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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  Everything I expected - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Econ1 - May 4 - 5:53 pm

  After 12 years of a BMW 3-series convertible, I looked for something with the same excellent driving characteristics and handling. I do not drive 10/10ths, but enjoy responsive handling and a decent compromise between comfort and firmness. This is it. 3-series BMWs have very little, if anything, to offer for someone like me over this car. It has great cornering, excellent acceleration, and a great interior. I personally love the exterior styling - YMMV. I expected to miss the touch screen navi that weve had for 4 years on our Acuras, but Im even happier with the new model -- seems to do a much better job of speech recognition than our 2006 MDX. I couldnt be happier with it.

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  Good Vibrations!!!! (none) - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By Bill - May 4 - 6:59 am

  I was very uncertain about purchasing the CRV due to numerous bad reviews about vibrations. Extremely happy with the purchase. No vibrations. It handles well and is getting the mpg as advertised. Lots of gadgets to figure out. The only negative is a subpar navi and poorly designed buttons/controls for the radio/nav system.

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  New Van - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By Michael - May 4 - 1:36 am

  Weve had the van for almost 3000 miles and love it. On a recent 1200 mile trip, we averaged 24 mpg with AC on all the time and travelling a good bit over the speed limit. RPMs at 75 mpg were just under 2K - we cruised along with no problems. The kids were very comfortable in the the second row of captains chairs and the little one fit well in her car seat in the last row with 1/3 of the split bench folded into the floor. There was plenty of room for all our gear. Around town, my wife averages 20 mpg and loves the van - it is very easy to drive, has good site lines, and a better turning radius than my Porsche! The new styling makes it very appealling. Great vehicle for the family.

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  Comfortable and Good Looking! - 2017 Honda Accord
  By Sigfredo Diaz - May 3 - 2:08 pm

  The value for what you get is great. Good looking vehicle and comfortable. Its a smooth ride. Not an engine to rev, but you would have chosen a different vehicle if that was important. Sport SE is limited in tech, but has some basics, such as bluetooth and backup camera. Pandora compatibility is great. The interior look and feel, gives you a more luxury feel, even if its not. It has a smooth ride. Based on the value, if youre not looking for the latest tech and want a comfortable sedan that has good gas mileage, is roomy, has a reputation of reliability, and looks good, this is the way to go.

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  Fun and Safe - 2018 Honda CR-V
  By Irvin - May 3 - 8:01 am

  Through first month of ownership, it has been fun to drive and gives a very safe feeling

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  I love it - 2005 Honda Accord
  By stevet - May 3 - 7:36 am

  After years of owing Hondas I strayed to American cars because of their lower price and promise of good performance. Boy what a dissapointment. Came back with a EX V6 6sp coupe with full aero ground affects kit. Its a much better looking car with the Aero kit. The car is responsive and fun to drive, it loves to go to red line with a smooth pur, never sounding strainend and yet it is frugle on gas when not driven hard. This is a car I will keep for a very long time. Best car I have ever owned.

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  Excellent SUV - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By ohioengineer - May 2 - 4:45 pm

  This is my wifes third CRV; quite frankly I cant get her to even look at anything else. However, we almost switched after reading all the vibration comments, but are glad that we didnt. Yes, their is SOMETIMES a vibration when sitting at a stop sign in drive, but you have to really concentrate to feel it. My wife uses it both as general transportation and as a work truck - we own a ranch and haul everything from feed to alpacas in the back. We drive it regularly in both city and expressway traffic and it performs like a champ. It feels very safe and secure at highway speeds and is very comfortable. My wife loves the gas mileage, as our other car is a Ford F-150.

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  2005 Civic EX Special Edition Sedan - 2005 Honda Civic
  By M - May 2 - 7:40 am

  Honda has done a number on the interior of the Special Edition--very interesting to look at. Stereo looks like a higher-end after-market (6-disc-- great bass, clear treble, multiple graphic display). Magnesium metallic with graphite heated leather upgrade is a beautiful combination. The only problem I have is the lack of legroom in the front, and Im only 510"! Perfect car for small to medium sized people. Will be driven for many years to come. If you are looking to buy a regualar EX, DONT! SE comes standard with leather-wrapped steering wheel, better radio, spoiler, alloy wheels, etc. Overall paid $17,400 (sticker $19,175).

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  Fun Car - 2005 Honda S2000
  By Bob - May 2 - 6:13 am

  This is my fifth convt - I also still drive an RX-7. I thought the RX-7 was fun to drive until I got my hands on this machine. Right after I got it I took it on a week long trip up through NY, NH, MA, NYC and back to MD. It was a fab experience on all types of roads including tpks and NYC traffic and some very heavy rain in RI with no problems. I really enjoy its tight handling, road feel and ease of shifting. I did and still have difficulty getting the convert cover boot to snap in place. Dropping the top is certainly a lot easier than it is with an RX-7. I also like the acceleration reserve at high speeds - when Im at 70 or 80 I can easily step out and pass anything else on the roa

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  Great family sedan - 2007 Honda Accord
  By rick - May 1 - 7:46 am

  I had the car for about a year now, it is great! It gets the stated or higher mileage, and the manual transmission is a joy to go through. Heated leather seats are great for those cool days, the XM I can live without, but its ok. No rattles, tight steering, it is a sport sedan for sure!!