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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  Not for off road driving - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By SkyPuddle - August 7 - 2:00 am

  For most driving, we love our Honda CR- V. But we have had real trouble driving it on anything but paved roads. Both last summer and this summer we damaged the vapor recovery system (it hangs down under the rear axle) when we drove it on rough roads. We were not taking on particularly hairy roads but the CR-V really has no more ground clearance than a sedan. Not recommended for those that want a car to take to the mountains.

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  Wish Odyssey-en it sooner!! - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By Mel - August 6 - 10:33 pm

  We Love this Van!! Kids have so much room. More comfortable than our previous 01 Dodge Grand Caravan. Dont know about the gas mileage yet but it doesnt seem to be horrible like other reviews suggest. If you live in snowy conditions like we do definitely pay a little extra to get the rubber floor mats and cargo tray. This van has so much "get-up" for a van that I catch myself speeding often. Love the back windows, the cargo storage area, the 8th seat, the heated seats, the moonroof, THE RIDE!! Test drive everything else and then get this Van!!

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  Excellent quality ride and price. - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By Big Pun - August 6 - 9:53 pm

  My first Honda and its a fantastic compact SUV. I was trying to decide between the CRV and the RAV4, but went with the CRV. The RAV4 was louder even with the V6 and I didnt like the spare tire sticking out the back. The CRV handled great, is reliable, has good resale and includes a lot of standard equipment. Would buy it again.

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  Should have been better... - 2006 Honda Accord
  By Stuart - August 6 - 7:56 pm

  I bought this car for the safety, reliability, resale value, and fuel economy. After living with it for 6 months, I really dislike this car. The ride is noisy, bumpy and harsh all the time, the windows and dash are full or rattles, and the drivers seat is a miserable place to spend any time. Cloth upholstery is at the bottom of the class. The standard stereo has a cd changer but the sound is not good. The headlights put out a lot less light than I was expecting. Honda has a great reputation, but that appears to be all you are paying for on this car.

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  Ageless reliability - 2001 Honda Accord
  By Todd S - August 6 - 11:46 am

  I passed up a high-end European car in 2001 on rumours of electrical problems. Im at 65,000 miles and 2 accidents (not my fault) and the Accord is faultless. I havent had even one issue, one rattle - nothing. (The dealer gets kudos for the quick faultless repairs after the accidents.) The TCS has proven helpful in ice, although better tires have proven a better solution in that area. Back seat fits a newborn carseat very well and the easy entry makes it easy for Dad to climb out after installing the carseat. After 5 years - Im really digging for an excuse to get the 2005. But I cant come up with one. My car runs as well as the day I bought it. Go to Koons!

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  Great Car - 2008 Honda Civic
  By db - August 6 - 4:20 am

  Great car for the money. Not sure why some people arent getting good fuel economy. My driving is about 2/3 highway and 1/3 city, and my worst tank in 6 months of ownership has been 33.5 mpg. I average 34.5 - 35.0 mpg, with spirited driving. My best tank was 37 mpg while I tried to baby it.

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  Honda = Reliability - 1997 Honda Civic
  By Honda_Owner - August 6 - 2:00 am

  This was my first major investment and I have no regrets with my purchase. I plan to drive this until it cant go anymore. I have had to do minimal maintenance. I added a Honda spoiler, tint and fog lights and just love the look!

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  Honda Accord 2dr EX V6 im lovin it - 1999 Honda Accord
  By loni - August 6 - 2:00 am

  this has been a very reliable car, it has lots of power but great on gas

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  Good - 2016 Honda Accord
  By Jung - August 5 - 5:38 am

  Bought it for 23300. Very good so far. Had it for two weeks. Drove 1400 miles highway and averaged out 32 to 33 mpg. Kinda shifts to left but i think its just the wheel alignment.

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  2002 Honda CR-V - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By Tom Case - August 5 - 5:06 am

  I have never owned a more reliable and maintenance free car. I purchased this car new in 2002 and other than oil changes have never had any mechanical issues except for a heater sensor which I replaced last week. Of course there were a couple of "recalls" that I had done.