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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  nice ride - 2004 Honda Accord
  By Disaster - May 18 - 10:00 am

  Picked it up at the dealer and set out on a 1200 mile trip. Worst mileage I logged was 31 mpg combination highway and intown driving in Chicago and the best was 37 mpg, all highway, and this was at 75 plus miles and hour. Very comfortable for long stretches, the drivers seat was infinitly adjustable. My one and only suggestion would be to make the 12 volt outlet stay on when the veh. is turned off.

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  Amazing Car - 1997 Honda Civic
  By guera1904 - May 18 - 2:41 am

  I bought this car a little over two years with about 65k miles on it. Ive driven this car HARD- Im now at 110k (mostly highway miles but plenty of city driving as well) with no problems. My AC unit went out, but thats to be expected after 100k miles. I take great care of it, and the mechanics always tell me my car is in great shape mechanically. I wish it had more power on hills and a little more style, but the car is GREAT economically so I cant complain. I would recommend this car to anyone!

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  Love my 2009 Pilot - 2009 Honda Pilot
  By ginnie - May 17 - 11:07 pm

  We seriously considered several vehicles for 1-1/2 years before we made our purchase - the Highlander, Forerunner, Acadia, Enclave and the Outlook. Our main concern was a safe and comfortable vehicle to travel long distances and that got reasonable gas mileage for an SUV. The touring model ended up being our pick due to the Michelin tires. The sales people we encountered at all of the dealerships were not knowledgeable about the fact that there is a difference in the tires on the Touring and the EX and LX models. The Michelin tire on the Touring gave us a much quieter ride.

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  My First Honda - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Risoguy - May 17 - 10:33 pm

  After several months researching Accord, Camry, and Altima I was very happy that the silver V-6 Accords were in production. At first I was apprehensive about buying a first year model redesign but the auto info was very positive. After 2 weeks on the road and 1,000 miles I am even more pleased with my car than the day I bought it. With all the research I did before the purchase there were no surprises. The response on windy mountain roads is very controlled. I like the variable cylinder management feature where the 4 and 3 cylinder mode kick in when less power is needed. The first trip I got over 28 mpg going up to 70 mph where allowed. Combined city/highway over 22 mpg

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  Honda #6! - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By Jennifer Wood - May 17 - 4:45 pm

  This is my second CR-V; I traded in a 13 for a 16. There is a lot of the same interior features as the 13, yet the 16 has a lot more electronic features, such as the radio display, updated cameras (and adding the left sided lane assist camera), and usb/hdmi ports. The rear seat compartment now has its own temperature controls. There is no engine vibration as seen in the 15 model. The road noise is also much quieter than my 13. Honda just does it again, but better, and Im a Honda lover for life!

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  Not a bad car - 2004 Honda Accord
  By Rick - May 17 - 3:06 pm

  Have had the car year-and-a-half. Has 30K Miles and not a single problem. Gets great gas mileage (34 on interstate and 26 in town). However, the tires spin pretty easy, especially if its wet out. Not sure if its the Michelins or bad weight splits on the car. Also, the brakes grab really hard every now-and-then. When I turn on the A.C. will hear a "clunk" when the compressor kicks in. Also, the A.C. pulls hard on the engine. Have to wind the engine out more between shifts to keep it from getting herky-jerky. Also, trunk has no detent, so when you open it and the wind is blowing, itll fall down on your head (ouch!) Also, when turn HVAC temp dial, hear a wierd groaning noise.

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  Fave Vehicle Past 34 Years - 2009 Honda Fit
  By FITFAN1 - May 17 - 2:00 pm

  I have owned 12 vehicles since 1975, both foreign and domestic, cars, SUVs and pick up trucks. I purchased a 2009 Honda Fit Sport AT with the paddle shifters. What a great economy car! Owned it for 30 days and the fuel stats are super. Worst MPG was 29.9 with the first tank of gas and that was mostly stop and go St. Louis metro driving. Overall mileage is 38.4 MPG after 900 miles. One highway only driving trip averaged 44.9 MPG while the computer estimated 46.9 MPG. I have 60% city/urban and 40% interstate driving. Paddle shifters are great, radio reception superb, picking up many weak and distant stations in St. Louis market. Interior space and comfort are tops. Engines smooth and quiet.

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  Great for a minivan in disguise - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By Emily G - May 17 - 3:56 am

  Its a Honda. Solid. Well designed. And despite it being the first automatic transmission I have ever owned, I actually enjoy driving it. It sure does make life with kids easier. I feel quite spoiled without having to spend so much on a luxury vehicle.

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  Pulls to the right!!!! - 2009 Honda Pilot
  By Troy - May 16 - 10:56 pm

  Our Pilot also pulls heavily to the right!!! This is very disappointing since it otherwise would be a great car.

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  This is a Honda product? - 2009 Honda Accord
  By tenstepn - May 16 - 8:00 pm

  This particular year (2009)and model (Accord EX-L V6) have quality issues that have yet to be addressed by Honda, and the sheer frustration is enough to make me never buy another Honda because of these unresolved quality issues with the brakes. I purchased a new car, not some problematic use car... People researching the 2009 Honda Accord should keep this in mind when deciding whether or not to purchase, you have been warned!!!