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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  Great SUV!!! - 2009 Honda Pilot
  By Suzz1234 - May 3 - 8:40 pm

  I am thrilled with my Pilot. I traded in my BMW X3 and I dont regret the decision for a second. I enjoyed the BMW driving experience but for twenty thousand dollars less, I have a roomy, comfortable, nice to drive SUV. Everyone in the family is able to ride in comfort. This is my second Honda (1987 CRX) and I expect this one to be as reliable as the first.

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  Dont buy this car - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By bighurt - May 3 - 6:42 pm

  Man what a mistake. Had the chance to purchase a Chrysler for $3,000 less. Decided to go with the Honda because they are much more reliable. Man was that a mistake. New transmission new brakes new front end and all the scheduled mait. Car has been to the shop and all the costs have been outrageous. Car has never been in an accident. I am now the poster child for not buying a HONDA!

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  no catch here! - 2017 Honda Accord
  By dawn - May 3 - 6:41 pm

  I bought a 2017 Honda Accord Sedan in the beginning of 2017. I have had to bring the car back to dealership 4 times since my purchase and its been 8 weeks. The drivers side window has wind noise in the upper left corner of the window. It sounds like the door is ajar the noise is so prominent. You can only hear this noise when you accelerate at speeds of 55 mph or above. When I test drive the vehicle I did not get on the interstate so I never heard the noise. Although the dealership has been helpful, they have never resolved my issue. This noise is really LOUD and ANNOYING... I did drive another 2017 and heard the same noise, but I do not hear the noise when sitting in the passenger seat. These leads me to believe this can be corrected. The dealership has said their is nothing else they can do. I also found a TSB (technician service bulletin) for the accords for 2013-2016 with the same issue. I printed the bulletin brought the car in and they did attempt to correct the problem according to instructions on the bulletin. As of today, March 6, 2016 I still hear the noise and am so very disappointed in this issue. I love everything else about the car. I would get rid of it tomorrow if I wouldnt loose money.

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  Best Bang For Your Buck! - 2009 Honda Civic
  By Rooster - May 3 - 4:16 pm

  I went to the dealership to talk them out of their last S2000, however, they were still very proud of it, although it was a brand new 2008 model, and I was trying to purchase it in June 2009. I test drove many vehicles. I had previously owned an RX8 and had already wanted a NA high rev. engine. After I test drove the SI I was sold. Fun to drive, affordable, cheap insurance, great build quality. The car has a great platform to add aftermarket parts at a reasonable price. Maintenance is so much more reasonable than the RX8. Granted, the RX8 is unique and handles like a dream. The Honda is just a great value for the price!

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  I love my Honda - 2000 Honda CR-V
  By bmmcc - May 3 - 8:00 am

  The car is very reliable. The only downfalls are that it doesnt have much pick-up going up hills. Also, the back door opens a little awkwardly. Have to lift the glass window, and then open the lower part like a passenger seat door, to the side. Gas mileage is supposedly 19 mpg city, 23 highway, but I AVERAGE 26 to 30 mpg by driving the speed limit and avoiding sudden acceleration and deceleration. Car has 180,000, and the only thing wrong is ball bearings or something in the wheels, it makes grinding noises when I turn. We havent had any major work done on the car.

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  Great SUV by Stan - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By Great SUV by Stan - May 2 - 11:36 pm

  I put 700 miles on it so far. Mileage has been 16 w/ mostly freeway, but with the air on. Ride is smooth. Not big at all. It has more room in the front two seats than the Expedition. Very quiet inside. Less road noise than some reviews have said. Car wants to go especially when you slow down and then accelerate while in coming out of traffic. Navigation covers 48 states not just a few and its easy to operate. Screen is easy to see too.

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  Glad I bought a mini van - 2008 Honda Odyssey
  By Texdav - May 2 - 4:13 pm

  I was really stuck whether to buy a van. But now I am glad I did. After 10 months it has been a good experience. I was also wondering about the cylinder shutdown feature but never notice it its so smooth. Mileage on a half city half hwy was 21MPG when checked. Havent really found any thing I dont like. Everyone that has driven or rode in it is impressed.

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  Replacement parts questionable quality - 1993 Honda Prelude
  By Rich - May 2 - 1:14 pm

  This car has been a disappointment due to the inferior quality of replacement electrical system parts... three main relays have failed (replacement approximately $700 each) and three ignition switches failed (replacement approximately $200 each). Honda Prelude replacement electrical parts are garbage IMHO. I will likely never purchase another Honda. However, the best car I ever owned was a 1990 Acura Integra.

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  CRV that cried wolf - 2018 Honda CR-V
  By Michael - May 2 - 12:29 pm

  Ive put 200 miles on this vehicle and hate it. It beeps at me all the time and usually I have no idea why. Sensing system goes into error. Dash tells me to BRAKE and more BEEPING when there is nobody near me on the freeway. Fancy iPad mounted to the dash blows. The vehicle is always locked when I think its unlocked and unlocked when I think its locked. The locks are downright infuriating. The fab weighs about 10 pounds in your pocket. Engine is loud and s l o w. Cab is horribly loud in the rain. Thought I needed to bond with her and spent the last two days dolling her up. It made me hate the vehicle even more. Its a detailing nightmare with so many water retaining nooks and crannies. Water gets inside the tail lights. Chrome trim pieces in the headlights grab my wash mit because they are poking out at the ends. Oh, and you have to leave your fab well away from the car when washing otherwise it keeps locking the doors and beeping every time the water hits the door handles. I hate this vehicle!

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  Practical but Fun - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By Mike - May 2 - 11:20 am

  MPG depends. Oregon uses 10% ethanol. Hwy=26-28. In non ethanol states Hwy=29-31 (moderate hills and 70 mph). My combined average after 3,000 is 25mpg with 70/30 mix. No race car but smooth and responsive. Visibility is actually good (I wondered). Im a single man who is very active. It works great: surfboards on top, bikes fit inside, etc. There is really a lot of room for the MPG. For those who think it is too female, get over yourselves - it is a car that does what you want. I was looking for wagon but US has few / SUVs are too big and inefficient (and many have no inside room). The Subaru is better AWD but smaller with same MPG and this was over $1000 less. Works for me.