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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  First week and we love our Pilot! - 2009 Honda Pilot
  By Jim - June 14 - 10:48 pm

  I brought home our Pilot fully loaded about a week ago after a smoking deal almost $8K off sticker with Edmunds.com help. I narrowed down my choices to the Pilot vs the Acadia. The Pilot came fully loaded and almost $6k cheaper than the Acadia. The Pilot has good pick up, lots of space, and a nice exterior. The middle row has plenty of room for my kids and the split 3rd row can stay down for storage or up for additional passengers. Pilot comes standard with 8 passenger seating. The rear DVD system comes with 2 wireless headphones. Touring edition comes with lots of standard features We love our Pilot and are sure to enjoy it for many years. Our other car is an Odyssey.

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  Most fun car ever! Awseome sound system! - 2016 Honda HR-V
  By hondafamily9 - June 14 - 5:44 pm

  We LOVE our new HRV! This is truly one of the most favorite cars we have ever had, and it is the most fun to drive. I have a pair of Bose headphones that I listen to a lot, but the HD radio in the HRV sounds even better than Bose headphones, which is hard to believe. I am 63 and have plenty of room in the front and even in the back seat with the front seats all the way back - unbelievable. The fuel economy is great and we have found the 1.8L engine to be adequate for everything we need - glad to have that engine since it is "tried and true" and has been around so long. Great value and investment!

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  After Trying - 2017 Honda CR-V
  By Daniel Srugo - June 14 - 5:39 pm

  After trying all the other SUVs, I decided to wait a few months until the new CRV came out. I dont regret it! Its as perfect as a car could get. The gas is not what they say its supposed to be, but I didnt expect that not to happen anyway. I love it!

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  Has been a great car - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Eric - June 14 - 2:40 pm

  Good value for the price. Only problem has been a door rattle that the dealer fixed. This is my 5th Honda and have never had a problem. Sound system is over the top. Seats could be more comfortable, and leather not as nice as my wifes Volvo. Can rarely get more than 31 mpg on the freeway out of the V6.

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  No way it gets 49/48 mpg - 2017 Honda Accord Hybrid
  By Jim - June 14 - 9:58 am

  I have had the car three weeks now, when I got it, the car had 25 miles on it and a full tank of gas. The dashboard said 629 miles till empty. I drove it with Econ on, Econ off, sports mode on and off, fast and slow and the low fuel light came on at 420 miles. I only average 34.9miles per gallon, hmm was up with that my 2016 Bmw 328i averaged 36 mpg on highway and that was driving it. They say cold weather effects it, but wow, had same issue with civic hybrid does not get anywhere near proclaimed mileage. Love the car but wow mileage estimates are way off, may go get me 335 or 340.

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  Civic Hybrid - 2005 Honda Civic
  By Guy Little - June 14 - 3:33 am

  This was the first car I ever really test drove. I went about a block and half. Thought to myself Im buying this car. I have since put 27200 miles on it. Drove to Pa and back to Ohio from Ashville to Altoona. My MPG overall was 52.2 MPG for the round trip. It does get lower fuel economy during the winter months, but that is OK. It handles really well and have had absolutely no problems with this car.

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  300k miles and still going strong! - 2001 Honda Accord
  By jump man - June 13 - 6:07 pm

  purchased this car 3 years ago due to me reading good reviews about how reliable it is and the reviews were right. I put 25k miles per year on it. Super reliable, comfortable and drives great.. even in the snow. my cruise control doesnt work anymore which is a bummer but everything else works great. if you need a comfortable low maintenance car to get you from A to B this is the best bang for the buck.. I wonder if I could break a record and put 1,000,000 miles on it

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  2008 Fit Sport, Audio System - 2008 Honda Fit
  By Portulaca - June 13 - 5:33 pm

  This vehicle handles well and is a joy to drive. However, the road noise is greater than what I expected and the radio reception is unacceptable with constant static on local FM stations. The radio is fine as long as the car is not in motion. It immediately begins to crackle when in motion. The car has plenty of power for its size and the gas mileage is wonderful. The head rests are set at a severe angle for short people and cant be adjusted unless a person removes them and reinstalls them backwards, with the angle toward the back seat.

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  Transportation Specialist - 2002 Honda Accord
  By Loomanite - June 13 - 5:31 pm

  I drove this car off the showroom floor in April 2002, and it has been completely trouble free. Did the major service at 105K miles. Prior to spending the $1K I thought about getting a new car, but recognized that it would probably service my needs for another seven years at substantially less of a cost than a new car (with higher insurance rates, registration rates, sales tax, etc.). True, it lacks the excitement and this model is a common sight on the road. But that helps explain its magic. A wise choice for any consumer truly concerned about the total cost of ownership.

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  Quality Over Flash - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By WorkingMom - June 13 - 12:16 pm

  Owned this car a little over a month. Definitly put it through its paces-- logged over 1700 miles, highway, city, unpaved roads (my driveway), washed over roads, dry pavement, rain, snow, slush, ice. Ive hauled my two year old to daycare, teenager to band practice, the whole family on a trip. Drove a few 200 mile trips for my job. Ive had to park it in tight spots and inadequately plowed lots. In all these situations, it has performed without trouble. From a practical standpoint, I would highly recommend it.