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:

• 

  Too much fun! - 2002 Honda S2000
  By Tom - June 16 - 12:26 pm

  Ive had this car for a full month now and Ive got to say it is just exhilarating to drive. Such a stiff chassis and almost no lean. Hit the throttle and once it hits 6k youre in for a delight that almost feels like it should be illegal(keep hitting 9k in 3rd and 4th and it will be) You learn to pack light, and just enjoy the car. For those who complain that its bumpy and small, why did you buy an s2000? Thats not the point. If you want a reliable, fun, high performance drivers car this is for you. 6 speed is smooth, integrity is great. Change the factory stereo/speakers though, Tire performance is excellent but wear quicker. Your constant grinning will have everyone think your crazy!

• 

  worst car ever - 2018 Honda CR-V
  By be - June 16 - 8:24 am

  My husband traded my honda pilot for this piece of crap 2018 crv. If you wan t to drive a 1999 car, then buy this. no storage space in the back every thing is just going to fly around or you have to put the thing were your tire goes. camera suck if u use it u will hit something this camera show thing s are far away when they are really close, and its blurry. I hate it with a passion worst thing my husband did to me and he financed it which makes matters worst. Horrible!!!!! A very dissatisfied customer!!!!!

• 

  Great vehicle at a decent price - 2017 Honda CR V
  By Scott L - June 16 - 6:24 am

  The car is a solid offering. Its not a speed demon. Acceleration wont snap any heads. Once it gets moving its going fast but this isnt a drag racer by any stretch. This is a very solid, well thought out, well manufactured car! I really do enjoy it. Wouldnt mind larger sun roof options but really a cosmetic quibble.

• 

  Underwhelmed - 2007 Honda Civic
  By Tim - June 16 - 3:43 am

  Having driven Hondas most of my life I had pretty high expectations for gas mileage. My 1989 accord would consistently get 32mpg in the city and I once got it up to 40mpg driving cross country. So I figured a Honda hybrid would get even better gas mileage. Talk about disappointing. If I really concentrate on my driving (gentle on the gas, avoid the brakes, etc) I can get the mpgs up to 34 in the city and low 40s on the highway. If my leadfoot wife drives it gets well under 30. After getting over the dissappointing fuel efficiency the car has been decent. It has a surprising amount of pickup and handles well enough to avoid dying in Los Angeles traffic.

• 

  Brake noise - 2009 Honda Accord
  By JJ - June 15 - 6:13 pm

  There is considerable road noise, and there is a MAJOR problem with the brake noise (on both my 2008 sedan and 2009 coupe). Honda definitely needs to fix this. Dealership told me basically my driving was crappy and thats why the brakes were squealing. The Honda Accord is an economy car. If you want bells and whistles buy a Lexus, BMW, or Mercedes!

• 

  Cant complain #2 - 1993 Honda Accord
  By Randy Z - June 15 - 12:43 pm

  I now have 324,000 miles on my EX Automatic Accord. Since my last review I have put on 100,000 miles. my repairs: new tires, antenna inside replaced,break pads, front window from rock chips, valve cover gasket. I still drive it fast, handles well, and will write again my next 100,000 miles..No car payments for more years to come, YEA!!

• 

  No regrets. - 2004 Honda Element
  By Terry in Alaska - June 15 - 10:00 am

  Combines the best features of a Honda Civic (reliable, economical to buy and own), a minivan (roomy, flexible interior for people or cargo), and a Jeep Wrangler(4 wheel drive, easy care interior). I originally went in to buy a Pilot, but after driving the Element, I changed my mind. I was initially put off by the exterior styling, but it grew on me. Now I like the fact that it doesnt look like everything else on the road.

• 

  Wear your earplugs while driving - 2001 Honda Civic
  By jclark104 - June 15 - 10:00 am

  A 2001 Civic EX with 52000 miles on it for $9995 sounds like a dream come true until you own it for a week and the true quality of this car appears. I always believed Honda to be an excellent manufacturer but this purchase has made me think otherwise. The only plus to this car is the fuel economy. The roof, dash, door panels, center console, and truck all rattle. Terrible suspension. What happened to the old Honda?

• 

  superb - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By david w - June 15 - 10:00 am

  I absolutely love it. it s dependable,good ride , handles great on corners.interior is roomy for vehicles over all size.

• 

  How I rate my Honda CR-V - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By Mick Sanchez - June 15 - 10:00 am

  I really like/love my CR/V. I find it very enjoyably to drive. There is very little about the vehicle that I dont like. My CR/V has brought me joy and happiness as a owner. I think that Honda improves on their designs consistantly year after year. I am constantly looking forward to the new years models to see where they improved over the following year(s).