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:

• 

  My First and only - 1997 Honda Civic
  By beavetm - September 8 - 2:00 am

  I have driving my car for over seven years and have only had it in the shop for a major repair one time. I must say that this car has got me through high school, college and beyond. It is a wonderful first car for young drivers because it looks sharp and is relatively inexpensive. I will never buy another car except a Honda in the future, but I plan to keep my Civic forever.

• 

  Mail Carrier Vehicle - 2001 Honda CR-V
  By Dar - rural carrier - September 8 - 2:00 am

  Over 107,000 miles of stop & go delivery of mail through snow, ice, & mud with no problems. Excellent gas mileage on the route, even better on the highway. This little SUV wont fly around a V6 going up hill, but its the most dependable SUV on the route.

• 

  Feel a Part of Class - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By LevinLu - September 8 - 2:00 am

  I love my Honda Odyssey. It is classy, it suits my expanding family...I am a grandmother. My grandkids love to ride with Granma. I feel safe...the Honda Company is keeping all the maintainance current. I raised my own kids in a Volkswagon Bug...quite a difference!! I am a Granma with class!It is also easier for my 93 year old mother to get in and out. The SUV is too high for her to climb into.

• 

  Disappointed Driver - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By Jaspa - September 8 - 2:00 am

  The car runs ok, it just feels and looks very cheap. Cheap parts, few extras.

• 

  The appliance we needed - 2015 Honda Odyssey
  By Mike - September 7 - 11:51 pm

  When we had our second child, we were forced to face a cold hard fact: we needed a van. I looked at Sedona, Sienna and Odyssey. While I really liked it, poor resale kicked the Kia out of the running. While it felt a bit more powerful and had a bit more storage, poor fuel economy kicked out the Toyota. Among the many things we liked in the Honda were a reliable powertrain, sensible, comfortable interior, and good safety features like the side view camera and collision warning. We have now had our 2015 EX-L for about a year and 15,000 miles, and so far it is nothing shy of terrific. The dynamics are good, and it made a cross-country trip of 2500 miles a pleasant experience. When you consider reliability and resale, I think this car should jump to the top of the list.

• 

  LongTermOwner - 2009 Honda CR-V
  By ChangeIsGood - September 7 - 2:43 pm

  I traded my beloved Infiniti Q45t for this Honda. As much as I resisted, I should have done it sooner to recoup the value loss of the "Q." The EX-L is is a rock star in my opinion. The ride is not bad at all, and I dont have a problem with road noise. The XM radio is a must-have feature and the minute I step in, crank the engine, turn XM on, I become a calm, cool, kitten on the freeway instead of the speed demon I used to be. The cargo area is perfect. If you need larger, you would fare better with a truck. I cant believe how easy, and inexpensive it is to keep up with the scheduled maintenance and oil changes. Goodbye $2000 Infiniti repair bills, hello, again, Honda.

• 

  Sand? No problem - 2003 Honda Element
  By kddavidson - September 7 - 10:00 am

  Perfect for driving on the beach. No problems in some pretty thick sand.

• 

  Just Love it! - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By Janell - September 7 - 10:00 am

  Its a year later after purchasing the CRV from Honda and I simply love the ride. There is some noise on the back right side when you go fast, but for the price and value of the other features I have I really cant complain. So many people tell me how nice the car looks, Im happy with the looks of the Honda CRV also. With the AC on the car does take a little more to get going.

• 

  Honda pilot - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By Ecko715 - September 7 - 10:00 am

  I have had this SUV for over a year. I love it. It is great. I have only one complaint the third seat is a little too small. An adult or even a teenager can not fit in it. It is made STRICTLY FOR KIDS. If the seat was a little bigger I wouldnt be able to find anything wrong with the car. It has an ample amount of power with great standard features. It is great for the price. You know that the resale value will be high and that it is very reliable because it is after all a HONDA.

• 

  Very Good SUV - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By Bea - September 7 - 10:00 am

  Bought my CR-V a few months ago, and Ive been loving it. Weve been considering RAV-4 and Tribute, but CR-V overall has the better value. The only problem that I encountered was on the airbag. The SRS light turned on after a few weeks, brought it back to the dealer and they replaced the airbag.