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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  lovin the road - 2017 Honda CR V
  By Dave B - November 2 - 10:45 am

  Ive been driving stick for two decades. When Honda stopped making an Accord EXL V6 in stick, I went down to an SI. It was spunky and fun to ride/park but storage was terrible and I was tired of being the smallest car on the road. So I broke down and got the new CRV EXL (CVT) AWD. So great. Tricked it up with roof rails, running boards and side panels. Looks awesome. Inside with floor/cargo mats/cargo net/hands free tailgate. Cheap on gas, all out on fun. Do I miss stick? I guess. But its a dead technology and CVT is where its at. This car is ok out of the gate (not fantastic) and needs a bit too much pedal to get it to move backwards when trying to park in tight spaces, but overall it is so much fun to drive. I hope to have this car long enough to hand down to the next gen. I still dont understand why anyone today would get navi when GoogleMaps looks great on Android Auto and I would guess works at least as well. I love the XM interface.

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  12 year owner of 2005 exl pilot 200 k miles - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By Peter 2005 and 2008 - November 1 - 2:57 pm

  The best bad road handling car and versatile suv in my opinion. 23 mpg at 55 / 21 @75mph. Totally reliable and rust free in Wisconsin. Easy to maintain. Driver seat leather is ripped on the riser panel to the seat pad. Radio is poor. Fantastic suv!

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  2006 Honda Accord New Owner - 2006 Honda Accord
  By Marcia - November 1 - 11:56 am

  Changing from a Durango to Honda Accord has been quite emotional & Im still grieving but gas mileage is more important. New owner for 3 weeks; handling is okay but doesnt take bumps well. Going in for service b/c have recently noticed front glass appears to have come unglued?? - squeaking noise full length of glass next to hood when you go over bumps. If you like your music, make sure it gives the power you want. For me, depending on what youre listening to, sound doesnt go up high enough.

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  Great Car in and out - 2010 Honda Accord Crosstour
  By Scott - November 1 - 10:00 am

  Finally pulled the trigger on this car. It is a black on black and we will have the front two windows tinted as well. It drives very smoothly and has enough space for everyone.

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  Honda Pilot Review - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By gcostenbader - November 1 - 2:26 am

  My husband and I test drove all SUVs in the range of the Honda Pilot and selected the Honda based on space ( we have children and dogs),economy and look. It gave us the best of what we required for family and sports and ability to carry larger items. After almost one year of ownership we love it even more!

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  I Still CRaVe my Honda - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By Jesse James - November 1 - 12:56 am

  I have owned my Honda for 5 years and have appx. 97,000 miles on it. I live in/ near Los Angeles and have been everywhere there is a road and no roads in my Honda., the first weekend after I got it we went to Vegas, its been to Laughlin, San Francisco, TJ, Ensenada, Phoenix, Az., its been up and down dirt roads semi muddy ones too and every time I look at after its been just washed I fall in love all over again.

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  impressed - 2007 Honda Accord
  By HK VALLEY STREAM - October 31 - 7:16 pm

  just bought the car 3 weeks ago, so i can not comment on durability. at first 300 miles suspension was harsh but the ride has improved. car feels like a solid luxury touring sedan. gas milage on first two tank fulls averaged 19 mpg , but im told after break in period it will improve. all and all the car is fantastic value. ill be buying honda from now on.

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  A little too basic. . . - 2008 Honda Fit
  By Nancy M. - October 31 - 6:13 pm

  Ive been driving my basic Honda Fit for a couple of months now, and while it is great fun to drive and thrills me when I fill it up with gas for under $25, I have gotten slightly frustrated with not having a "magic button" for the door locks. Additionally, the gray/black interior makes it very difficult to see inside at night, especially when the inside light goes off immediately when you turn off the ignition. In the high side, it has great cargo space with the back seats folded down, and the sound system is adequate. My last vehicle was a small pickup so I am really impressed with the fuel economy and the ease of handling. Wish I had bought the Sport model now.

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  LOVE MY FIT - 2016 Honda Fit
  By Julie - October 31 - 4:03 am

  I wanted a Prius. I had wanted one forever. I test drove a Prius several times. The regular Prius I found to be way too expensive, and the Prius-C, which I test drove, didnt have a lot of power. I still wanted it and kept looking. I had seen the Fit, and I have been a Honda girl for years. I test drove the Fit and I was in love. I found it had more power than the Prius-C, and I liked the interior much better. All the reviews I had read on the Prius-C said try the Honda Fit or the Ford Focus for that type of small, economical car. The price on my Fit was MUCH better than the Prius-C. Im not knocking the Prius at all - it is a wonderful car, but I decided on the Fit based on the test drive, the interior, and the price. I also loved the color I got (the dark gray gun metal). The gas mileage is fantastic. It usually tells me I am getting about 41 MPG, sometimes 38 MPG - and with my own calculations based on the amount of gas I put it, I am getting 40 MPG. The interior is very comfortable, and I love the visibility with all the windows. The hatchback has plenty of room for my needs - I have always had a hatchback and it is comparable to other cars I have had. The back seat is super roomy and comfortable. So far, I have only found one thing to complain about - HONDA LISTEN UP: On the steering wheel controls, the Cruise Control is on the right. The radio controls are on the left. That should be reversed. You automatically tend to operate the radio with the right hand - on the right side, and the cruise control should be on the left. That is the ONLY thing I can complain about. A/C works good, and I use the ECONO mode all the time to save gas - I dont notice a big difference, but when I need a little power, I turn the ECONO mode off. I only have 1,000 miles on my new Fit, but so far, I love love love it.

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  Worst Drive Ever - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By ajax12 - October 31 - 2:47 am

  I purchased my 4WD CR V ExL Nov 1 and wanted to return it a week later. While the car has great pick up it is the worst drive i have had in a Honda. The engine vibrates when stopped at lights or while in idle. Also while driving you feel a vibration at certain intervals. I am not sure what triggers it but it is the most annoying thing I have ever experienced. It takes all the joy out of owning a new car. I learned from other reviews that it is the CVT and I took it to the dealer to see if any adjustments could be made and they just told me they could find nothing wrong with the car. I am seriously thinking about trading it in for an Accord. I miss my old honda accord.