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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  Couldnt be happier!!!!! - 2009 Honda Pilot
  By Rob Lo - June 9 - 3:58 am

  We considered the Highlander and Murano, but after we drove the Pilot is was over! This vehicle just oozes quality. The minute I sat in the Honda you could see how much better and thought out the interior was compared to the competition. Also the dealership was far above Nissan and Toyota when it came to friendly and professional service. We bought the Black cherry w/ Black leather and the vehicle is just beautiful!!! It does pull to the right slightly so Ill be taking it back to get fixed. No big deal.

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  Happy with Caveats... - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By Larry Smith - June 8 - 4:05 pm

  Overall Ive been happy. Amazing cargo space, comfortable, fun, zippy and good hwy/ok city mileage. My beefs: 1) This thing goes out of alignment too easily although Chicagoland roads are horrible. 12K miles and four alignments! I take the train and my wife works 4 miles from house. 2) Body trim panels are flimsy. Spending $280 to replace poorly designed liftgate trim. Why so flimsy on a "rugged" vehicle. I look at prior models and curse the designer. 3) Paint chips and scratches too easily. I have a 2002 Outback that is wearing like iron and this car replaced a Legacy wagon that I sold for top dollar with 110K in it. I do hope this beast goes the distance like my last Honda Accord.

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  LOVIN My Civic - 2002 Honda Civic
  By HappyHondaOwner - June 8 - 2:24 pm

  Purchased brand new, not a single repair. Still has original brake pads! Fantastic gas mileage, very fun to drive. Had to get aftermarket sound system as the factory version wasnt very good in 02. Planning to drive for 10 more years!

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  Switched from BMW and loving my CRV! - 2009 Honda CR-V
  By dmaccioc - June 7 - 10:17 pm

  I traded in my 2007 BMW 328i Sedan for this CRV because I realized the Bimmer wasnt meeting my needs. I have absolutely no regrets in switching to the CRV - the interior is nicer, much more comfortable, the ride is much smoother, the stereo is better, driving position is amazing (I am tall and have a stiff back), and its great for flopping the seats down and throwing things in. I thought the BMW was my dream car but I now realize the CRV is it. I live in the Bay Area and have 2WD - my mileage is equal to the BMW and the Honda uses regular gas! I average about 22-23 but get 30 on straight highway. Great car for the city, country, single people and families.

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  Room for improvement, but nice - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By jaymar - June 7 - 6:42 pm

  Great little SUV, looks could be improved with front fairing wrap-around bumper (available in Europe). Not good if you need instant response from engine, one time I stepped on the gas and it seemed to take a second or two before it responded, if that is a safety feature its the most dangerous safety feature on any car, but you get a lot of stuff for the money...

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  Decent car - 2016 Honda Fit
  By Maegan Mayhem - June 7 - 4:23 pm

  The navigation on the touch screen is not as intuitive as youd think. For making the UI like a mobile app, the menus and where customization or settings should be can be confusing. To select a different bluetooth device for audio, it is not in the audio menu - you have to go to settings> audio> bluetooth devices I believe. Small gripe, but overall after a month I really am enjoying the car.

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  l love this car! - 2007 Honda Accord
  By Deborah K-G - June 7 - 10:36 am

  Ive been driving a hybrid,, first the Honda Civic and this is so much more luxurious, comfortable, all the bells and whistles... very good mileage, and with winter here.. the heated leather seats and sunroof and great sound system always make it a pleasure to drive.

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  Brake squeaking - 2009 Honda Accord
  By Hondaowner - June 7 - 3:13 am

  Car is really nice, but beginning about 3,000 miles brakes started squeaking. I understand that its happening on many new models and Honda has yet to find a solution for it. No safety concern, but annoying sound when driving, especially with windows down.

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  Love this car - 2001 Honda Civic
  By Average Joe - June 6 - 4:37 pm

  Been driving this car for 155000 miles.... not a single repair only scheduled maintenance. Absolute performance isnt great, but if you factor in the gas mileage and engine displacement, its quite good and all I really need for around the town driving. Interior is holding up extremely well for its age. All the trim pieces are as tight as the day I bought it and the soft touch material on the dash exudes quality. The ride is very smooth though the wind and engine noise can be slightly obtrusive at high rpm and speed. Lots of rear leg room and large trunk. This car has aged like fine wine whereas my old Saturn SL1 aged like stale beer.

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  Still Running Great - 1998 Honda Civic
  By justmartha - June 6 - 2:51 pm

  This was my 2nd Civic hatchback and Im sorry they quit making them. I put 165,000 miles on the 1990 one before I sold it. The 98 car had a few design issues that made me love it a little less than the older one but has been more reliable and still gets >40 mpg on a road trip at speeds of 65-70 mph. My biggest complaints have been road noise and a little less cargo space, plus lack of an interior hatch release convenient for the driver. The biggest plus? Great gas mileage and total reliability!