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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  Great Car - 2001 Honda Civic
  By Hil - February 23 - 10:00 am

  This is the second Honda that I have owned. They are great, reliable and fun cars. The only problem Ive had with both of them is that the windshield is extremly fragile. Both cars had broken windshields from small rocks. Also, quarter and door panels are easily dented. A shopping cart can do a number on a little Honda! No dent resistence here.

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  Love it - 2003 Honda Civic
  By asurfc2 - February 23 - 10:00 am

  This thing is gets as good of gas mileage as the Toyota Hybred and at $5000 less. not to mention it has a better look to it. A great buy if you want the hybred but cant quite afford it.

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  2003 Accord is the BEST car on the Road - 2003 Honda Accord
  By giggles36 - February 23 - 10:00 am

  I love my Honda Accord. We checked out the new and used Toyota Camry, Toyota 4 Runner, Honda CRV, Honda Accord and of course the Honda Accord won Hands Down. The best car for your money. It has a smooth ride, great at picking up speed and looks great in the process. It has a lot more trunk room than it looks.

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  Great Performer - Fun to drive - 2003 Honda Accord
  By hondaman7 - February 23 - 10:00 am

  I considered many others including Camry, Passat, Mazda 6, Maxima, etc. I liked the look of the Accord, but had owned Hondas before and was bored with them. That changed when I drove the 2003 Accord. Wow! I cant believe this thing has a 4-cyl engine, it is more peppy and responsive than many 6-cyl vehicles Ive driven. Looks great, turns alot of heads. I looked at the LX - but decided to upgrade to EX for the wheels, sunroof and 6-disc cd changer.

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  Accord moving upscale! - 2003 Honda Accord
  By dani - February 23 - 10:00 am

  I purchased the EX-L with manual to replace my 1993 BMW 318is. I needed a new car and a 4 door sedan. I am impressed with the ride, quietness, stick shift, accurate (but, too light) steering, and value. Resale value and reliability top notch. I was contemplating looking at the Mazda6, but was not as trusting of Mazda to build a reliable car as the Accord. The car is so economical - I get 35- 36mpg on the highway and about 30 in mixed driving. It feels much richer inside than all the other Japanese family sedans and pretty close to my 2002 Passat Wagon. Pricing is excellent - I got mine for $200 under invoice.

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  You cant find a better mini van. - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By Matt W - February 23 - 3:42 am

  We bought ours new at the end of 2005. It now has 240,000 miles on it. This vehicle was always serviced at the dealership. the only things that have gone wrong on it were a minor issue with the AC, and a high pressure line on the power steering. The power steering was sometimes noisy, but it has never not worked. The only issue I have with the van is that if you do not rotate the tires at least every 5000 miles, they will become noisy. Other than that, you really cannot buy a better minivan. Despite the high miles, I have complete confidence int he van. We just drove it over 1000 miles for vacation, and it turned 240,000 miles on that trip. Last summer with over 220,000 miles we went over 13 hrs from home, into Canada. Now being down to only 1 kid at home, we will sell it. We just bought a Pilot to replace the van.

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  THIS CAR ROCKS - 2001 Honda Prelude
  By oxygen - February 23 - 2:00 am

  Nice car.

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  NO COMPLAINTS - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By nachtaluci - February 23 - 2:00 am

  I looked at the caravan first and test drove both, even though the Honda is more money, it is well well worth it. The gas mileage is excellent, very happy with vehicle thus far.

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  Our First Honda - 2017 Honda CR V
  By Warren Mauterer - February 22 - 8:54 am

  My wife decided to sell her 2009 Toyota Avalon and wanted to purchase a new car. We both really liked and enjoyed the Avalon but wanted a car that would sit up higher. My car is a 2014 Toyota Prius, which is our car used mostly around town. So, since we were loyal Toyota owners, we went to the local Toyota dealership and test drove the 2017 Limited RAV4 hybrid. We had assumed that it would be an easy choice to get another Toyota with that being the RAV4. However, we found the RAV2 was a little cramped inside, not particularly comfortable and felt like the cabin was not finished well. For example, it had softex covering the seats instead of leather. There was nothing about this car that wowed us. So, we then decided to test drive a 2017 Honda CRV mainly because of the insistence of our daughter, who has owned several Hondas. Well to make a long story short, we found the Honda CRV to be the perfect car since it was very comfortable with leather seats and roomy. We also like the layout of the dash. After contacting a number of Honda dealerships, we chose Hendrick Honda in Charleston, SC. Our salesman, Sam Latto not only gave us a great deal, but was never pushy and only offered us exactly what we wanted which was a blue 2017 Honda CRV EX-L. Everyone at Hendrick Honda was very courteous and helpful. This car is the best car that we have ever owned. It is a real pleasure to drive this car, particularly on the highway. Since I am a Prius owner, I know how to drive the Honda CRV in order to get good mileage. After just 3 fill-us, we are averaging around 32 MPG in town and around 39 MPG on the highway. The technology upgrade is fantastic and we both love the safety features. The Apple CarPlay is very handy and makes driving even more pleasurable. We highly recommend this vehicle and Hendrick Honda for your next car.

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  Great Ride - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By sfg - February 22 - 3:00 am

  This is a great vehicle. Its reliable, comfortable and fun to drive. Im always confident in bad weather. Best of all it drives like a car but does the work of a truck, accommodating large loads, and lots of kids.