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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  CRV - 2006 Honda CR-V
  By tyranitar22 - March 20 - 7:03 pm

  love this car, it takes turns beautifully, and its acceleration is amazing for an suv.

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  Still going!!! - 2004 Honda Civic
  By Zoom Zoom - March 20 - 5:13 pm

  I bought the car new, it had 24 miles on it. Now it has 75,000 miles. I have made changes to the car. All with the intent for better gas mileage. Stock I was getting 33 mpg on the interstate at 75 mph. After dual exhaust, K&N air intake, summer tires, and its not manual (automatic trans.) I now get 51 mpg on the interstate at 75-79 mph. Seriously basically stock 1.7L with an automatic stock trans. and 89 octane pump gas, I get 50 mpg. The city drive takes a toll on the gas mileage, due to the trans., I still get anywhere from 38 to 43mpg in the city. It is definitely not a racer, but it is what I paid for. I would like to have a little more power, but saving the gas money is great.

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  The best CR-V yet! - 2017 Honda CR-V
  By Larry Gator - March 20 - 4:30 pm

  I have owned four Honda CR-Vs before this one. The all performed admirably. This one, however, outperforms the others by a wide margin. The new safety features are outstanding. There is collision avoidance, lane departure warning, and logical cruise control to name a few. I am completely satisfied with this automobile.

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  Last Honda for me .... - 2006 Honda Accord
  By ddent01 - March 20 - 2:17 pm

  After owning Hondas for the last 30 years I am on my last one. Why you ask? Its the dealers and Honda corporate US. My local dealer service dept has one great service manager and I could do without the remainder of this dept. They continue to increase oil change fees and recently wanted to charge $129 for a transmission fluid change. Went to another dealer and got it done for $49. HONDA CORP if you read the online forums then please note you have lost another customer. I am tired of dealers nickel /diming me to death. $300 for a 30k service and the main thing you do is oil/filter, air filter, cabin filter ?!?!?! Sorry, guess its Toyota from now on.

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  Amazing Honda - 1991 Honda Accord
  By kamran - March 20 - 2:15 pm

  I bought Honda EXR 5 years back.It already had over 200,000 KM on it.I drove it a lot and now it has over 400,000 km.Never had any major mechanical problem, except regular maintenance.I love to drive it. Still having good gas mileage. Only problem it has "RUST." Due to rust, I guess I have to replace it.

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  Perfect For Dog Owners and For Commuting - 2008 Honda Element
  By Louise - March 20 - 1:12 pm

  I spent a year looking for a suv that got good gas mileage and would fit my 4 dogs in (Great Dane,2 Rat Terriers and Border Collie). I keep turning away from the Element due to its not so attractive appearance,but it was overall perfect for what I needed! It by far beats every SUV with gas mileage and space. With the dogs, no carpet to worry about, therefore no smelly car! The buying process was painful. We spent 6 hours at the dealership trying to get a good price. We walked out paying $19k with $290 a month payments. We did good. Great Car, wouldnt give it up for anything!

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  Reliable and comfortable - 2002 Honda Civic
  By Happy customer - March 20 - 11:20 am

  This is a great car. It rides smooth and I havent had any large repair bills to date. Ive had this car 4 years and all Ive had to replace is the tires and regular oil changes. Im very happy with the gas mileage. I have had many compliments on this car from friends to mechanics. This is a great road trip car. Ive taken it to a bunch of different States and even out of the Country.

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  The perfect automobile - 2000 Honda Civic
  By Rodger - March 20 - 8:31 am

  Mine too has a clunk in the transmission when slowing down and then pressing the accelerator quickly. Thats about the only thing I can complain about. Everything else works perfectly with no problems. I recommend Honda products to all. I changed from a Lincoln Town Car to a Civic because of fuel economy not because I didnt like my Lincoln but I love my Honda even more.

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  Navigation is worthless - 2017 Honda CR-V
  By Nicholas - March 20 - 7:41 am

  Dont pay for navigation. Just use your phone. The system takes you the worst routes and longest routes and does not recognize any county back roads. we paid alot for navigation and cannot trust it.

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  Poor Build Quality 2009 - 2009 Honda Accord
  By Jonboy6 - March 20 - 5:23 am

  Brakes squeak from day one, transmission makes shredding, tearing noises when putting in reverse and then drive, headrest forces your head forward, when full gas tank sounds like a swimming pool sloshing around and already had a safety recall for poor build quality with "noises" coming from the back of the car. Road noise is horrible on certain roads. You still want to risk buying this car?? My last Honda ever!