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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  The Best Decision I Ever Made - 2004 Honda Accord
  By SPMangini - April 3 - 2:00 am

  This car is the absolute best thing to buy. This is my first new car and coming from a 96 Chevy Z26 Beretta, this is heavy. I am about 64, 280 pounds and I can sit comfortable with people behind me. Unfortunatly I couldnt afford the navi but even without it the interior styling is incredible.

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  My Honda - 2004 Honda Accord
  By Gaylo - April 3 - 2:00 am

  I love my Honda. This is a car that handles so easily. Our family has had several Hondas and in between we had a Toyota. This was a good car but there is such a difference in the handling. The Honda can turn on a dime. The other car had a mushy feel to it. The interior is beautiful.

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  My 25th car, and I love it. - 1995 Honda Civic
  By AMP - April 2 - 7:58 pm

  Having owned many different types and models of cars now, I will have to say the Civic is my all time favorite. Ive parted with all my cars in the past except for my Civic and my CRX, 2 of the best cars I have ever owned. I recently sold my 97 subaru for this 95 civic and I have no regrets. Ive been in search for a Civic since my old 91 civic finally died out after 4 accidents and 258K miles. As long as you can find one that wasnt raced out, and maintained, everything will be fine. Yeah they ride just a tiny bit rough, but handle great, reliable, peppy, 38-45 mpg, and just a blast to drive. Make sure to install an alarm as these cars are hot.

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  Great vehicle. - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By Jim90068 - April 2 - 10:00 am

  Have had the Pilot for 3 weeks. Paid over sticker, unfortunately. Enjoy the drive the room, and the layout. Mileage so far, though -- 2 tanks of gas...is only 10-12 mpg in city traffic. Please tell me this will improve dramatically.

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  a good decision - 2002 Honda Civic
  By paathiker - April 2 - 10:00 am

  I needed to replace my 92 Maxima with a bum tranny. My wife suggested we go to our Honda dealer and see the used Hondas and take advantage of the great certified used program. We saw two 2002 Civics, one EX and one LX each with 8,500 miles. The LX drove basically the same. I am very pleased with the deal Bobby Rahal Honda gave us. After factoring in a hefty trade, I think our actual purchase price was around $13,500. I think this is a good deal for a 2002 Civic with 8,500 miles and a better warranty than a new Civic. I do miss the V6 and ride of the Maxima, but my wife says I can drive the Accord if I need that big car ride again.

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  Great Small SUV - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By DW - April 2 - 3:36 am

  I have been impressed with its comfort and performance. I test drove the CR-V when it came and was very disappointed, and this from a multiple Honda owner. The current CRV fixed all the flaws of the original. As with all the Hondas I have owned, it is comfortable and nicely designed. Also, with a small child it is good to have a lot of places to hold kid stuff. Time will tell if it is as reliable as other Hondas I have owned.

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  Loved my little honda hybrid - 2008 Honda Civic
  By Janeen - April 1 - 4:43 pm

  I had this car for 1 year, drove 11k, bot used w/7k and sadly hit a large deer on the highway and totaled it. That said, I was not hurt in the accident. Airbags did not go off, but have heard the sensors are in the bumpers and they were not damaged. Glad they didnt, as Im petite and may have been hurt. Car was fun to drive, could have had more pick-up, but did not bother me and with the mpg, you cant have your cake and eat it too. Commute into Boston, noticeable difference in mpg in the cold. ~30 city mpg in the winter, ~36 summer, 40- 48 highway depending on length of trip, road conditions (inclines, etc.), and speed. Best mpg seemed to be cruising around 72 mph. Miss this car.

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  All But The Mileage - 2006 Honda CR-V
  By Paul - April 1 - 12:44 pm

  I have owned four Hondas, all have been great reliable cars. In this new addition, the gas mileage is a crime. There should be a law to prevent misrepresenting gas mileage this much. This 4 cyl CRV is getting about the same mileage my 4X4 Toyota Tundra Pickup go when it was new. 17 MPG driving the same roads.

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  big enough for a big guy - 2017 Honda CR V
  By Bob Schroeder - April 1 - 4:31 am

  We shopped around for quite awhile until we found what we wanted. The honda crv- exl is easy to get in and out for my 6ft4inch frame that weighs 310 lbs. Through edmunds . com we were steered towards Ziegler Honda in Kalamazoo. I got my final out the door price and other dealers could not match or come close so we purchased from them even though they are 70 miles from our home. There was no pressure and so far they continue to come through on questions, plates etc. Sales person gave us a specific web site to go to that answers many questions on operation of the vehicle. We are getting up ;there in years and this vehicle and dealer meet our current needs. Vehicle rides nice, has good visibility and steers fine. With so many various controls it is hard for an old man to remember everything but we are getting there. I would purchase again.

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  So far so good - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By keltnera - April 1 - 2:20 am

  Traded in our 2002 Odyseey for the 2005. We were going on our third transmission at 51K on the 02. So far so good on the 2005. The 2005 is just as great to drive. We love all the upgrades like sun roof, second row windows that go down, and the third row folds down even easier without removing the headrests. I also like how the third row is split and that there is seating for 8 now. The lazy-susan seems ackward to get to and havent really used it. The double glove-department is an intersting consept. I really like the big knobs on the dash and the shifter on the dash. The illumination of the dash is great, especially the day display, unless your headlights are on.