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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  Superb VAN - Perfect 4 family of 4!!! - 1995 Honda Odyssey
  By Ody Owner - July 9 - 11:51 am

  Nearly 200,000 miles now! Only NON- wear and tear items replaced: brake master cylinder at 90k, radiator at 120k, AC switch valve. Still original wear and tear parts: alternator, starter, exhaust, shocks. One of the most reliable vehicles I have ever owned in 25 years of owning cars. Still running strong - no reason it wouldnt reach 300k+.

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  A good Minivan - 2018 Honda Odyssey
  By V Nair - July 9 - 6:35 am

  I owned the 2006 Honda Odyssey. I love the 2006 compared to the 2018. There are several minor inconveniences but there are several good enhancements too. The second row sliding doors are bit slow. The remote needs to be pressed hard for any operation (open/close doors). The position of the auto-lights etc. are not at the best position. The indoor lighting is not very good. Road sounds etc. are negligible.

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  well rounded mid SUV - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By 07CRVowner - July 9 - 5:20 am

  There is only one thing that anyone in the market for a small suv can complain about. And that is the towing cap. at a measly 1500 lbs. Other than that, the CRV has been great for my whole family, my wife, 2 kids and 2 great danes.

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  Still Just Rght - 2001 Honda CR-V
  By RayG - July 8 - 4:01 pm

  Well, its been 3 yrs since the last review I did and the old gal is still ticking! Not a lick of trouble, mileage still up there at 24-26 in mixed/mostly highway driving. Regular maintenance is the key, but I suspect Hondas in general dont suffer much in sniggly little problems, or major ones either. Only problem that scared me was The Engine" light came on one day. Dignosed as Human Error. Dont forget to tighten those gas caps, folks!

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  What happened Honda? - 1998 Honda Civic
  By Love-A-Nissan - July 8 - 10:00 am

  My fiancee owned the car for about two years before finally getting rid of it after the transmission went out with less than 50000 miles on it. If this had been just about any other import car the rapairs would have been covered under the powertrain warranty, but not on a Honda. The exhaust manifold had also cracked on the car about a year earlier. I have a friend with a 2000 Accord coupe that is aslo having transmission trouble. Where is that Honda quality I always hear about? Ill stick with Nissan. They build more exciting cars at a better value and I have never had aproblem with any of my Nissan vehicles.

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  An SUV without the guilt! - 2003 Honda Element
  By happy joe - July 8 - 10:00 am

  It drives more like a car than a truck but like a really FUN car. Its small outside belies its roomy inside. Even though ive always driven a large car i still felt cramped. Well no more! And when we double up everyone chooses my little element because they love the back seats. And with a simple twitch of the nose my 4 passenger vehicle turns into a 2 passenger truck ... perfect for my wifes unplanned bargains or my little handyman jobs. And, being in the snow belt, were looking forward to a winter without fear now that were armed with AWD and ABS :-)

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  Honda CRV LX 2WD - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By tommy_morris - July 8 - 10:00 am

  The CR-V is roomy and I like the style. I was worried the 4 cylinder engine would be sluggish, in fact I am very happy with the performance. It easily acceerates into traffic. This SUV is not perfect, but I am a huge Honda fan because of the reliability that Hondas have.

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  The worst HONDA on the market - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By importjunk - July 8 - 10:00 am

  When buying this vehicle, my family and I expected excellent service like our Accord gave us. Instead of which this car just kept breaking down and was in constant need of repairs. The sliding doors kept breaking no matter how many times they were fixed. The radio had to be replaced since it scratched Cds, and the windows dont close properly. I wish Edmunds would stop picking on Chryslers minivan (what I shouldve bought) and its reliability, which is fine, and start on Hondas, which is HORRIBLE. I also find it funny that the Editors Rating is lower on the Honda than the Chrysler, as this is the only thing Edmunds did right.

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  Civic Si = GoKart - 2002 Honda Civic
  By DynaSpeed - July 8 - 10:00 am

  Ive never been able to throw a car around quite as much as this. A few suspension mods, and this thing really comes alive. Most fun car Ive ever driven.

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  Amazing Vehicle - 2003 Honda Civic
  By Liza H. - July 8 - 10:00 am

  i purchased my civic hybrid from Omar Hamid @ Paragon Honda in queens,NY. Hes the nicest salesperson. The car is amazing. it is such a nice, reliable car. no noise or problems. you cant even tell its a hybrid.