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 new Honda -- Mixed Reviews - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By Hondad in Houston - January 4 - 1:43 pm

  As my 4th new Honda--all were first year of new generation, 85 Civic, 01 Civic, 06 Civic, 07 CR-V--I knew what to expect: an excellent example of automotive ingenuity with superior fuel savings, exemplary reliability and the best, par none, resale value. Each of these new generations Hondas of mine had their own quicks, some which were never fixed by the dealer until they suggested an alternate fix--the month after the warranty expired of course--like the front strut knocking on my 01 and todays 07 CR-V the strange rattles from the undercarriage at idle and low speeds. Dont get me wrong, I loved all my Hondas but the dealers need to fix the quirks or switch to selling domestics.

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  Great DEPENDABLE car, comfortable - 2013 Honda Civic
  By honda lover with 1st Honda - January 4 - 12:18 pm

  Super gas mileage, frequently get better than stated estimates on trips 44-45 mpg combined city traffic with standstills and highway, rural, avg 34 mpg

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  ok - 2016 Honda Odyssey
  By Zoe Yang - January 4 - 10:49 am

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  What a Blast! - 2009 Honda Fit
  By RonS - January 4 - 12:13 am

  This is the first vehicle Ive owned in 30+ years that makes me want to drive. Its no sports car but its still a hoot! On decent roads the engine smoothly hums along and the car is quieter than my 2000 Accord. The noise level does pick up when the engine is pushed but it seems willing enough and the transmission shifts with precision. It rides very nicely on good roads but things get somewhat choppy on rougher surfaces. However, the car remains very composed on all surfaces and is very easy to handle. Gas mileage in lows 30s around town and low 40s on highway. A lot of thought went into this design!

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  Still purring! - 1999 Honda Accord
  By Robert - January 3 - 9:43 pm

  Well, now what a surprise the ole-girl has 150k on her and looks and drives like new. Do what the maintenace schedule says use only Honda parts! This car has been a delight to me and my wife now for eight years! No mechanical failures only one slightly costly driver side door mechanism hickup. A little pin broke and locked the door permanently. It was real interesting taking the door panel off and cutting the locking mechanism out with a dremel. Total fluke nobodies fault. 32 gpm highway which is most of our driving. Pushes snow with quality snow tires. Love stick shift, changed out the cloth for leather heated for $1400, would do it again. Going to drive her till she dies!

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  2007 Honda CR-V, LX - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By Silver2007 - January 3 - 3:18 pm

  Ive driven this car for six months before deciding to write this review. Overall Im very pleased with the 2007 CR-V. You really do get a lot of great features for the price of this base model. If youre like me youve done a lot of comparison with other makes and models in the CR-Vs range and of course went through these reviews, which for the most part are helpful. In keeping this short I wont mention everything thats available (you can get that in the vehicles "specs"). Instead Ill mention what I like and what I feel is lacking or could be improved in the sections below.

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  sky pilot - 2017 Honda Pilot
  By Bob - January 3 - 6:08 am

  the 2017 Elite is the 4th pilot Ive purchased. Ive loved all the others & I think this will follow right in line.

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  Overall amazing car. - 2010 Honda Civic
  By fb1987 - January 3 - 12:49 am

  This car once again proved its reliability. I have over 140000 miles on my car and i havent any problems beside tires, brakes and shocks (depends on where you live). Only con about this car is the hp.

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  Love my CR-V - 2010 Honda CR-V
  By Chris - January 2 - 7:16 pm

  Traded in my 1996 Accord Ex in March for a CRV EX - 4WD. I like Hondas reliability. I fall more in love with my CRV every day.I love every minute Im driving. Three weeks after I purchased my car I went on a 2,000 mile round trip to WY. Dont understand complaints about stiff seats because I was completely comfortable every mile of the trip.I also had no road noise. It is so smooth to drive. My only complaint is it struggles a bit on very steep inclines.

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  Love this car! - 2007 Honda Fit
  By Kathy - January 2 - 4:06 pm

  Some of the online reviews of this car had me worried while I was waiting for mine - but I love it!! We just returned from a 2600 mile vacation in it, and found it to be great on the freeway and even passing at highway speeds. This was with a fully loaded car, four adults and all our luggage! We took 4 large duffel bags,two stuffed backpacks and a large cooler!The seats could be somewhat more comfortable, but it was no less comfortable than my 97 civic and I find it to be a more peppy car. I would buy this car ten times over, I have owned both a 300 hp car and motorcycles, and this is both fun to drive and safer! My blue sport is the Honda Ive been waiting for!