new Honda pilot has lots of really great features! I love the amount of cargo space. The biggest in the mid-range SUV. It has a little more power and is much more aerodynamic. Making it reasonable that they can get better gas milage than the older version. Dont believe it! I purchased the new Honda pilot after having a 2013 Pilot. The increased gas milage in spite of the slightly bigger engine and more horsepower was what attracted me. They advertised 26mpg on the highway. I do 98% of my miles on the highway, so I was interested. The computer on the dashboard calculates the mpg for you. When you first start out the mpg seems like it is going to be close to 25mpg or so, but after a couple of hundred miles or so the dash reading is really 22mpg. Well perhaps Im a more aggressive driver or I drive 71mph and their calculation was for 65mph. So, when I fill up the tank and divide the miles traveled by the gallons I put in it, I find out that Im only getting 20mpg. Their computer isnt correct. I suspect this is deliberate deception by corporate Honda. The computer should be able to calculate the mpg exactly no matter how I drive.

• 

  Good SUV but improvements needed. - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By the rod! - April 24 - 10:00 am

  Reliable SUV as expected from Honda. Good design. Acceptable interior. Fell short on the 3rd row seat design (not for humans!). Lack of standard "features" such as keyless remote entry. Im willing to sacrifice the aluminum wheels (look) for convenience features.