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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  Confused Buyer - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By Franko - December 11 - 7:30 pm

  Veh. is ok, but it has shortcomings,i.e Road feel, a little noisy at hwy. speeds, radio tone stuck on bass setting, Always hit my knee on wheel tilt lever, no fog lights, no front mud flaps, all extra, rear seats dont fold flat, inadequate storage in front. No storage tray under pass. seat due to air bag sensing wires hanging down, no room. 2004 EX had tray. No lighted vanity mirrors, driver & pass windows has little to no tint. Passenger knees nearly hit glove box with seat all the way back, inaquate room. No roadside assistance program. Emergency brake on dash is awkward. I traded 2001 Hyundai Santa-Fe on the EX and had 60K miles with zero problems. Santa-Fe is superior all around.

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  Honda Owner Since 1995 - 2005 Honda Accord
  By Joe Spradley - December 11 - 3:56 pm

  I have owned 4 Hondas and have enjoyed everyone of them. I currently have a new body style Accord EX-L and a 1992 LX with over 130,000 miles on it. Everything still works and nothing is falling apart. For the money and value you can not get a better car.

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  Nice mini van, do not believe MPG rating - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By Cincinnati - December 11 - 1:33 pm

  We bought the van due to our growing family. Everything is what we expect in a Honda other than MPG on sticker says 18/25 MPG. We get 16/22 MPG. We do not drive fast, and we are not heavy people. Other then this the van is just fine.

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  CRV Cost efficient Reliable Vehicle - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By Tony Berg - December 10 - 6:34 pm

  My second CRV. Best value for money. Over 13000 miles averaging 30 mpg. Never a problem. Great storage (my main reason) and reliability.

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  Great bang for the buck - 2014 Honda CR-V
  By L. Walker - December 10 - 4:24 pm

  This car excellerates great. I love the button on the gear shift that you use instead of pushing the gas petal when passing.The car is very comfortable on long trips. Easy in and out for seniors. Great gas mileage. Car doesnt wear you out on long trips.

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  Well done Honda - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By POWERSPORTSLIFE.COM - December 10 - 4:20 pm

  This is our first CR-V and we are very happy. The first fill up was an actual 27.3mpg, very impressive. I just filled up yesterday and got a actual 29.5mpg, this is not the computer mpg, this is actual per gallon to fill up. This is a solid suv and the only real items that I dont like are the wind and road noise, I believe it is a little excessive. Buy this suv before the Equinox or any other small suv. Subaru is the only other choice in this field and I did enough research to prove that.

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  Great Car - 1999 Honda Civic
  By Roy G - December 10 - 12:34 pm

  This has been an amazing vehicle. It goes in all kinds of weather and has held up very well. No mechanical problems.

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  Generally what I wanted - 2016 Honda HR-V
  By Barrye Hanson - December 9 - 9:57 pm

  Bought 5/21/15. Have 2600 miles. Mostly short city trips. MPG 23.5 City, got 32 on highway one trip. Steering good. turning radius is tight. Style (look) good. Drivers seat is hard, added 1" foam to seat and back which helped. Lumbar killed my back. Could not find commercial pillow to help, make my own out of 4.5" foam, works. I have always had a sensitive back. Ride somewhat bumpy but acceptable. Entry/exit is good, had a 99 Civic prior which was too low. Could be more storage spaces in cabin. Finally came out with a cargo cover in October, but looked cheesy. Made my own out of 1/4" plywood, works gook. Road noise is acceptable, can talk to others. I forget to turn the lights on at night, because the dash is already lite up prior, different from prior car. Acceleration is acceptable.

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  Love It - 2012 Honda Civic
  By yorkielover3 - December 9 - 9:26 pm

  I just traded my 2009 CRV for the Civic and so far I am in love with it. It drives like a car larger than it is. So comfortable and the dash is so well laid out. Air conditioning is much colder than my CRV was.

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  Just Right - 1997 Honda Odyssey
  By Mike - December 9 - 5:36 pm

  This vehicle is small enough to be car- like manuverable yet large enough to haul family, friends and cargo. Pleasure to drive. I have a need to reconfigure the seating a couple times a week and find the fold down rear seat great and the middle captains chairs easy to remove or put back. I find the four cylinder no problem and the transmission matches up great with it. No shifting back and forth on the many hills which I travel. Since I have purchased it 20,000 miles ago I have only needed brakes and tires. Ive been getting about 26mpg in mixed driving.