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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  2001 Civic sedan - 2001 Honda Civic
  By KJ - June 2 - 12:50 pm

  Great gas mileage car, very reliable. Weak front ends, but other than that great car. Love the gas mileage - 36 mpg.

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  Keeps going and going almost 200,000 miles - 2001 Honda CR-V
  By fred scott - June 2 - 10:49 am

  I purchased it new back in March of 2001. It is the best reliable little truck I have ever owned. With regular oil changes this baby will go forever. Change the timing belt at 100,000 miles and that clunking noise in the front end is minor - just replace the sway bar end links and bushings, no more clunking. I will not part with the crv great in the rain and snow with high ground clearance. Recommend Yokohama trz tires... Buy it used, you dont even need a warranty - great reliability.

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  LUV my CRV - 2009 Honda CR-V
  By VS007 - June 2 - 9:57 am

  When the time came to dump my Civic, I had Rav4 and CRV in mind. Edmunds and others all give Rav4 higher marks, but I found Rav4s small steering wheel very discomforting and the dashboard controls were not that intuitive. Test drove CRV and felt right at home and in fact was more zippier. Rav4 is more powerful, quieter, roomier, fuel efficient and my brains were for it, but my heart went for CRV and still happier after two weeks. Of course CRV looks better too and is exciting to get into CRV and take it for a spin.

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  Happy with Honda - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By vanman - June 1 - 8:13 pm

  Needed to respond based on the reviews of some grouchy drivers not happy with their Odysseys. Have had my Odyssey since new. Very little trouble (125k mi). Good power when needed, but decent gas mileage (18-20) for a people mover. With 4 growing boys, have thought about moving up to a Yukon XL. Nothing against the GMC but there are a ton of used ones for sale. Not many used Odysseys. People are happy with them and keep them.

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  Bumpy Ride - 2007 Honda Fit
  By nic815 - June 1 - 8:07 pm

  This car is not good if you are planning to have children, you cant fit the stroller in the trunk with many grocery bags. The back seat is small and with the car seat you can only fit one adult. There is not much leg room for a tall man in the passenger seat, your knees hit the dash board. Unless you live where the roads are paved smooth this car isnt for you, if you go over a pebble it feels like you wrecked the car. I didnt know the tires didnt have locks, and some low life robbed all my alloy wheels and tires, cost 1,000.

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  One Year With The Odyssey EXL-Navi - 2008 Honda Odyssey
  By Rich - June 1 - 12:49 pm

  A follow-up review from our first month of ownership. My wife and I bought the van for long trips. Using 91 octane at 60-65 mph we average 27-28 MPG. Mileage in town 21 MPG using a light foot on the accelerator. Combined mileage about 22-23. Very comfortable on long trips. Navi great, seats great, maneuverability great for van, entry/exit seat height great, noise control OK, front suspension OK, mileage better than SUV, exterior looks great, gauge legibility great, headlight projection great, dash design dated (think JDM), interior plastic too cheap. Upgrade the 2010 interior plastic to match the 2009 Pilot.

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  Horrid OS for such a cool car - 2016 Honda Civic
  By Renee - June 1 - 12:12 am

  Loved the car right off. Road handling and acceleration is superb. Operating system is awful. Computer screen goes black, very slow to respond, currently cannot even change climate Temps because computer wont power up touch screen. SLAVE to OS.

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  Great mileage in a tough economy - 2009 Honda CR-V
  By melissa0414 - May 31 - 11:17 am

  I purchased the 2009 CRV EX just a week ago. I had a 2004 Xterra (which got, at best, 17 mpgs highway). I figured instead of spending $400/mo in gas this summer, I needed something more practical, but did not want to compromise on size. The CRV is just as big inside, if not bigger, than the Xterra. Although it appears much smaller on the outside? Love the digital display...it has current mpgs, average mpgs (on that tank), tire pressure monitor, and the Maintenance Meter (reminds you to get your oil changed, etc). Does not have a center console. Instead its a drop-down walk-through (like a minivan would have). The 2.4L 4-banger really has some pep comparable to my old V6.

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  A Blast - 2004 Honda S2000
  By BW - May 31 - 9:01 am

  I had wanted this car since it came on the market. The sound of the exhaust, its strong, sporty appearance. All of its lure comes to life once you are behind the wheel. Im a 1970s TR6 owner, so in being a sports car purest, the S2000 is marvelous fun. The cars handling is perfection and makes you hunt out winding roads for afternoon drives not to mention how much fun just driving to work can be. I enjoy every second behind the wheel. If you want an exciting ride, this is it!

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  Mixed bag - 2008 Honda Accord
  By dkwells1029 - May 31 - 2:06 am

  Traded in my 2006 Accord SE. Loved it. The driver seat in the 2008 is much more comfy. Pick-up is much worse. Stereo sound quality is worse. There is much more room in the 08. Ride noise is similar. Tires on the 06 were of better quality - I got over 80,000 on my 06 Michelins. So its a mixed bag. Overall, Im satisfied. The 08 is a nice car and still offers the best combination of size and fuel efficiency.