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:

• 

  2 years and Done with CRV - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By Joe in IN - December 3 - 12:54 pm

  Weve owned this car for 30 months and 43K miles. Boy this car started to wear on us. Had to replace the tires, the Firestone tires were coming apart in little chunks. Every other OEM tire has lasted at least 65K. Armrests are terrible. The check engine light always comes on. Stereo is weak. The most odd thing is the handling on ice/snow. The car feels like it is sliding all over the place, even though it isnt. It always goes exactly where I pointed it but has a lateral slide feel to it.... CRV has worn us out, but I have faith in Honda so on to the PILOT.

• 

  from Civic to HRV - 2016 Honda HR-V
  By Valerie - December 3 - 7:42 am

  I ABSOLUTELY love this car. I was very hesitant at first because I just wanted to replace my civic that was totaled in a car accident. My husband kept saying just test drive it and see. I mean I loved the look but said no. Well when I started to look at the civics and dont know if it was me or that they seemed to be lower than the one I had. So I went to look at the CRV. Still not even looking in the HRVs direction. Test drove the CRV and I was like OK I can do this. But still on the fence. I am only 4 foot 11 so I felt the CRV was a bit on the big side. I was really stuck. I have Rheumatoid Arthritis so getting a civic was not out of the question. When I have flares it would be hard for me to get in and out of the car because it was just to low. The CRV seemed to be the better fit but finally the salesman was like lets just take a look at the HRV. I think its what you are looking for. When I went to sit in the HRV let me tell you. It fit like a glove. The ease of getting in and out of the car was so easy. My kids have plenty of room in the back seat. I have great space in my cargo area. I mean this car is perfect. It drives great. I did read about the speed and it drives great. Now let me get to the few thinks I dont really care for but deal with because like I said I love this car. The cup holder is not that great. If you have a medium drink or larger you are good. but if you have a small drink the lift for that size is not very promising. I find myself holding the cup because I feel it will fall out of the cup holder. The middle console armrest is pretty small. maybe a few pens. Where they have put the charging plugs in the front is OK but i would much rather have easier access. Now this is one think I dont understand. The passenger can usually lock the car if the driver happens to step out when parked. But you cant in this car. They have to lean over to the drivers side to lock the car. (If someone knows how it can be done please let me know) The problems I see are so minor that I tell everyone that asks me about my HRV to go and test drive it and they will see for themselves this is a great car.

• 

  Best all around low priced car - 2010 Honda Civic
  By BigBear123 - December 3 - 4:40 am

  So, love the car... except the interior, interior for this model just feels cheap all around from the visually unappealing "cock pit" dash to basic button layout for controls, and cloth on doors. Girlfriend just got 2010 mazda 3, its interior blows civics away, from tech to looks. Super fun to drive, even just around town, but really is not that fast which is good and keeps me out of trouble. Fuel is what u expect, but uses premium, if u care that much get a different car. Bang for your buck, cant beat it though, good looking, fun to drive, reliable, car has everything for a reasonable price... except interior, well I like the seats, they are comfy, I am also not a big guy though.

• 

  Great Minivan - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By FentonMD - December 3 - 12:08 am

  Excellent engine/transmission. Very smooth ride. Drives like a car. Interior room huge and versatile. We have the DVD system with wireless headphones which works flawlessly. Build quality is very good and the van feels solid. Will definitely consider buying a 3rd generation ody in a few years.

• 

  wear your earplugs - 2016 Honda HR-V
  By Susan Morrow - December 2 - 11:04 pm

  I really like this car but the poor acceleration and loud engine are real cons for this car. Why honda would not put a bigger engine in this car are beyond me. When I test drove it up a hill I actually thought the engine sounded like it was going to blow up. Its the same engine thats in the Fit, a lighter smaller car. I think the HRV needs more horsepower.

• 

  Valuable knowledge - 1991 Honda Civic
  By james - December 2 - 10:28 pm

  Very fun car to drive, has some good get up for 110hp. Tight cornering, has plently of space for such a small car. But i have not seen one of these last past 160000 miles, stock. do not buy if it has close to that...rear suspension gives, tranny starts to slip and scratch, ac/compressor goes out, clutch needs replacement alternator and timing belt as well. this may just be me but i have known 3 other people same year all sis with same problems...

• 

  Great - 2016 Honda Accord
  By keith armstrong - December 2 - 10:20 pm

  I had been wanting a Honda for years. I am glad I finally did.

• 

  Not all 10s - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Missing My TL - December 2 - 3:53 pm

  I have had the car for 13 months. I am a bit disappointed with the interior planning. The heated seat button on the driver side is obstructed by the hand brake and the mode button to change the heating and cooling is at the farthest reach of the control panel. Additionally, it is puzzling that despite the purchase of an EX-L you need to get a v6 just to get something as simple as a universal garage door opener. I have had Hondas and Acuras in the past and there used to be a distinct difference from domestics, that isnt so for this model.

• 

  2005 Odessey - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By Pal - December 2 - 2:20 pm

  I love it! It is very easy to drive and get my kids in and out of it. Very versitile. I can do anything I need. Fun to drive! I love that I can conform the seats any way I need to.

• 

  My Favorite Car - 1990 Honda Accord
  By czarbo - December 1 - 11:04 pm

  I have 227,000 on my Honda. It has served me well over the last few years. I have taken this car everywhere. I love the styling and the interior. I still think it is as modern and even better designed then some 2004 cars. 90% of my paint is gone but is still shows no signs of rust. This car has the unique ability to heal itself as problems that seemed to need repair - started to work again saving me much money. Truley a special car.