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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  gotta love it - 2004 Honda S2000
  By Suzette - July 29 - 11:40 pm

  I have owned this car for 3 years and I still love driving it. the V tech thrills me every time it kicks in. And the responsive handling is fun on winding roads. I love this little jem.

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  Beccas Civic - 1998 Honda Civic
  By Rebecca - July 29 - 10:54 pm

  I have had many cars including an Accord. This is the best car by far than any other.

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  V6 coupe better than any domestic by far - 2001 Honda Accord
  By Jon - July 29 - 6:43 pm

  With gas prices so high Id get the V4 instead but the V6 can keep up with any domestic coupe. The ride quality is outstanding and as always its very reliable. Get the recalled transmission fixed (free at Honda) and the performance and already smooth ride improves. This is my 3rd Accord in a row and until they disappoint me Ill keep on getting them.

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  Passport - 1998 Honda Passport
  By Tonya - July 29 - 6:30 pm

  It has problems with the CV joints/boots. Also has had two leaks in the brake line.

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  Happy with Honda - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By John Strassel - July 29 - 10:50 am

  Great SUV. Fun to drive, lots of room, good looking.

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  My first Honda - 2007 Honda Civic
  By BillandLinda - July 29 - 9:33 am

  Brakes are excellent. Paint chips easily. 34 mpg mixed driving, and 36 mpg highway. Tires have wonderful dry and wet traction, but they take bumps harshly. Needs a little more oomph when merging onto interstate. No noticable body lean. Almost 15000 miles on car. No problems with trunk, except gap a smidgen larger on one side. Thought the speedometer would have been a distraction while driving, but it is not. I see well over it, even though Im 55.

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  only 65 miles on OD - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By tc - July 29 - 7:03 am

  Its a great vehicle, and the coolest minivan I could find. Clearly the industry leader, but Ill admit I did not look closely at Toyota. I like Hondas, my 2000 Accord LX has been trouble free through 65K. Plan to keep the Ody for 10 years. I wish there were more color choices with a tan interior (a must for us). Just knowing I could blast to 60 in 7.4 seconds is great, though not planning to test that limit until I have at least 500 miles on the OD.

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  DECENT - 2001 Honda Odyssey
  By GARY B - July 29 - 12:17 am

  good vehicle and reliable. 50,000 miles on it and no major problems. have a slight shimy in wheel at 60 miles an hour or greater. working through the problem. vehicle goes through tires at 30,000 miles

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  Blue Beauty! - 2014 Honda CR-V
  By William Barnes - July 28 - 2:17 pm

  I really enjoyed test driving the 2014 CR-V LX. I thought it was very roomy and comfortable. I thought it had pretty good acceleration, and was fun to drive. The storage was impressive with back seats down. The LX is well equipped, but does not have a sun roof if that is something you are looking for. The 2014 has the 5 speed auto transmission, which I liked. I also tested a 2016 with a CVT, that I also liked, but it had some hesitation when first starting out. I did not wind up buying the CR-V, I wound up with a 2015 Honda Civic. The main reason I went for the Civic was because I wanted a stick shift car and found a certified beauty. But I would not hesitate to recommend the CR-V, it is a really nice vehicle, and can be bought as a Certified Honda car for a warranty and more confidence in what you are buying. I did not get to try it in snow, but I imagine the All Wheel Drive version which I drove would be great in the snow, especially with snow tires mounted.

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  Its a very, very good little car. - 2002 Honda Civic
  By Roma - July 28 - 2:00 pm

  Ive been driving a lot for about two and a half years. I love it. Never had a single problem with it. Never! After you get rid off your junks and buy smth. descent - you appreciate it much more. So, on a highway it gets 40mpg if I set it on cruise controlit at 72mph. In the city it gets about 32 mph. DX starts off much faster and stronger, but the EX is better on highways. When I drive more than 200 miles I start getting tired in the seat, but up to an hour driving - its excellent. I would recommend it to anybody who wants reliability and a gas sipper. (Used to put gas into Crown Vic...). I wish I had more power, but again, you wont get the mileage you count on. Its a good car.