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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  We love our Pilot! - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By anne - July 20 - 1:06 am

  As a tall family of four, the pilot is roomy and comfortable with plenty of seating for friends. Drives great, looks better in 06, we love it.

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  2002 Honda CR-V - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By dogbite - July 19 - 9:24 pm

  Great vehicle, no problems, will probably buy another.

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  28.3 MPG - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By Frank Baker - July 19 - 4:24 pm

  My wife and I bought this car and have put 2000 miles on it in one month, we love it so far. It is comfortable, and runs very nice. Our speed was around 75 mph most of the time, we averaged 28.3 MPG. We have noticed it has a blind spot on the drivers side. I would like to thank Jay Wolf Honda for selling us this car.

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  Surprisingly Good! - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By Lookingforgoodbuy - July 19 - 9:56 am

  Had the car over a month and its been great. I have a S2000, my son have an Accord and my wife had a 1999 Mustang GT Convertible. We were looking for a Lexus GS to replace her Mustang until we looked at the CRV. The lack of power is way over blown unless youre drag racing. I think a lot of the critic comes from the high expectation of this being an Honda. Love the ride and the dash blue light background.

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  sues review - 2006 Honda Accord
  By suewyo - July 19 - 1:33 am

  I love this car its pretty zippy for a 4 cylinder. Its a blast to drive. Great gas mileage in town.

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  Stick with what works - 2002 Honda Accord
  By Jay - July 18 - 11:36 pm

  Just purchased our second accord after our 91 DX had to be put to rest due to my conscious of not running over a cat. It was just shy of the 200k mark and would have gone way past that if not for the recent mishap. Although I have only 50 miles on the new accord LX V6 it already shows signs of a vehicle that will last us another 10 years. For the price you cant go wrong with this vehicle. For the price, go with the Accord.

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  Very nice car - 2006 Honda Civic
  By ww874 - July 18 - 11:20 am

  Overall Im very happy with my honda. I still kept my pickup but Im enjoying the monthly $150 Im getting in fuel savings.

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  Awesome Car - 1999 Honda Accord
  By Dan - July 18 - 6:42 am

  Ive put 3000 miles on my 99 Accord ex 5 speed. Ive filled it up probably 5 times. Gets great gas mileage. I usually take first gear all the way to 6K RPM, and I still get around 25 MPG in the city. If your planning on buying an Accord, go with the 5 speed manual. A manual is so much more fun to drive. Car is pretty quick off the line too for a 4 cylinder. The only problem Im having right now is the timing belt. I hear a constant ticking in my engine. No major problems though. Trunk is the biggest Ive ever seen. This car was def worth the MSRP of $23000 back in 99. Hondas last forever

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  V-6 6 SPD w/Nav stands alone - 2006 Honda Accord
  By Steven W. - July 18 - 4:40 am

  The V-6 6-Speed Coupe with Navigation stands alone in the Accords in terms of performance, appearance, and fun. You will love rowing the gears in this car as it zips from 0-60 in a slim 5.9 seconds. Stange price range though. For the same price you can get into a number of "luxury"-brand cars but with far less features (such as the voice activated nav). It is also competing with cars like the Nissan Altima 3.5. The Altima, however, does not offer a V6 6-Speed with Nav. They offer a V6 with Nav. They offer a V6 with a 6- Speed. But they do not offer a V6 6- Speed with Nav. How silly is that? The Accord also blows the Nissan away in terms of build quality.

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  New Honda Fit - 2009 Honda Fit
  By Terry Kim - July 18 - 3:10 am

  I bought Honda Fit 2009 basic model two weeks ago. This is my first car. The interior and exterior designs were good. Also, it was really fun to drive because of the engine sound. Front seats had lots of spaces and it was much more comfortable than I anticipated. However, When driving in Free-Way, the car gets shaky because of wind. Also, I got many complaints from my family who sat in the back seat because the car wasnt very stabled.