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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  CR-V great or not - 2018 Honda CR-V
  By gerry - November 13 - 4:40 pm

  This is my second CR-V and I will say the tech value in this vehicle has greatly increased over the years. As it has always been, the CR-V is a very dependable and quality vehicle. My disappointment as it has been in the past with other CR-V is the ride noise; even though Honda has improved on this with the CR-V, it is still not up to where I feel it should be, more improvement needed in this category. The new turbo added to four cylinder makes for a more less strenuous ride especially on upgrades. From the stand point of gas mileage it is somewhat over rated, combined miles is suggested to be at around 30 although with very light footed driving this at present is only 26.5.

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  Paint Quality Standards? - 2006 Honda Civic
  By simmi - November 12 - 6:43 pm

  Love the interior and exterior styling, love the MPG, but I absolutely hate the fact that the front and rear bumpers do not match the rest of the vehicle. I purchased the EX Sedan in alabaster silver as I like light exterior colors and do not like brown interiors. All of the silver and other light to medium colored Civics on the dealer lots had this issue. Due to needing a vehicle immediately, I went ahead with the purchase. However, every time I look at the vehicle, I am disappointed by how bad the mismatch make the vehicle look. I cant help but question Hondas paint standards. Very disappointing. Honda - get it fixed!!!!

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  I Love This Car! - 2006 Honda Accord
  By SKYUSMC - November 12 - 11:56 am

  Had several SUVs in the past 7 years. Decided to downsize to my Honda due to gas prices and lack of driving excitement. Will not buy an SUV again. What can I say, its a wonderful car. I commute 70 miles per day, averaging 25 mpg from 65% highway, 35 % city driving. Great power, especially accelerating at highway speeds even though I must say, I test drove the Accord EX 4CYL model and found it to have more than enough power. I felt that the V6 had a nicer look though (larger wheels, dual exhaust). It has the feel of a very well made car. Great looking interior (tan leather, with fray/tan dashboard) and very comfortable power seats up front. Nice size car, and the new rear end looks great.

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  2007 Honda Fit Sport - good but not great - 2007 Honda Fit
  By carguy707 - November 11 - 9:56 pm

  Having previously owned six Hondas, three CRXs, one Civic hatchbach and an Integra, Im not new to the Honda family. The interior of this car is really well done. I love the options that you have with the seating. The feeling of the steering wheel is great and the gauge cluster is beautiful. Well I do have a few gripes with the car. I only average around 30 mpg with this car and I have a very light foot. The road noise is excessive. I might be the only one but the stereo is ok at best. Also I dont like the placement of the paddle shifter at least the way they follow the steering wheel when you turn. But for the price it is a very well equipped car.

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  Four Months - 2009 Honda Civic
  By Robert - November 11 - 4:26 am

  Four months and a bit over 7k miles. MPG is > 38, over the period. Had just recently driven in heavy rain with the OE Bridgestones, and the car rides fine. Most of the driving is open road & highway (90%). Cruise Control maintains a constant speed going uphills. Very happy I returned to a Civic.

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  Great Rig! - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By jimbosc - November 4 - 10:00 am

  So far so good. No return trips to the dealer for problems after 1500 miles. I am happy with the driving experience and overall comfort of the Pilot. I would like a little better cornering feel - I think a bigger tirer/lower profile might be the way to go. Plenty of room in not too big package.

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  Good body - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By SinOfCity - November 4 - 10:00 am

  Ive been stuck in a big hail storm just 3 days after purchasing a pilot. For about 15-20 mins had to drive through it. There is no single ding or dent I could notice. Neither a scratch. My Honda Civic on the other hand was pummelled.

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  Perky pearle - 2018 Honda CR-V
  By Mark Zollman - November 3 - 7:13 am

  Buy the 2017 the resale is the same

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  Nice car, concerned about windshield - 2007 Honda Civic
  By centellak - November 3 - 7:06 am

  This car has been very nice so far. I like the performance, spacious interiors, the fact that it is not expensive to buy and operate, and the 6 airbags. However 3 weeks after I bought it brand new, the very same day that I was to put the license plates in place, I noticed a chip in the windshield, and I feel confused as it is big enough to not be noticed when it happened. I am in a debate between repair or replacement but Im concerned that a poor quality replacement installation can lead to bigger problems. I honestly think it is too soon to have problems with this car, and Im starting to believe that the windshield is weak.

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  GREAT CAR, POWER,COMFORT, STYLE all in ONE - 2016 Honda Accord
  By JACK HILL - November 1 - 1:38 pm

  I bought one of these cars as I wanted the quality that comes with buying a Honda product and I am MORE than pleasantly surprised. It took searching the entire east coast OF THE USA to find one, and one dealer would not tell me where the car was. DEALERS had wildly different prices out of the four dealers that had one. It is not a big seller and most dealers do not stock them, only the larger dealers will buy one MAYBE two for the entire year. The car moves down the road with ease,power and gets looks from young and old people, most people do not what kind of car it is, most guess at a Civic, but they all say "NICE CAR !", and it is. Comfort, style, power and the latest in technology all wrapped into the most successful mid-size car of the last 35 years...THE HONDA ACCORD. I will take care of this car and I am sure it will more than take care of me. this Honda Accord has Leather interior, 360 watt/ 7 speaker sound system, 2 video screens(one touch screen), 2 cameras, 4 way power drivers seat, power everything. It might be .5 second slower BUT The Accord Coupe actually blows that car away....and I loved my 93 Sunfire. This Accord Coupe should serve me well.