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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  Reliable and Efficient - 2007 Honda Accord
  By John - August 10 - 11:26 am

  Previous owner of a 98 EX coupe with 183K trouble-free miles. I hated to sell it, but I needed 2 extra doors. The 07 fits like a glove, handles crisp and tight, and gets great gas mileage. Had to get used to a couple of things from my old Honda like the absence of the change drawer on the left, but theres one in the center in front of the shifter. The radio controls are a little more complex, but having basic volume and channel buttons on the steering wheel are great. An overall well-rounded and well-balanced car. Best of all, no more timing belt! (I think the timing chain was introduced in 03) With the suggested improvements listed below, this car would have no rival. Coming in 08?!

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  Awesome Accord! - 2004 Honda Accord
  By PJM - August 10 - 3:30 am

  This is my favorite car yet! We have owned a few Accords over the years, any this 04 is by far the best. It is sooo quiet, powerful, confident, efficient, and high-tech. I absolutely love the Navigation system and how intuitive it is with the steering wheel and voice commands. We got 30.1 actual MPG on our first 300 miles (2/3 highway). I plan to keep this car forever, which is a great feeling!

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  Honda CR-V 2017 Plagued with TPMS issues - 2017 Honda CR V
  By James Smith - August 10 - 3:06 am

  I would not advise purchasing the vehicle. It is so new that dealerships do not know how to repair issues with the car. I have taken my car for the same TPMS issue that has occurred 5 times and they are still unable to fix the issue. Now I am stuck waiting for a specialist to come out within 1-2 weeks with one day warning to get my car into the dealership. They have replaced all my tires and admit to not knowing what is going on. The dealership now says it is between me and corporate honda. corporate honda is unwilling to provide me a loaner car. Even though tpms is required by law.

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  Great, except for the air conditioning! - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By graphicdavid - August 10 - 12:50 am

  Weve had our CR-V for three years. Its a great car generally, but it is now at the dealer for the second replacement of the air conditioning system. First time, it just quit working at 37,000 miles. Honda covered it for us under the original warranty. This time, at 56,000 miles, the compressor started growling. The $2000 repair will be covered by our extended warranty. Not sure Ill buy a Honda next time out....

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  Everything is great!!! - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By Honda Pilot - August 9 - 1:20 pm

  I have had no trouble with my Pilot. I have three kids and was not ready to go to a mini van so I got a Pilot. It was the best investment I have made. The Entertainment package is a must have for anyone with kids!

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  Reliable - 2002 Honda Accord
  By Owner Experience - August 9 - 12:54 pm

  At 110K and going strong. The car is reliable. I have replaced brakes - front (1) and rear (2), and tires. I have come to expect reliability in vehicles and have not been disappointed in any I have owned. This is no exception.

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  Attention Magnent - 2010 Honda Accord Crosstour
  By TeamviperF16 - August 9 - 11:53 am

  Wifes car, and I cannot wipe the grin off her face. This was purchased as the family/people mover and our experience thus far has exceeded expectations. I am amazed at the value in this car, as we traded in a Lexus RX and the CrossTour is more luxurious, more flexible, uses regular unleaded. Unlike the editors negative remarks regarding the dash, we have found the buttons preferable to the interface on our BMW, and the Lexus interface. Ours is Black on Black and it has attracted an amazing number of looks and favorable remarks. The car looks best in the Black, White and the metallic gray, green not so much.

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  I Love My CR-V - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By Cass - August 9 - 7:46 am

  I bought this car after my first car was totaled in an accident and am absolutely in love with it. I bought a 2003 with a little under 150,000 miles on it and in the past two years I have put right around 30,000 miles on it and its held up way better than I expected. I get suprisingly good gas milage for an SUV averaging around 25 MPG and sometimes getting as many as 27 miles to the gallon. Its extrememly reliable and handles great in the snow and is easy to judge. My only issue with the car is the A/C went out last fall and was estimated at over $1,000 to repair. I decided it wasnt worth it so I just roll the windows down in the summer. But overall, I love my car and am going to be sad when I see it go which is hopefully many years down the road.

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  I Love My CR-V - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By Cass - August 9 - 7:46 am

  I bought this car after my first car was totaled in an accident and am absolutely in love with it. I bought a 2003 with a little under 150,000 miles on it and in the past two years I have put right around 30,000 miles on it and its held up way better than I expected. I get suprisingly good gas milage for an SUV averaging around 25 MPG and sometimes getting as many as 27 miles to the gallon. Its extrememly reliable and handles great in the snow and is easy to judge. My only issue with the car is the A/C went out last fall and was estimated at over $1,000 to repair. I decided it wasnt worth it so I just roll the windows down in the summer. But overall, I love my car and am going to be sad when I see it go which is hopefully many years down the road.

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  Great Experience - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By First Minivan - August 9 - 1:00 am

  This is a very good vehicle. Our family has owned Hondas in the past, but we got away from them to experience something new. What a mistake. After briefly owning a 99 Audi I sprinted back to Honda quality. This vehicle has been a pleasure to own & drive over the past 18 months. No problems so far. Yes, its a minivan, so the "fun to drive" factor is lower than most vehicles. But it handles very well for a larger vehicle. Weve taken long trips & found the RES to be a must when traveling w/ 3 small children. Two neighbors have since purchased the 05 or 06 Odyssey and are also very satisfied. This is the best purchase (car or otherwise) Ive ever made.