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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  Nice quieter ride with some bugs that need fixed - 2013 Honda Accord
  By jetascs - May 1 - 9:30 pm

  Looked at and test drove a 2010 Accord Coupe, it was nice but too much road noise. Was in the market again and the ride, power, and road noise were markedly better in the 13 than the previous Accords. Interior leather and finishes are very nicely done. Getting 32 MPG combined (60% hwy miles). Only problem is the audio system. Having the same issue a lot of others are reporting with intermittent muted / distorted sound. Message boards and forums are saying Honda is providing a firmware fix end of Feb first of March 13. Lets hope so... very disappointing for only having the car 3 weeks!!

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  Our First Honda - 2010 Honda CR-V
  By SJC Sr. - May 1 - 4:26 pm

  Have driven it for two months now. Love it. Feels like a larger vehicle and the handling is great. Has taken some time to adjust to the 4cyl, but is enough power for us. Getting 21 mpg doing real short trips and 26 mpg on longer runs.

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  Not What We Had Hoped For - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By We Tried. - May 1 - 1:30 pm

  We were very excited when we picked up the car and were looking forward to long-term ownership of our first Honda.It is very feature rich which played a part in our purchase in addition to the gas mileage estimates. However, after taking it on several long road trips and driving it around locally for several months we decided to sell it. Why? In highway driving, it has a lot of wind noise, feels tinny..not substantial, steering is somewhat loose, it is very underpowered when you try to pass and the gas mileage at best was 26 mpg. In the city the gas mileage average around 17 mpg which was substantially lower than the 22 posted on the sticker. Decided to go back to a Volvo SUV. We tried!

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  Element Lover! - 2004 Honda Element
  By CAS - May 1 - 1:06 pm

  I am in a wheelchair. I got the Element because the backseats would hang and the back door opened like a van. I could pop my 15 pound wheelchair behind the drivers seat and go.

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  1st Time Mini-Van Owner - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By April - May 1 - 12:42 pm

  I absolutely love the ease of use on the Odyssey. The electronic doors opening for my kids, the lazy susan for storage. The DVD rear entertainment system is a must for kids. There is lots of room for storage and the drive is very smooth.

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  Hate this Van - 1999 Honda Odyssey
  By Hate this van - May 1 - 12:39 pm

  I thought this van would be nice to drive. The check engine light comes on unless I use premium gas, and a diagnostics test said the o2 sensor and the cat needed replaced. I am glad I havent had the trans problem that everyone else seems to have, maybe that was worked out before I got it. It doesnt have a smooth ride at all. The sliding doors stick and sometimes wont even stay shut, even the hatch is hard to get open and closed.

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  Comfortable and reliable - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By Kim Bell - May 1 - 12:29 pm

  Great reliable vehicle.

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  Just Purchased - Sand Color - 2017 Honda CR V
  By Lawrence Storey - May 1 - 11:47 am

  Exterior color is new and excellent!

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  I love my Honda - 2006 Honda CR-V
  By Robin - May 1 - 9:40 am

  Handles great, went through snow with ease. Ive only owned my Honda for a month but it is pretty much everything I expected. I already knew that one of the cons is that you can hear road noise quite a bit through the doors. One disappoint is that it hasnt lived up to the gas mileage claim. I got 24 mpg hwy and only 20 mpg hwy/city. Im going to change gas grades and see if that makes a difference. If they want to improve this great little SUV they could add headlights that turn off and automatically. Overall I am very pleased with my Honda CRV.

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  Very reliable car - 1991 Honda Accord
  By Dave - May 1 - 8:15 am

  Bought with 70K miles now has nearly 260K miles,and still has original engine and 5-speed manual clutch. Even at this age, doesnt burn any detectable oil between oil/filter changes every 3K. 33 mpg reliably on hwy. Can drive for 14 hours, and get out of the car feeling fairly fresh, good lighting for night driving, very reliable, paint has held up very well, solid brakes. Accelerate to at least 5K RPM before downshifting and you drop to 3K RPM, still inside the power curve where things happen quickly even for a 4cyl. Greatly appreciate the reliability, low maintenance, comfort, power aspects of this car.