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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  What a LetDown - 2005 Honda Accord
  By Freddy Muggs - July 4 - 8:00 pm

  I traded my fifteen year old Acura for the Accord, (because I could not afford a new Acura). What a letdown! My old Acura still rides smoother, accelerates better, and even looks better than my new Accord. Not that the Accord is a piece of junk, but compared to the Acura, fuggetabout it! The noise level is terrible inside. Rain sounds like someone dropping marbles on sheet metal. Other cars stereos penetrate so loud that I keep checking to see if I fully rolled up the windows. I see on the nameplate that the car is made in Mexico. I wish Honda made it in Japan. I think Honda would not get the reputation it enjoys today if the original cars were made like this one.

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  just OK - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By lisa - June 28 - 3:36 pm

  Im not sure what all the rave is about and why the CRV gets such high marks. This is certainly a practical car, but it doesnt have much power and doesnt handle all that well. Ive had issues with turning and accelerating, especially on wet surfaces. And this car is NOISY. The noise from tires and wind while driving is very loud. I much preferred the Jeep Liberty for pep, , sturdiness, handling and fun, but it did not get good gas mileage so I had to trade it for the CRV. Im disappointed but today, fuel economy is the most important factor for me. But that even suffers tremendously when using the air conditioning.

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  Great car, worst Bluetooth ever!! - 2016 Honda Civic
  By AJ - June 27 - 12:42 am

  I thought it was odd that they removed the AUX audio port, but dealing with a horrible Bluetooth phone conversation makes this car hard to recommend. Also active lane assist is a bit choppy.

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  What a waste of money!!! - 2006 Honda Accord
  By Frankie - June 21 - 11:36 am

  I hate this car. There is hardly any room in the car. I hate the big oversized knobs for the radio and the a/c. It eats gas like there is no tomorrow.

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  uncomfortable - 2000 Honda CR-V
  By meg - June 13 - 1:43 pm

  Gas mileage is excellent. Interior awkward and uncomfortable. Everything is too high. Cannot turn the smallest corners without everything sliding all over. Cups fall out of cup holders everytime you make a turn.

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  I used to be a Honda fan! - 2015 Honda Accord Hybrid
  By Bill Baker - June 6 - 8:48 pm

  Bought the Honda Accord Hybird after owning the Lincoln MKZ Hybird. Bottom line, we should have stayed with the Lincoln. I have been on two trips (200 and 500 mile), and was very disappointed with the 37 MPG I averaged on each of them. Hondas answer was it gas mileage should improve after your first oil change. The engine sounds like it is stuck in first gear when it kicks in. The engine noise is very noticeable inside the cabin area if you are driving 30 MPH or faster. Voice recognition software with the radio is less than user friendly and no logic to some of the required commands. Only good thing I can say about this car is it was about $15,000 dollars cheaper than a Lincoln. I got what I paid for!

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  NOT HAPPY - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By NOT HAPPY - June 1 - 2:00 am

  NEEDS MORE ROOM, TO CRAMPED IN THE FRONT AND BACK OF THE VEHICLE. ENGINE A BIT TO SMALL, HANDLES GOOD, A/C GOOD STEREO SYSTEM NEEDS UPGRADE,

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  Not thrilled for the price - 2009 Honda Civic
  By b2b - May 30 - 11:26 am

  Nice looking car, like the led tail lights and digital dash, but Im 56 and smash my shin each and every time I enter this car. Poor design there, seats could be more comfortable, lots of rattles and squeaks and idles rough at red lights. I have the basic VP model, and although it features power windows, there are manual locks and mirrors! This was almost $19k at my dealer. I wish I had done more research on other cars before leasing this. Its really not worth the $$ at all.

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  keeper - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By finder - May 20 - 10:00 am

  good reliability car wish it had little more room .

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  4 DR LX Sedan - 2002 Honda Civic
  By Jim - May 10 - 9:44 am

  I bought the car for the gas mileage and the reliability I thought Honda had. the car is easy to drive around town and is fairlly comfortable on long trips. The trunk lid kept coming open while you were driving down the road. You would have to stop on the side of the road and close it again. The biggest problem with the Civic is cost of repair. At 84,000 miles the transmission went out and put us on the side of the road. I had it towed in and repaired it for a cost of $3602.35. If you have anything break on a Honda Civic it is very expensive to repair.