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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  A believer - 2006 Honda Accord
  By hayje - January 27 - 3:10 pm

  Power , power, and more power BUT, at a reasonable MPG. Ive gotten as high as 42.4 mpg on long trips and 28 in the city,Ive even had it up to 120 mph several times and nothng fell off. Even a state tropper who tried to catch me and did only when I slowed down to the speed limit, couldnt believe it was a hybrid I didnt get a ticket!When I left him he was still shaking his head and laughing to himself

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  Honda engineers read this!!! - 2009 Honda Accord
  By martian - January 27 - 7:26 am

  I LOVE my new car! Ive put 5k miles on the Accord. Traction control prevents burning rubber, but whatever. What is fun is going from 40 to 80 in like 2 seconds. Dont worry about the "click" when shifting into DRIVE; they all do it. When snow gets in the wheels, they vibrate at > 50 mph. Windshield wash fluid only holds <1/2 gallon - and the pump is wussy. The drivers seat is not comfortable. I have some suggestions in the section below. Sound system rocks. Visibility is fantastic.

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  Great vehicle from Honda - 2010 Honda Accord Crosstour
  By Howie D - January 27 - 1:53 am

  After leasing an Lexus RX350 for the past 3 yrs, I was ready for something new and less costly. I had not even considered the Crosstour until a friend suggested I check out this vehicle. All it took was 1 test drive and I was sold. I leased a fully equipped Crosstour with Nav and extremely pleased with everything this vehicle offers. Smooth drivetrain, excellent Navigation and Audio system, quality feel are just a few of the many things this vehicle offers. I also considered a Nissan Murano and Toyota Venza but the Crosstour was a clear winner!

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  EXcellent Family Car - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By RaginPilot - January 27 - 1:51 am

  Hi is a good car. I has good suspension, power, and Comfort. Its very Reliable. Very Safe. Responds well. Has a good emergency handling. It has a Good VTM-4 system

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  Still the champ - 2005 Honda Accord
  By Rocco - January 27 - 12:06 am

  After driving GM, Ford and Chrysler competitor cars plus Toyota Camry and Solara and Nissan Altima, Honda beat them all on total performance and predicted reliability. The Accord isnt much for looks, but it drives like a dream, accelerates great and is well put together. Best car for the money on the market.

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  Honda = Reliable? - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By DK - January 26 - 6:37 pm

  Purchased this van as used at 37k right off factory warranty expires. Dealer recommanded "extended" warranty but i owed other hondas and did not think i needed one. Now i kinda regret it. About a day after the purchase, i noticed a high pitch noise coming from somewhere in engine bay. Took it to the dealer and they said it is Bad tranny and it needs to be replaced. Fortunately, Honda covered it by hondas good will warranty. Bad thing was dealer did not put enought tranny oil and i had to go back to get it fixed. 2 weeks later. ball bearing on left front went out. spent $200 to fix it. Since it has been about 20,000 miles, and so far no problem.. well hope it would last^^

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  Tight and controllable - 2004 Honda S2000
  By Takeout - January 26 - 6:35 pm

  Since day one, this car has been a pleasure. You tell it to turn, it turns immediately and not too much. You tell it to go, it goes and exceeds your expectations. Chicks galore! This car is the bomb, not A bomb, and affordable too. The only thing I could possibly complain about is how many times Ive spilled drinks in my lap or in my console because the drink holder/console is always full of change and other stuff that the drink doesnt fit.

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  great car under 30K - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By Pat - January 26 - 5:46 pm

  I just purchased a Honda CRV EX and I am very happy with my purchase. A great car to zip around town and has great mpg on the HWY I am getting 29 mpg on the highway. It handles very well and the view is excellent. There doesnt seem to be many blind spots. Its built very well. The doors are solid and the interior is well designed. There is a lot of room in the car and plenty of storage areas. There is plenty of leg room in the rear seats and could fit two car seats very comfortably. Its a great value for the price!!

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  luv that new "V" - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By rhodyv - January 26 - 5:23 pm

  I bought this vehicle because I was too cramped in a regular car--causing medical problems from my long commute. Indeed it is a great balance between the added room and comfort and the lack of the need for a private oil well that comes with some SUVs! Nice exterior look, and a great, smooth drive.The interior is a bit plain and "trucky"-- some curvier lines in the dashboard and more luxurious cloth for the upholstery might solve this problem. I bought the AWD for added assurance in bad weather---drove very well on flooded roads I encountered just after purchase--need to wait til next year for snow. Despite the good mileage for an SUV, it could use a bigger gas tank.

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  Standatd Complaint List - 2001 Honda Odyssey
  By Todd - January 26 - 2:29 pm

  This has been a great vehicle so far, but we do have low mileage ~ 50,000 miles. Sliding doors stick, rear gas tank slosh, crappy stock radio, interior noise level high, front drink tray vibrates since it is only connected on one side. These are fairly easy to ignore for me since I have only had to service this van for oil changes, brakes, rotors, the usual wear and tear stuff. I am extremely nervous about all the other owners who have lost the transmission. I am waiting for it to go any day now and just hope that the extended warranty takes care of this very expensive repair. Its paid for, so all I can do is ride it out and hope for the best.