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:

• 

  Everything I needed - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By Abhi - August 4 - 9:59 pm

• 

  Good bye 13 CRV EX-L, Hello 17 CRV Touring - 2017 Honda CR-V
  By BM - August 4 - 7:44 pm

  I took my wife to the Auto Expo a few months to look at all the new cars. Big mistake! We saw the 17 CRV and knew that would be in our garage soon. It was a no brainer for me. The 13 that my wife drove was a spectacular car, very low maintenance, excellent ride and very comfortable on long trips. The only ding against it was the lack of power below 5000 rpm. Problem solved with the 17 CRV. The little 1.5 Turbo is a sweetheart, its a bit loud on full throttle acceleration, but the torque around town makes it easy to get around slower and distracted cell engaged drivers. The ride is super smooth, and the steering is to die for. The new interior is much roomier and the seats are greatly appreciated for my glass back. Tall drivers will love actually having enough legroom. I am 6ft 2 and have plenty of legroom in the front and back. Lots of technology not found in any vehicle in its class. It is a lot of car for the money, Honda is back at the top of the game again!

• 

  I only buy the safest! - 2008 Honda Odyssey
  By The Driver - August 4 - 7:00 pm

  Unfortunately we have had many issues with our brakes. They seem to need “time” to build pressure. When we leave our house, stopping at the stop sign takes a lot of work. Now I don’t mean it is impossible to stop, just uncomfortable. I have taken it into the dealership many times and they seem to do something that makes the brakes feel great at the time, but in a few weeks they go back to feeling the same. I’m still dealing with this issue after about 5 months now and I’m in the process of getting a lawyer to get it taken back on lemon law. Don’t get me wrong thought I’m very comfortable when driving and it looks stylish. In my opinion it gets great gas mileage for a minivan. Check it out!

• 

  Saved My Life - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By JD - August 4 - 5:34 pm

  Had a hard side-impact collision (T- boned by a pickup truck) on 7/30/08. Car was totaled I was not injured. Thats good enough for me. Im buying another CR-V. I bought it for the safety and Ill buy another one for the same reason.

• 

  Love the Fit! - 2008 Honda Fit
  By Fit Fan - August 4 - 4:45 pm

  On my first tank in my 5 speed I got 34.5 mpg and that included some mountain driving - with plenty of power. My second and third tanks have been slightly over 40mpg mixed driving. I dont know where they get the EPA estimate of 28-34. Im also very happy with how fun it is to drive (sport-car feel), the great gas mileage, and the interior space that feels like it rivals my wifes Escape. Besides much better gas mileage than advertised, my 5 speed with the 1.5 liter engine has more spunk than my big old 6 cylinder Explorer does (or ever did). When some say the Fit doesnt have enough power Im amazed unless maybe they have the automatic which isnt quite as good on power or mpg.

• 

  Ridgeline is ideal. - 2008 Honda Ridgeline
  By Ken - August 4 - 7:38 am

  Im an IT Consultant and lug around a lot of technical tools. Its nice to be able to store them in the lockable, waterproof trunk. This frees up the cab for the dog and friends. Adequate power from the V6 and I really like its look. Black with standard gray interior. I also like the fact that it comes with a XM radio enabled stereo ready to activate.

• 

  Sooo bummed about LOW, LOW mileage!!!! - 2008 Honda Fit
  By katrinka - August 4 - 12:32 am

  This is my sixth new Honda purchase, all others were Civics, both manual and AT,and Ive never experienced such low mileage,in spite of driving in the same manner for 35 years. I average 20 (TWENTY!) mpg, with city/ highway combined. On one semi long trip the mileage climbed to 24. Now, I am still below the supposed 1,000 mile break in point, but do plan to have the vehicle examined, as I purchased it for its size, ease and mileage! GUARANTEED? Should the mileage PROBLEM be solved, Id recommend this vehicle highly. There are options one can purchase to solve any concerns listed below. Most owners report great mileage. The MT FIT gets up to 40,as DOES my 1991/MT Honda Civ-140K!

• 

  Dependable Car but short-lived AC - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By Yam - August 4 - 12:12 am

  I have my CR-V now for almost 4 years and Im happy with it. But just 3 days ago, the AC system gave up at 49,000 miles. Mechanic told me to take it to the dealership because hed seen at least 4 Hondas with the same problem. The dealership, after contacting Honda, decided to charge me just $160 to change the whole AC system as they realized that this thing has been becoming too common for 3 to 4 yr. old CR-Vs. If ever your CR-V AC gives up on you, contact the dealership before shelling out thousands of dollars at private auto shops. Big chance they will cover it for you even if your car is passed the warranty period.

• 

  284,200 miles of civic HX quality - 1996 Honda Civic
  By ron - August 3 - 9:00 pm

  It averages out to 23,683 mi/yr. crazy, huh? went through 1 month of self troubleshooting w/ egr and related systems, spent near $500 total incl getting the engines cooling channels (in the block) cleaned, 3 yrs ago. AVERAGED 43 mpg first 3-4 yrs,dropped to 40/41 next several yrs, the egr killed to 30-32, the fix brought it back to 35-37 mpg. The CVT tranny has been going out for, no b.s., the last 34k miles! I am STILL getting 35-37 mpg! The NEW Civics barely get this let alone any other domestic name out there. I wish I could of had the veh before or after this one from the production line and stored to drive it when this veh finally finds the big garage in the sky.

• 

  Awesome! - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By Ryan - August 3 - 7:20 pm

  Fun to drive, Features to LIVE for! Not much neogotiating power, too new and in demand. Forget about finding one with DVD/Navigator.