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:

• 

  Very Disappointed - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By johndoe - December 29 - 3:00 am

  Well, my girlfriend and I were all excited to drive the new CRV. It looked so cool with the new design. Of course we expected the reliability and all the nice interior amenities. We were sadly disappointed and we did not let our original anticipation blind us, as some have. Cardboard thin and awkward "captains chairs" in the front. Skinny bench seats in the back. Hated the missing middle console, and combined with the "captains chairs" made us feel like we were floating around. No powerseat adjustments in any trim level. Really small gauges and a noisy and wimpy 4cyl. engine sealed its fate.

• 

  Happy with my Honda - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By HondaMan - December 28 - 8:43 pm

  A fun, fuel efficient safe vehicle. Great in the snow. Has held up well over 50,000 miles -- plan to keep it for another 50,000. Prior to installing a "bug shield" had many small nicks in the paint on the hood. Otherwise, a near perfect performance - - hey, its a Honda.

• 

  fun and fast - 2002 Honda S2000
  By polkat - December 28 - 7:40 pm

  Owned a couple sport cars, the s2000 is the best all around car i have owned

• 

  Great Vehicle - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By bl54 - December 28 - 3:49 pm

  Very pleased after 26,000 miles. Bought Honda based on previous experience with Accord, Civic and a few motorcycles. Incredible performance in inclement weather, drives like the pavement is always dry. Excellent cargo and passenger capacity for a small vehicle.

• 

  Not sure what this "Vibration" complaint is about... - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By Shawn Sluder - December 28 - 12:48 pm

  I bought my CR-V about a month ago and now have around 1,000 miles on it. I keep reading about a vibration issue with this model, but Im very uncertain as to why people are saying this. Let me assure you, there are no cars on the market that dont have even just a little vibration when idling. My CR-V has some lunging sounds when driving at lower speeds, but thats because the transmission is shifting into a higher gear to improve fuel economy. Please dont let some of these "vibration" complaints stop you from buying such a great car. Go drive one for yourself and you will see it rides and drives wonderfully!

• 

  2nd Timer to Honda - 1997 Honda Civic
  By 2nd Timer to Honda - December 28 - 12:44 pm

  Just bought Honda 97 LX with 114.5K miles from a private party as a 2nd car, well kept. My initial reposne is good, stable drive, engine looks to be in good condition. Previously, I had Accord 2000 EX and have now Altima 06. Good to know this comes with keyless entry and auto-theft. Still checking for ABS. Not sure if that comes standard, i think it does but please dont take my word for it. Will be updating this board in about 6 months. If looking for 2nd car, go for it, check with the seller about the timing belts, water pumps and brakes service info (at least).

• 

  Great Compact SUV - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By cgd - December 28 - 10:10 am

  For the money, features, and specs, you cant go wrong with this one. Better mpg would be nice, but I realize its a tradeoff to get performance and to be up off the ground.

• 

  Honda Odyssey-Touring Model - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By Odyssey Touring - December 28 - 10:03 am

  Two days after buying our first Odyssey we set out to drive from AZ to WA with a carload of hand-me-down furniture and a dog as well as our luggage. We had no problem with vehicle stability or power going over the Continental Divide. The ride was very comfortable.

• 

  lots of room,powerful,the best buy - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By sergio baters - December 28 - 10:00 am

  this is my 5th honda and i shopped around a lot,and the only mini van that came close was the toyota sienna.honda has traction control and abs standard.with 240hp the van has awesome acceleration,it handles good when passing other vehicles or turning.you can load a 52 in tv,and some other stuff.the dash is easy read,and nicely organized.lets not forget the front side air bags.if you put a child that weights less than 45lbs on the front passenger seat,the air bag will not work and will shot itself off.16 in wheels and tinted windows are standard.forget ford or chrysler test drive an odyssey and you will love it.

• 

  Pilot a great suv - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By prissypete - December 28 - 10:00 am

  great experience so far