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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  A Great Surprise... - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By MereSanct - May 23 - 9:41 am

  This little car is loaded with wonderful surprises...a lot of technology for the price (but not too much to be overwhelming for me, of the Boomer generation) a QUIET, comfortable ride (comparable to much higher priced luxury cars) that I must attribute to the finishes and those 18" wheels! And the roominess that cars in this class generally lack...we are delighted with this purchase and cannot say enough good things. Nicely styled, nicely put-together, a great ride...easy to navigate the dash.

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  Excellent Package - 2007 Honda Civic
  By dirtintegra7 - May 22 - 9:00 pm

  The car is very quick and responsive. I drive the car daily for work and have been getting 32.5 MPG since day one. The is not the fastest but definitely holds it own.

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  Outstanding car - 1993 Honda Accord
  By nk - May 22 - 5:18 pm

  I have had this for the past 13 years, and it had been the most reliable piece of equipment I ever owned. For a 4-cyl, it provides unbelievable acceleration and all the power options have been working well to date.

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  Best Car to buy! - 2000 Honda Accord
  By A - May 22 - 3:52 pm

  Ive owned many cars over the years. I am talking about Nissan, Toyota, Mercedes, Infinity, and of course Honda. I have a Honda Accord and even though the other cars that Ive owned have served me well- my honda is MY favorite. In 60, 000 miles I have only changed the rotors and brakes, and the oil. Not that I am negligent- just that the car asks for little attention- it does it all and well! I am hating the fact that later on in life I will have to change cars and not be able to buy a new 2000 Honda Accord- I wouldve loved to buy two- keep one in the garage until I need it. The new models look great but the one I have is the best car to buy.

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  GREAT SUV! - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By FL3 - May 22 - 10:11 am

  This is the 4th CR-V Ive purchased ... they keep getting better and better! Drives more like a car than an SUV. VERY comfortable. Surprisingly agile. Im averaging 24mpg which isnt bad for a CR-V! I am VERY happy and will probably get another one next year!

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  04 Pilot EXL - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By Bob and Dee - May 21 - 9:35 am

  Have owned several used honda cars and all have been predictably reliable. We bought this Pilot new though and now after nearly 20 months and 21000 miles it is still completely problem free and a pleasure to drive. It has been thru 2 snowy Minn winters, easily pulls our 18 boat and entertains the kids with the DVD. This is the wifes truck and she loves the visibility, ride comfort and EXL features. She told me there is no way I could get her to drive (or even ride in) an Explorer or the GMC AWD Safari weve had in the past.

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  They got it...............its the best - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By ED - May 21 - 8:53 am

  After several reviews and months looking for the best transportation for my people (3 adults and 3 kids) we decided wait until the new odyssey. I already have my touring for 3 months and we are really proud about our decision.All in this car is very intuitive,everithing is in the right place.My congratulations to all that people reestablish its dominance in the minivan marketplacewith this amizing car.

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  Good job Honda! - 2010 Honda Accord Crosstour
  By NWcar2 - May 21 - 8:30 am

  We have been looking for a new car for the last couple of years. When we read about the CrossTour, we wanted to wait until we could test drive it. All I can say is Wow! We tested about everything Toyota and Honda have to offer and the CrossTour was the standout. We love the quiet ride (thanks to the Active Sound Control). Also, the Honda Navigation system is the only one I would buy. It is awesome. If youre looking for a car with great comfort, a little extra luggage space/flexibility in the back and super technology, this is the car for you.

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  2010 EXL with Navi - 2010 Honda CR-V
  By Mike Anton - May 21 - 4:56 am

  This is the best vehicle I have ever owned. Its comfortable, handles well, has enough power, smooth braking and is fun to drive. Lots of headroom and overall driver space.

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  It aint perfect, but close enough. - 2014 Honda Accord Hybrid
  By dat4life - May 20 - 9:46 pm

  Ive had my base Hybrid for a month and put a little over 2K miles on it. Its been amazing so far. Ive averaged about 48 mpg so far in mixed driving, which probably be higher if temps didnt drop below freezing which caused me to average about 36 mpg on my current tank. Handling is good for a big sedan, and it feels like it has as much power as my former 04 Accord EX-L V6 Navi. Brakes are smooth and linear, unlike the jerky brakes found on the Priuss Ive rented. Seats are supportive and comfortable, and the interior fit and finish is quite good. I find the infotainment system to be decently intuitive. The base audio system is ok, though not great.