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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  Fun Car - 2004 Honda Accord
  By samm97 - June 15 - 10:00 am

  Impressive car, surprising 4 cylinder, feels like a small 6. comfortable, easy to drive, responsive handling, comfortable on small trips . ( havent done any long trips yet.)Head light ilumination great. Steering wheel radio controls great! Back seat has enough leg rm( Im 6 foot tall) I Love this car! so much fun to drive!

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  Love it!!!!! - 2004 Honda Accord
  By accord_rocks - June 15 - 10:00 am

  Just got a 2004 Accord coupe ex-V6. have been driving it and it just doesnt wanna stop! if you are into big engines, this one is the way to go. simply, no regrets.

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  Fun and great quality for great price! - 2006 Honda CR-V
  By Vicky - June 15 - 6:53 am

  I just bought my 06 CRV SE and I couldnt be happier! I traded in my 99 Civic EX and could not believe how much I loved the CRV. It doesnt drive like a typical SUV, much more like a car. Would HIGHLY suggest upgrading to the Special Edition if your budget allows. Leather really gives interior a classier and more professional look. Drives great in heavy rain also, I felt very safe. Time will tell on gas mileage. I shopped around a lot and the Honda dealers were definitely the most honest and straight forward. Overall, very happy with my purchase.

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  Skip the Navigation - 2016 Honda Odyssey
  By Imupset - June 14 - 11:07 pm

  We paid way too much money for a navigation system that does not work properly. It adds extra miles to our car. We can be a few blocks from home, and it thinks we are 3 miles away. THis has happened in other states we travel too - not just ours. It is not user friendly - it has a knob and you can take 10 minutes or more trying to find where you are going if you can even find it. Some local places i search for, and the navigation directs me to other cities or Canada. I have tried working with the dealer and want my money back for the system. The Representative claims after my last visit, this is how it is supposed to work and there is nothing they can do because it is not broken. There are free apps on our phones that work much better. It has never rerouted us due to traffic, and many times you cant change anything unless you pull over and stop the car. If i purchased this through a store, i could return it. We are still pursuing matter because we are very disappointed Honda is not standing behind this. What if it was an emergency and we had to find a hospital? It can take 10 minutes just trying to work the system, and how do we know it would take the fastest route? We live in Southern CA and it does not even recognize freeways that have been here 10-20 years or more. The settings have been checked at 2 dealerships, they installed a new system and nothing changes. We are so disappointed that we paid a large amount of money for a product that they are not standing behind. We were told they can fix it if something was wrong, but they didnt make it. They are selling it - they should stand behind it. We feel totally let down and that Honda is not standing behind this. Save your money and use the free apps on your phone. We are still pursuing the matters and will continue to not recommend this product. Even the sales reps dont use it - we should have taken that as a sign not to get it. We just thought it would be nice and convenient, and now it could be a hazard to us - especially in an emergency. When they finally contacted me, the Honda Rep said they would give me my next update for free and hopefully one of these years it would work. I said no. I want my money back and did not agree to this free upgrade. It has been replaced and there are no updates and it just doesnt work.

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  Wow - 1998 Honda Prelude
  By Jason - June 14 - 10:58 pm

  Youre in a front wheel drive car... You floor it at the light and make your left turn with your foot to the floor, yet there is no tire squeal and the car just pulls you through the turn with a serious growl, you steer even harder left and the back slowly starts to kick out. Is this car rear wheel drive or did Honda truly fix front wheel drive understeer. The latter. Every front wheel drive car should have ATTS! So much fun to drive!

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  Go twice as far for half as much - 2006 Honda Insight
  By Matt - June 14 - 8:52 pm

  If you have a long commute to work like I do, this is the car for you. I have a 120 mile round trip each day from work. I was driving a blazer before gas was even breaking $2.00/gal and was spending more each month on gas then my car payment. I still have the blazer, because I live in New England, and this car will not get you out of the snow. It has smooth pick up, and at 75-80mph I still average 52mpg. You cant beat that.

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  Noise - 2009 Honda Accord
  By Tom S - June 14 - 6:50 pm

  Brake noise - high pitched squeal. Rattle of the back panel by the rear speakers against the rear window. Road Noise.

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  Unbelieveable - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By HondaIsMyFriend - June 14 - 1:46 pm

  I have driven the CRV about 1000 miles now, and I love it. Its ride is much smoother than my previous CRV, and it is so luxurious! If youre looking for a smaller SUV, I highly recommend taking this one!

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  Ulility & Function in Form - 2006 Honda Element
  By Grannuma - June 14 - 1:12 pm

  This SUV is I feel the only correctly named machine in the SUV market. Like the Range rovers of the past these are purpose built no frills and reliable.

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  Still Happy! - 1997 Honda Accord
  By Stacie - June 14 - 12:07 pm

  This was my first new car purchase and it remains a great decision. I purchased this car due to the distance I would be traveling to college and have always felt safe, had great reliability, and continue to get great gas mileage. With basic maintenance and the purchase of new tires, my Value Package Honda has lived up to every expectation. Ill be purchasing a new vehicle soon, but a family member has already asked to buy my 1997 Honda because of how great it is!!