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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  Overall a big plus with a few nits - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Ed C. - July 8 - 11:23 pm

  Reading the reviews has me puzzled; either people love the car or hate it. Honda always made cars that were more sporty than American cars and Camry. Had a 1994 Honda Accord with almost 120,000 miles on it and will miss it. Overall the car is great: more room, more power, just as sporty as always (firm seats/ride).

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  not for elderly passengers - 2005 Honda Element
  By hawaiigirl - July 8 - 5:36 am

  I truely love to drive this car and its great for just 2 and the dog holds everything, but taking elderly passengers in the back seat can be challenging. They have a hard time getting up and in and getting out. With the front door open, there is no frame for them to hold on to and you need a lot of side space to open the back door. I have a sun roof which can be too bright for those in the back seat while traveling since there is no ceiling panel to close it off. Thinking about tinting it darker. Unless you are a basketball player, you need a ladder to wash this car.

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  Best Full-Size Car - 2009 Honda Accord
  By William - July 7 - 9:46 am

  I bought my wife a 2009, Accord, EX-L, nav, with every option. We love the car. The car has Lexus and Infiniti styling at a fraction of the cost. More room than the M-series, and better mileage. This is our fourth Accord, and is our first leather Accord. The back seat room is incredibly large, and our sons are 62" and 64". Their legs dont touch the front seat. This is the best Accord that Honda has ever made. If I had the money, I would get two of them. Dont worry about the road noise. This car is pure quality.

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  Excellent overall - 2007 Honda Pilot
  By Brent - July 7 - 7:22 am

  Bought my Pilot EX-L 2WD used with only 24k miles on it in 2010. I just passed 100k miles and I still love this vehicle. Things I love include: 1) Reliability. Very few problems with this vehicle. Basically standard wear and tear things like tires, brakes, filters, etc. 2) Comfort. I love the airiness of the cabin. Lots of head room, shoulder space, etc. Transmission is smooth, suspension just right for me, not too tight, not too soft. Long trips are comfortable, handling is good. 3) Space. I can load this vehicle up like crazy. Great for daily things like groceries or Costco trips, and also for vacations or big item things from Home Depot or mattresses with the second and third row seats down. Also, can haul up to 8 people if necessary, but third row is best suited for children. Adults can really only ride there if short trip around town. 4) Ergonomics. Nothing fancy, dont get me wrong here. But everything is Simple and easy to understand. Buttons and knobs are well-placed and easy to operate. Storage space is good. First, second, and third row car charger plugs, etc. Things that could be better in this vehicle: 1) Entertainment system. Basically, its 2016, and this vehicle does not have Bluetooth or aux input. Also, the stereo sound quality is average. Nothing special there at all. 2) Road noise. Always been an issue for Honda, and this vehicle is no different. Finally, there are issues I cant speak to, like towing and off-road capabilities, since I dont use my Pilot for these things. If I had to guess, Id say this vehicle is average at best. Also, I live in San Diego, so I have no idea how well this vehicle performs in snow or other inclement weather. Seems perfectly fine in rain though from my experience. In sum, this is a very reliable, spacious, comfortable vehicle that handles well. Great family vehicle, and good for hauling lots of stuff if necessary. Only minor complaints from my perspective. I would recommend this vehicle to anyone who is looking for a mid-sized SUV for everyday use.

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  Love IT!!! - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By jhwill6 - July 7 - 3:36 am

  My husband & I have 4 kids including twins. After we bought the van we went on a road trip to south Texas from North California. We were very comfortable! Our kids were very happy with the DVD player ages are 7,4,2. The trip was relaxing. Impressed with the power through the mountains and a very smooth ride. Would do the trip again! Very happy with the van. We got a good deal through the fleet sales manger. Would recommend the van!

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  Couldnt be Happier - 2009 Honda Fit
  By thrilled - July 7 - 12:40 am

  Thank God I read all of the owner reviews. I would not have looked at this car, because Im not crazy about the front end (looks like a snarling cat). But all of the good reviews were right on target. It is VERY comfortable (leg room, head room, cargo space), and drives like a dream. I am missing the remote key entry and cruise control, but if I had chosen the Sport model they were included. My only complaint is that the base model really could use some front arm rests. And yes, I am getting 42 miles per gallon!

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  New CR-V - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By CK in NC - July 6 - 9:33 pm

  Just bought the new Honda CR-V and I am very satisfied with my purchase. I went with the EX-L and I love the leather-heated seats and the XM radio. I was also looking at the new Hyundai Santa Fe, but decided to go with the new CR-V, after previously owning 2 Accords and considering the difference in the MPGs. So far...LOVE IT!!!

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  Met My High Expectations - 2017 Honda CR-V
  By Jan Krill - July 6 - 4:56 pm

  I had a long checklist of criteria and this hit the mark. I am still discovering things that this does! For example, I did not realize that the highbeams came on automatically and then reset when necessary. What a great feature! I needed something with power and good gas mileage and this definitely fits that bill.

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  The Hybrid With Style! - 2007 Honda Civic
  By dochollywood - July 5 - 11:26 pm

  I have about 5000 miles on my Civic hybrid already and I am averaging 55MPG according to my calculations, and 53MPG according to the on board computer. I drive mainly highway miles with a little city. Car is grear, fun to drive, and handles great, and being able to drive 600 miles on one tank is awesome. Much better handling than the Prius, although I think it has a little better pick-up.

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  Great car, Great price - 2007 Honda Civic
  By nerfkey - July 5 - 3:10 am

  I purchased this car 4 days ago and really love it. It has a sporty look and feel to it. Car handles well. Note: I did get Goodyear tires on mine. Depending on the location where you buy, you might get Bridgestone. Dont know if this makes a difference, but someone else was complaining about the Bridgestone tires. I drive 100 miles per day. This car gets more and more comfortable the more you drive it once you find your spot.