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 car mechanically, interiors fine, - 2010 Honda Accord Crosstour
  By Gerry - September 13 - 5:37 pm

  A 2010 models paint already looks 20 years old. Clear coat is cloudy, roof and hood, flaking, whole car looks aged well beyond its years. Last estimate to repaint, was over $10,000. Sits next my other car 5 years older, paint is as if new! Dealer tells us so sorry. Not their problem. Its an embarassement in the driveway.

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  Great used car! - 1998 Honda Accord
  By Jarry Hames - September 13 - 2:19 pm

  I purchased this car as a last minute decision. I had a new Pathfinder and decided that the SUV was not for me. Id owned a 95 EX Coupe and was not happy with it. I swore that I would never purchase another Honda. So I needed a car fast and a used Accord was almost a no brainer. Ive been very happy with this car. There have been some minor repair issues here and there. I keep it maintained and it has been good to me. I only wish that the car was better on gas. Otherwise, it has been an excellent used car! How often does anyone say that about a used car?

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  Fun to Drive - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By ET - September 13 - 6:33 am

  Love the NAVI, auto climate control, rear DVD and powerful engine. It drive sooo smoothly and can fit 8 passenger comfortably. The 3rd row seats have better leg room compared to other SUVs/minvans and so easy to store.

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  not user friendly interior - 2006 Honda CR-V
  By Leonard - September 13 - 4:09 am

  Problems, arm rest are too small, need to be 2/3in wider,no lights on steering wheel controlds(radio,cruse,control) radio station and clock time numbers are too hard to see, not enough "trinket" storage. Other than that its "ok"

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  Love it! - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By Don - September 13 - 3:20 am

  Got rid of our gas-guzzling minivan for this SUV. Its a pleasure to drive, has a ton of space and gets great mileage. One of the headlight low-beam bulbs blew at 200 miles while on vacation, but Augusta, Maine Honda dealership got it in quickly and took care of it ASAP.

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  Do NOT buy the Navi option - 2013 Honda Accord
  By raymond2013 - September 12 - 7:37 pm

  Overall this car provides what you might expect. Its a little higher priced for what you get when compared to competitor offerings, but I wanted the reliability of a Honda. What I did not expect was the horribly designed user interface of the navigation system. Test drives and showroom floor interactions do not allow enough usage to fully grasp the awkward layout and slowness of the system. Not only that, Honda confirmed today that is not and will not be possible to turn off the beep that occurs every time you click. Huh? This is a software change (deficiency). Youve got to be kidding me. Using the system is akin to conditioned response from electric shock. You learn to avoid it.

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  Nearly ten years old, yet Fantastic - 1997 Honda Prelude
  By Matt - September 12 - 4:02 pm

  I got this car 2 years ago with about 97k miles on ,but it felt new. The one thing that cost my attention was its unique look compared to other hondas. I bought this car for about 8k and for the price its probably the most rounded sports coupe(except for maybe an integra gs-r). The 2.2l vtec engine runs strong and pushes this car to 60mph in about 7 sec, Car and driver did it in 6.7! This car is very fun to drive daily and handles very well. EPA mileage seems low ,but it depends on driving. I achieved. about 25-26 city and 30mpg highway(5spd.) This is great for a first car and even for a weekend car.

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  Exceeded my expectations! - 2016 Honda HR-V
  By Hanka - September 12 - 3:15 pm

  shop around and compare different models

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  One of the best cars I ever owned - 1990 Honda Accord
  By MtnRoad - September 12 - 2:30 pm

  I had the base model with 4cyl engine, 5spd manual, and pw / pdl. The car was amazing. I have since sold it but wanted to mention this car was one of the best I ever owned. I woukd take into the dealer for oil changes and ask if there was anything else they recommended and they would also say no after the inspection. It just ran and ran. I never had any problems with the car. Engine in my opinion was under-powered in low gears with the manual shift but once I got up to cruising speed it performed well. Highway cruising and fuel mileage was excellent. I drove from Los Anegles to Phoenix on a little over a half tank. Yes it is true that really happened. A nice tail wind, no traffic, and at night no less but it did happen. I couldnt believe my own eyes when looking at the gas gauge. The interior was pretty stout and the seats were really comfortable. My car was white and the paint was in excellent shape when I sold it. One concern I have now after doing some research online is I found out the 4cyl uses a timing belt and it should have been changed to prevent engine damage on the old one breaking and the dealer never recommended this to me. The timing belt never broke under my ownership thank God but considering the mileage and use I put on that car I am surprised it never did. I always thought it had a chain but found out it was a belt. The only complaint I would have is the power radio antenna stopped retracting. I also noticed on every accord of the same time frame they had the same issue. And my late 80s model Acura was the same. Crap motor on that Honda item but overall these cars are gems and even to this day I see many of them on the road. Just saw a station wagon model the other day I never knew they made those. I would recommend this Honda Accord model to anyone.

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  Great except mileage - 2007 Honda Fit
  By jao - September 12 - 2:30 pm

  I love the Fit, except for the mileage I am getting. It is well designed, well built and fun to drive. However, I am getting only 24.5 - 27 mpg. I know a lot of other Sport AT owners are doing better, but have noticed others like me not getting excellent mileage. Hopefully, Honda will figure out why.