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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  A surprisingly good car... - 2004 Honda Accord
  By Jojoanyone - September 16 - 2:00 am

  I previously owned a 1999 Ford Taurus SE with the Duratec 3.0L V6, with 200- horsepower. I traded that Ford for the 2004 Accord LX 4-cylinder and have to admit, the Accord doesnt feel much slower than the Taurus...if at all. And Hondas 4- cylinder is actually a little quieter and smoother than my Fords V6 was. Build quality seems very good, but interior materials fall short of upscale. Too many hard plastic surfaces. Control layout is very well done, though, and the huge gauges are big enough to be seen from the rear seat with ease. Love the LED illumination, too.

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  Crosstour in Palm Beach - 2011 Honda Accord Crosstour
  By b_k_m - September 15 - 9:59 pm

  The decision to acquire a Crosstour was a big one for me. We were coming off a lease on a 2008 Odyssey EX-L. I was initially looking at a Volvo XC 70 wagon, BMW X6 and Lexus RX 330 (we own a Lexus ES 330). While the Lexus did afford us greater luxury and the Volvo did net more of a car feel, we went Crosstour. Simply put, we managed to laser in on value, ride (little higher than a car), performance and functionality. The Crosstour cleared the others by a mile particularly on price and reliability.

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  Love this car! - 2017 Honda Accord Hybrid
  By John (Indianapolis) - September 15 - 12:33 pm

  We traded in our 2014 Accord Hybrid for the new 2017 version. We have owned the car for 6 months, during which we have driven about 6,500 miles. We were very happy with the 2014 model but wanted to benefit from the enhancements in the newer car: active lane control, parking sensors, increased horsepower, improved navigation system, Apple CarPlay, heated rear seats, larger trunk, automatic braking, quieter interior, and built-in Apple Siri. Even though the new model has more horsepower, the fuel economy is slightly better, especially in stop and go driving. We get about 580 to 650 miles on a tank of gas. Average economy per fill-up has ranged from 43 to 51MPG in mixed city/highway driving. We were able to buy this car at dealer invoice, I assume because low gas prices may be limiting the demand for hybrids.

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  Honda Oddy 2005 - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By David Howard - September 14 - 8:43 pm

  All the independent reviews rate this minivan as the BEST. We bought it because of the safety features. Its also asthetically more appealing than the Toyota Sienna, especially from the side view. In practice the Honda has performed every bit as good as the reviews suggested it should.

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  Si Sedan - 2008 Honda Civic
  By Jerry Kaczmarek - September 14 - 2:50 pm

  Fantastic car for the money. Its hard to have more fun for 20k. When driving hard, it just begs you to drive harder and punish it more! DONT SHIFT!! Keep those RPMs climbin!!! Torque only kicks in after 5000 rpms which is its major and pretty much only flaw. 6spd manual is smooth with short throws and ability to slam gears with ease. Handling is a little snug but I experience a small amount of understeer at higher speeds. Steering firm and precise. Sound system caught me by surprise (standard sub-woofer) is actually good and ipod hook-up makes me forget about the 50lb cd case to lug around.

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  Great Car...Going to miss it... - 1997 Honda CR-V
  By Mike Hyland - September 14 - 11:28 am

  Looking forward to buying a new 2017 Honda, now that my current Honda is 20 years old.

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  Great Car...Going to miss it... - 1997 Honda CR-V
  By Mike Hyland - September 14 - 11:28 am

  Looking forward to buying a new 2017 Honda, now that my current Honda is 20 years old.

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  Car of my dreams - 1998 Honda Accord
  By Psalministry - September 14 - 10:00 am

  This car was my first pick. I am a manual transmission lover. I got rid of my 1995 Nissan Sentra, and went looking. I wanted a Honda, and I wanted it the way I wanted it... and EX, with power everything. I took it home to my wife to show it to her, and she liked it a lot. I then started looking at 2002s but could not get one with the right monthly payment without LEASING (to me glorified RENTING). So I then settled on the 1998, and boy am I happy! In fact, when we go anywhere together, we drive my car! Good on gas, drives smooth, quiet and is a classy vehicle!

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  2002 Honda CR-V is much improved! - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By trav2002 - September 14 - 10:00 am

  The 2002 Honda CR-V has been improved in every area that was lacking in the previous model. Engine has more power, transmission shifts smoothly, seats have great support, ride is not bumpy, power window buttons located on doors. The three dial climate controls are easy to see and use. Every button and is easy to reach without distraction. Rear seats fold up in a snap to add cargo room and head rests no longer need to be removed. Better sound proofing for quite ride. Excellent dash compartments to store things. Over all body stiffness is gone from old CR-V. Less rattles, aerodynamic doors and body. Im getting 24 mpg city/highway combined.

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  HONDA TRADITION - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By WILL - September 14 - 10:00 am

  WE PURCHASED THE HONDA ODESSEY EX TO REPLACE OUR CHRYSLER MINIVAN. AT 70K MILES IT BECAME UNRELIABLE FOR LONG TRIPS. OUR NEW HONDA HAS BEEN A PURE PLEASURE. FROM THE HIGH QUALITY AND RELIABILITY TO THE CAVERNOUS REAR STORAGE WELL, WE COULDNT BE MORE PLEASED. MY INLAWS PURCHASED A NEW CHRYSLER T&C LIMITED AT THE SAME TIME AS OUR HONDA. THEY HAVE SPENT SO MUCH TIME AT THE DEALER HAVING ITEMS FIXED OR REPLACED. WE HAVENT BEEN BACK TO THE DEALER IN 8 MONTHS.