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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  4th one and will continue to buy - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By Elaine Graziano - June 21 - 10:10 am

  This is our 4th Honda, and, because of the quality, resale, and reliability, we will continue to buy Hondas.(Our first was an 88,had 380,000 miles, and sold for $1400!)We were going to wait and buy a used Pilot, but the demand was too high, and there were too many people on the waiting list. We just couldnt resist and bought our 2004.We put alot of miles on our cars because of family living far away, keep our cars,and we dont try to keep up with the Joneses.Our Pilot has made driving very enjoyable and makes us feel very safe on the road.Our first grandson will be born next week, and I feel great about his safety with us! Roomy,efficient,safe,reliable, attractive--Id love to get another!

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  Oregon rain loves the CR-V - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By Tom - June 20 - 3:33 pm

  We love to drive this Honda. Weve owned since early dec. then we got the snow and rains. It has handled the wet/snowy roads just great. We cant wait til we can take it on a real road trip this summer. The mpg for us is 25 city-30+hwy. We dont feel like were missing a larger more powerful engine, this 4 banger is zippy enough for us old hippies!

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  highly recommended - 1999 Honda Civic
  By Camilla_Roberts - June 20 - 10:00 am

  When i first decided to buy a used car i was very uneasy and skeptical of every car i looked at. Finally i found my honda civic dx and although it has high mileage, the moment i test drove the car i felt confident, safe, and assured that this car would last and be a good investment. Although i have only had the car a month or so now, it has given me no problems and i continue to feel safe and enjoy driving this car. I really wanted a car with a sunroof, cd player and all the bells and whistles but when i drove this honda- although not fully loaded- i was more than willing to sacrifice for the peace of mind the honda offered.

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  My fun Car - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By Tony Duckett - June 20 - 10:00 am

  This Suv turns on dime, it drives as a car. The sound system is nice. Ilove the whole design of this SUV. For the price Hoda Is going to make a killing.The only bad thing is that I wish it got better gas mileage in the city. Other than that this is a good buy......

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  Honda Element - 2005 Honda Element
  By Tim - June 20 - 9:53 am

  So far its a fantastic, practical vehicle. No problems in first year of ownership. A breeze to clean inside, the EX has a completely washable interior, including the headliner.

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  A lot of bang for the big buck - 2010 Honda Accord Crosstour
  By Matched Set - June 19 - 6:56 pm

  For a larger car, this one is nimble and nicely powered. I enjoy the drive, ride, and extremely well designed interior spaces. It is not unlike Honda to put a great deal of thought into their vehicles, so this one is no exception. I also have a 2006 S2000 and that car sold me on the Honda brand. This one is a lot of bang for the big buck.

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  A good quality vehicle for the money - 2006 Honda CR-V
  By steve - June 19 - 3:10 pm

  I had this CR-V for almost two months and Im quite satisfied with it. I compared it with the Rav4, and when you consider the base price/with standard options, the value is with the Honda. Ive driven 1700 miles and with this peppy little engine, Ive gotten 23 mpg around town and 33 mpg highway (unloaded). Though, at low speed (20- 30 mph) when I take my foot off the gas, it seems like its holding back- but again, the mpg was still good! I will be bringing that up with the dealer next month. The overall ride is good but the seat seems a bit stiff. The bottom line - I would buy this CR-V again.

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  Mix of Power and Economy - 2005 Honda Accord
  By Cliff Gerber - June 18 - 6:30 pm

  The 2005 Hybrid is a vast improvement over the 1998 Accord Coupe V6 that I previously owned. The ride is smoother, the vehicle is much quieter--with the exception of some road noise. Mileage on pure highway driving is exceptional, slightly better than the EPA rating in my experience. City driving can vary significantly depending upon conditions. My experience is between 23 and 27 mpg in town, averaging a little over 24 for city driving. In my opinion thats pretty good for a powerful V6. Transition between modes of power: IMA + gasoline engine, 6 cylinder gasoline power and three cylinder power (with and without assist) is usually very smooth, but occasionally noticeable.

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  holy honda - 2012 Honda Ridgeline
  By Randy Remenap - June 18 - 1:59 pm

  Great truck. reliable, great storage, dependable easy to maintain.

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  Great little car - 2016 Honda Fit
  By Jennifer Holden - June 18 - 11:38 am

  We traded in RAV 4 for this car after some engine trouble in the RAV. To us, the interior seems almost as roomy. We miss the arm rest in the front seat though. When I pay so little for gas each week, it seems like the greatest car ever!