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:

• 

  Awesome Car!!! - 2000 Honda CR-V
  By Ultraviolet - September 25 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car new and havent found anything since that would make me want to sell it. I have never had any problems with it at all. The only small things would be the small plastic panel cover to a compartment on the far back door doesnt stay on and occasionally the brake light comes on for no reason- but for a car with 70,000 miles, that is nothing! The only annoying thing is that a passenger side arm rest was a $50 option that I decided not to get, thinking no one would notice and EVERYONE who has sat there noticed! Aside from oil changes and tires- basic things, this car is maintenance free.

• 

  Nice Car, Iffy Build Quality - 1997 Honda Accord
  By ColdSteel - September 25 - 2:00 am

  I like the styling, lots of aftermarket parts available. Aftermarket sunroof stinks. Tranny lurches at low speeds, engine is unexcepticly noisy and enemic. Needs VTEC. Windows are really slow. Handeling is bad. But it does looks nice. :)

• 

  great truck but - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By Savanna - September 24 - 6:40 pm

  I have a 2006 RTL Ridgeline. I had to bring it back to the dealer for repair to the paint in the door jams....cause dirt in the paint.....From Honda??? Bought tonneau cover and its designed to leak in the middle?? Honda Corp claims this is a good design.... I am worried that Hondais no longer a Japanese quality concerned car company......

• 

  Named Memes Roadrunner - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By Cathy Guerrero - September 24 - 1:18 pm

  Excellent car. Great gas mileage. City getting at least 20mpg drops when oil needs changing. Price little steep so shop around for specials or discounts. Could use little more cargo behind 3rd row for luggage for large family other wise Love Love my SUV. Easier to park than my F250 Crewcab

• 

  Happy Civic Hybrid owner - 2006 Honda Civic
  By pipelayer - September 24 - 3:40 am

  A defect free car right off the showroom floor. You WILL get the EPA rated mileage in warm weather if the car is driven properly. Cold weather decreases mileage significantly. Our Civic hybrid is fun to drive, and I liked getting 512 miles on 9.39 gallons of 87 octane (our first tank of gas.....on a new, tight engine).

• 

  2000s - 2004 Honda S2000
  By kurt ranno - September 24 - 2:00 am

  Best to drive and the best to gaze at.

• 

  Best minivan in the market by far - 2008 Honda Odyssey
  By JUSTIN BRIGGS - September 23 - 10:13 pm

  Ive put apx 8,000 miles on my ODY and not a single complant. It has plenty of power on demand and goes on ECO mode when cruising. DVD player is a must have on those longer trip for the kids. Quality is suprior in its class. I will buy another ODY, No questions ask. Hondas will always be the top contender in its class, just read consumer reports. Never a let down year.

• 

  Best Buy for Small SUV - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By Professor - September 23 - 8:53 pm

  I believe this is a best buy for an owner of a small-sized SUV. 07-CRV model has all the features for a small family...with a quiet ride, sufficient power, cargo space, and safety features to protect the family. Interior features are very family- centered, and really like the exterior curves of the new model. As mentioned in a previous review article...kinda resembles a Lexus RX330..the vehicle I really wanted. Really like the real- time mpg monitor...will help improve my driving habits considering the price of fuel. The EX is probably the best-buy if you really dont need the leather...but I recommend it if you have young kids. Handling is good, and of course reliability is expected.

• 

  Gizmo the Gremlin - 2016 Honda Civic
  By Danny1S - September 23 - 12:37 pm

  Im glad I bought this car! I like all the gizmos (such as keyless entry, pushbutton start, brake assist, auto parking brake, hands free cell phone, ECO mode, backup camera, & more. . ). My old car was 10 yrs old - a lot has happened in 10 years! The cars handling can be described in one word - NIMBLE! I tested 3 cars - Corolla, and 2015 and 2016 Civic - the 2016 Civic was best. The car goes about its duties with aplomb (better than abomb!). In the few times I used Sport mode, Gremlin stops smiling & bears its teeth! (translation: The Tach goes up 1,000 RPMs and the car goes fast). The only minus is that the seats are a bit low and lack thigh support. My mileage is great - a couple of 36.5 readings (Mostly city). I just got back from a highway trip -Denver - Glenwood Springs CO. I got 44MPG!! I used only Drive and Drive with ECO button engaged, and used a light foot on the gas pedal. The main reason I bought the car was for mileage, and I didnt want a hybrid. Ill report again when I use more Sport mode and see what mileage penalty there is.

• 

  Excellent! A great upgrade 2002 Odyssey - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By Happy - September 23 - 10:43 am

  This is my 4th Honda, and my second Odyssey. I love everything about it! I havent had issues with the fuel economy at all, and am averaging ~24 mpg. I drive 60 miles a day round trip in Atlanta rush hour traffic. The 2006 is a huge upgrade from the 2002 model. This van rides like a car, very smooth. Issues I had with the 2002 such as hesitating transmission, horsepower, etc. seem to be resolved with the 2006 model. Love It!