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:

• 

  CRV to Accord transition - 2006 Honda Accord
  By tullj - February 21 - 7:56 am

  Im very happy with my new Accord. Of course the oveall quality is first rate, as I expected after owning 2 CRVs for years. The first thing I did a few days after getting the new Accord was to take off on a 4000 mile road trip of seven western states inclding 9 national parks and monuments. I drove from sea level in Seattle up to 12,200 feet on trail ridge road Colorado, to the desert southwest, and then up the pacific coast, in all types of weather and temperature conditions. I drove on long flat interstates at 80 mph and up and down steep mountains at lower speeds. I used all features of the car. it performed flawlessly. I averaged 36.7 mpg overall. I highly recommend this car.

• 

  GREAT CAR - 2013 Honda Accord
  By EDWARD SCIARRILLO - February 21 - 4:30 am

• 

  Amazing Surprise - 2000 Honda CR-V
  By Robert Daniel - February 21 - 12:52 am

  My wife suggested this vehicle. We were wanting to downsize from our GMC Yukon that was costing $300 per mo for fuel and was hard for her to park. The CRV amazingly enough is comfortable for my 63" frame, my wife is tall as well and can stretch her legs completely out in the passenger seat, and it has plenty of room for our two kids too! Wow, what a difference, cheaper insurance costs, easy to park, plenty of room for groceries, garden supplies, books, backpacks and general every day utility. It handles well and the difference in quality between our CRV and the Yukon is like night and day. My only concern is the missing armrest on the drivers side... whats that about?

• 

  2002 Civic Review - 2002 Honda Civic
  By Jim Katso - February 21 - 12:06 am

  After hearing how great Honda cars were, I decided to try one and have leased a Civic for 3 years. With my lease winding down, here are my thoughts: The engine is flawless, if I was a heavy commuter I would love the reliability and gas mileage. Though the engine HP isnt the greatest, nor is the car the most comfortable so its not like I would love to spend an hour in it each way without more power/comfort. It is very agile & would be great for city living with street parking. Problems that I have were more "annoyances" such as 1. Radio compartment door broke, 2. Airbag sticker fell off, 3. Plastic trim around both rear windows fell off, and as I got hit twice its bumpers are weak.

• 

  Good Value, Great Reliability - 1992 Honda Accord
  By R. Hunt - February 20 - 9:28 pm

  In 13 years of ownership, I had no significant mechanical repairs on this car. With normally scheduled oil, filter, and coolant change, the only non preventive work on the car was muffler and brake work. Although winter salt took its toll on mufflers and brake rotors, I never had a speck of rust on the body. The car started and operated reliably in all extremes of weather.

• 

  Its the Ugliest Car Ive ever Loved! - 2005 Honda Element
  By The Rat - February 20 - 3:00 pm

  I am a retired female age 63. I needed a vehicle to transport a lawn mower and after looking at various trucks, I decided for the $$ the Element was the best value. It had what I needed to haul large items and run the rough roads to my lake home. I am very pleased with the Elements preformance. The steering is a little looser than my car. ButI love the visibility it gives the driver and handles well. Still checking the gas mileage. Love the tan color! Would have liked a light enterio

• 

  Rattles - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Josh - February 20 - 12:13 am

  I love the car except for the rattles from the passenger side. I noticed the compartment under the glove box was not snapped shut properly so fixed that but it still rattles worse than my 2001 Nissan Sentra on certain road surfaces. Great handling and acceleration though.

• 

  CRV - great deal for SUV performance - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By hoya02 - February 19 - 8:16 pm

  Very reliable SUV. Fun to drive. Didnt realize it did not have a lock mechanism on the door panel of the front passengers side. Missed that convenience I had with my 98 Accord. Glove compartment is smallest I have ever had. The owners manual fits and little else. Miss the Accords roomy interior. CRVs great cargo area is the main reason I bought it. It uses gas a lot faster than the Accord, but as an SUV, its still more economical than most. Grocery shopping is sometimes a problem for putting away groceries in the back because of the swing out door. Other vehicles often pull too close to the back door, and it makes it difficult to open the door to put items in back cargo area.

• 

  Fun car, but only for two - 2005 Honda Insight
  By Constance Van Valken - February 19 - 6:41 pm

  I bought the Insight for its excellent mileage. During the summer I did indeed get 56 MPG, but in the winter it came down to 52.6. I carry a passenger sometimes, as well as groceries et al. Took it to Maine from the Midwest last summer. Wonderful trip. Could have used a cruise control, but otherwise could not fault its sports car handling. I used the AC, and still got 55 plus mpg. So nice to ignore all those gas stations, and get 600 miles per fill up. Love the car, even in winter. Heater excellent. Three cylinders make for a quick pickup with the help of the electrics. Never have run out of electric help when needed.

• 

  Fun car, but only for two - 2005 Honda Insight
  By Constance Van Valken - February 19 - 6:41 pm

  I bought the Insight for its excellent mileage. During the summer I did indeed get 56 MPG, but in the winter it came down to 52.6. I carry a passenger sometimes, as well as groceries et al. Took it to Maine from the Midwest last summer. Wonderful trip. Could have used a cruise control, but otherwise could not fault its sports car handling. I used the AC, and still got 55 plus mpg. So nice to ignore all those gas stations, and get 600 miles per fill up. Love the car, even in winter. Heater excellent. Three cylinders make for a quick pickup with the help of the electrics. Never have run out of electric help when needed.