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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  From 94 to 2001/1994 much better year - 2001 Honda Civic
  By Linnymcginny - February 3 - 10:00 am

  Had this car for a year and traded up to the Accord. The 2001 Civic had a suspension change (2000 ?) Rougher ride, Noiser ride. Not impressed. Dealership was awful, did not buy my Accord through them.

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  Great handling, but not enough power! - 1998 Honda Prelude
  By Street Racer - January 29 - 2:00 am

  Prelude SH, it grips on to the road like a lion hunting for its prey, but runs like a buffalo. Too heavy and not enough horse power to support its weight. I drive my prelude 7 days a week, averaging 90 miles a day, and I drive it hard. Only problem with the car, engine makes flapping sound between 1200-2300 RPM. A common problem for prelude engine. My previous 98 Mitsubishi Eclipse Gs-T had better performance with less price tag. If you want great handling car, Prelude SH is the one for you.

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  CRV is Combustable Recreational Vehicle - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By Robert Brewington - January 24 - 10:00 am

  Tight in the Drivers seat. Now CRV is Combustable Recreational Vehicle. If we had know this Design MFG FLAW we would not have bought it now. And Honda HQ says you have to have the basic oil change done at there dealerships??? HUH am I missing something here... the vehicle was rated great ..how did everyone but our Government miss the PINTO like flaw..?

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  Way over rated - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By mjf911 - January 23 - 2:00 am

  Nothing but trouble with the van and Honda. Sliding doors rattle and squeak, dash rattles and squeaks, windshield whistles at freeway speeds, gas sloshing in tank noise, brakes clunk when reversing direction (beware, Honda says it is normal for their vans. Wait for the 2004 Ford Windstar. Its going to blow Honda away.

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  Lemon - 1993 Honda Civic
  By Lilah - January 22 - 2:00 am

  Maybe I got the lemon of the Honda world but my Civic DX definetly has issues. In less than a year I have replaced the engine, only to find out recently that the newer engine it has now is no good either, head gasket replaced, spark plugs replaced twice, timing belts twice, radiator, CV boots, and just your basic tune ups, the car has been on one long trip (150 mi.) and the rest of the time has just been commuter. So far in less than a year I have spent close t 2500 dollars on repairs. Maybe I just got a lemon but I have not had a positive experience!!!

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  honda gone wrong... - 2001 Honda Civic
  By Keener - January 22 - 2:00 am

  This 2001 Civic Si (Canada) was built on a Friday of a long weekend! I have owned 3 other Hondas/Acuras and they have all been great and reliable cars. It makes a different noise every day. The worst is a popping, crackling noise when you turn right, the interior fan changes speed at its own will, the wind noise from the doors is brutal. It blows around on the highway, and does not drive straight. It has been in 7x in 3 months for warranty work, and 2 dealers (the first couldnt figure it out). Im going to sell it, I found a solid 98 5spd EX Accord that drives a lot better. I think this car was built on Friday of a long weekend!

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  Pulls to the Left - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By giantman - January 8 - 6:46 pm

  The car tends to pull to the left on the highway. This makes it less than comfortable to drive long distances and rather unsafe. Otherwise, interior and exterior design are solid.

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  My Honda - 2002 Honda Accord
  By Jenny - January 7 - 2:36 am

  I think the honda looks good on the inside and out but I believe it is made very cheap. My car makes strange noises and my dealership tells me they cant fix it. I probably would not buy a honda again even though they are reliable.

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  Disappointed with my new Honda - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By Paul Clyde - January 6 - 2:53 pm

  I am disappointed with my purchase for the following reasons: low mileage (14.5 mpg city, 24 mpg high way). The car has about a dozen small quality issues. The driver and front passenger seat are not comfortable due to the position of the (non- telescoping) steering wheel. The electric doors do not close well, together with the wind noise you never feel secure about properely shut doors. The doors had to be aligned, since they were chipping the paint. The car has a bumpy ride, it in no way doubles as a sedan, its a truck . The raised expectations were clearly not met. You should do a much more extensive test drive then me before you buy.

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  I Found Something Else - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By al morgan - January 3 - 5:28 am

  I originally thought the CR V would be what I ended up with, but I got the Toyota Rav4 Hybrid and found that for the money and features (and gas savings) that was the way to go. I wanted an AWD vehicle with plenty of cargo space , active driving assists, navigation in the dash, of course blue tooth, and the ability to quickly merge onto the highway. The CR V definitely had many advantages to the RAV4, like the right hand lane change video (..but not left hand for some strange reason?), CR V has a little bit more cargo room (the Rav4 hybrid battery steals slightly more cargo space than the non hybrid). But the Rav4 hybrid has better acceleration, much better MPG!, and a power lift gate...which for my wife who has issues with her hands and wrists is a blessing. I also liked the styling of the RAV4 a little bit better than the CR V. However, I prefer the square box SUV style than the "somewhere between car and SUV" style that appears to be the current...oh well cant have everything. I pretty much was a Hyundai guy (had a 2008 Santa Fe), but the had priced themselves out of the market for me ($33k for something similar to the CRV and Rav4 who where in the high $20ks).