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:

• 

  Its a Honda - what more can you say? - 2008 Honda Accord
  By John - November 20 - 7:00 am

  Looking at the many other coupes available, this is the best car for the money. The EX-L comes with many standard options that make you feel like youre driving a luxury car. Overall very happy with the car, plus I have been asked many times about it on the street. People just look at and smile!

• 

  Costco Deal! - 2017 Honda CR V
  By Loren Haas - November 19 - 8:39 pm

  The car is great! We got it in Obsidian blue with gray cloth upholstery. Very comfortable ride and my achy back loves the heated seats. Electronic safety features are terrific. Lots of space inside. Downsides? Rear visibility and inadequate roof rack system. When we decided on the CR-V I decided to check out the car deals offered through Costco. Went to their website, entered what I was looking for and was given a dealer and person to meet.You must go to the dealership, show your Costco card and ID and then they show you a print out of their pricing. It was easily $400 less than the best deal I could get anywhere else. (When I gave the quoted price to another dealer they said the Costco dealer was "whoring up the market"! This was on a brand new model in short supply. At 7500 miles no major complaints. Took several long car trips and got 33 mpg! This is almost 50% better than our previous 2004 Mazda Tribute. The only knock I have is on entertainment electronics. The USB ports are very difficult to access in the center console and the Bluetooth is finicky about connecting to some devices.

• 

  Amazing car... - 2006 Honda Civic
  By madrambler - November 19 - 7:36 pm

  This is one great car. I previously drove a 2000 Accord V6 coupe. My Civic Hybrid is quiter, more solid and refined than my V6 Accord. It looks great, handles well and is fun in its own geeky way. Driving this car is relaxing in that you focus on getting the best MPG possible, rather than racing from point a to b. Of course, it takes a bit longer to get to work driving 70 rather than 85 (which is how I drove the Accord), but that will change when the carpool stickers arrive (California thing).

• 

  Something you should know - 2010 Honda Accord Crosstour
  By Jill - November 19 - 5:33 pm

  I recently purchased my AWD Honda Crosstour and couldnt have been more excited. Spent a lot of time deciding although I am a Honda fan. This was a splurge but I dove in. I had the car for about two weeks and loved it. I decided to take it for its first car wash. As I was led through the automatic machine about ten seconds into my wash my rear window completely exploded into a million pieces spewing glass into the hatch back cover as well as into the back seat! Frightening experience. As of now the car wash is claiming its a Honda defect and Honda saying it was absolutely the car washs fault. Now Ive been without my car for a week with no resolution and I have hired an attorney.

• 

  Fantastic car , - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Claudia Bittner - November 19 - 4:33 pm

  Beautiful car. Fun to drive. When you step on the gas it goes and when you step on the brake it stops. Can really get you out of some tight spots. A really neat automobile. Its a Honda!. I remember the ad on this particular Honda, was the guy that went to the Dr. with the lead foot. Dr. I dont whats wrong every since I bought my new car...

• 

  Awesome! - 2016 Honda HR-V
  By berg matt - November 19 - 2:17 am

• 

  07 CR-V - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By AB - November 18 - 8:10 pm

  Purchased vehicle last week. Prior vehicle was 2006 CRV SE. Love the new styling. Interior is beautiful. Great leather upgrade from 06. Interior compares to Accord V6 EX-L. Ride is smmother that Gen 2 Cr-V. Did not think I would love the new style this much but I do. Have glacier blue w/ grey leather. Have been told car is very "pretty". Love that car looks different color in different lighting. So far performance is great.

• 

  I LOVE It!!! - 2009 Honda Civic
  By Adrian - November 17 - 9:56 pm

  This car is great. It is my first car and I love it. It looks great and it is actually kinda strong for a 1.8 L engine. Its better than a lot of 2.0 L engines because it preforms better on gas but has as much power as a 2.0 L engine. Its fun to drive and the speedometer is soooooo unique. Everyone that rides in my car loves it. This car is perfect for anyone who doesnt want to spend so much money on gas and perfect for someone that wants a car thats worth your money, not to mention how long this car will last. I JUST LOVE IT.

• 

  Excellent - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By Sara - November 17 - 12:30 pm

  This vehicle is very comfortable. It has been driven to Florida from Massachusetts with a 6 month old infant & all the things that go with a baby & there was plenty of room left to spare. The ride itself was also quite comfortable. We had made the trip before in a Ford Explorer Sport Trac & we were much more happy with our new 2005 Honda Odyssey.

• 

  I like it a lot - 2005 Honda Accord
  By Jake - November 17 - 9:43 am

  I was actually in the market for a Mazda3, but the Mazda dealerships must think that they have a gold mine because they were not giving me anywhere near my trade-in value that Honda gave me (Almost $3000 more)! I wasnt even considering the Honda until my wife told me how much she enjoyed hers from a few years back so I figured Id take one out for a spin. Boy was I surprised! The car was a lot peppier than the Mazda3 and I liked the feel of the cockpit much better. I actually drove the V6 auto, but I like the 4cyl 5 spd much better. The shifts are smooth and the engine just keeps climbing.All in all, this is a great little car and I am very happy with it!