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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  As Good as Any Honda - 1997 Honda Civic
  By FinalHeven - April 11 - 2:00 am

  This car is just what youd expect in a Honda. It gets great gas mileage and plenty of power. There have been some minor annoyances with sounds and accessories, but nothing major. When I drove my car after a very cold night the thermostat broke and caused the car to overheat, but there was no damage besides the broken piece. I had the side panels repaired after someone hit me in a parking lot and now it looks better than it did before it was hit, though the doors creak a little. Overall a really good used car and one that is well worth the $4800 I paid for it.

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  Great Car! - 1998 Honda Civic
  By AndyinBalto - April 11 - 2:00 am

  First new car I have ever purchased. Grew up with Fords and Chevys and will never go back. This car has been trouble free. It is surprisingly comfortable and quiet for a small car. It is gets more than 35 mpg on the highway and is fun to drive. I only wish it had a liitle more low end torque.

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  Initial Impressions After 1 Month - 2009 Honda CR-V
  By Andy - April 10 - 10:50 pm

  Firstly Im pretty picky and I havent had the car long. The drivers seat could use better lumbar support and a bit more leg room. Cloth seat durability is ? + meant for smaller person. Backup sensor add-on although nice isnt something really needed. Its not hard to get used to backing it up. Cheap carpet floor mats are not going to last long. Rear door doesnt latch w/o slamming. Addon compass/rear view mirror sits too high on window. Too close to top console (no clearance). Wind impacts mileage a LOT. Very limited range (350ish and much less in wind). Bit rough shifting out of 1st sometimes. Braking is great. Handles well. Good visibility. For its size, I like the car. Hard to beat new.

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  Not ready for Prime Time... - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By Thedogpack - April 10 - 3:44 am

  Wait another year until they figure out the quirks. There are some serious issues with the 9 speed transmission as well as a creaking issue the car has been back to the dealer for twice. I wanted so much to love this SUV but unfortunately there are some serious issues with the vehicle -Honda Engineering know about the creaking -The transmission accelerates when you are slowing (What the heck?) - Technology (radio) is very buggy - We have the Tech package. -Poor design when third row is folded - there is a big gap that makes loading difficult - No third row floor mat? Really, even on the touring? I paid 40K plus for a vehicle and I am treated as if I just walked off the street. I should have purchased the Infiniti! Buyers Remorse

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  Great Car! - 2006 Honda Civic
  By LMai - April 10 - 2:23 am

  This is the first car Ive ever bought, and Im glad I chose the Civic. It handles nicely, and the engine is so quiet!

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  Every car should be this good - 1995 Honda Civic
  By benjoliversmom - April 10 - 2:00 am

  I wish more cars were made this way. Manual transmission and rack-and-pinion steering (NOT power steering) impart excellent road-feel and responsiveness. This drives like a sports car at a commuter- car price. Reliability is astoundingly good.

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  I would buy another Honda - 1996 Honda Accord
  By cac20 - April 10 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car new 8 years ago and it has been virtually maintenence free until about 102,000 miles when it developed a major oil leak ( broken seal) but besides that it has only been routine maintenance and it now has 106k miles. It has served our family well!

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  Only Wish It Were Quieter - 2000 Honda Odyssey
  By porknpie - April 10 - 2:00 am

  Currently have 54K miles on our Odyssey. Originally purchased new. If you are looking for a dependable used van, I would highly recommend. The 2000s have problems with the automatic door closing mechanism and evidently, the transmission. Honda fixed the door closer by relacing the motors on both sides free of charge and post the warranty period. Transmission warranty was extended to 100K miles. Overall, 20-21 MPG.

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  LOVE LOVE LOVE my THIRD CRV the BEST SO FAR!!! - 2017 Honda CR V
  By Upstatenymom - April 10 - 1:49 am

  Well I am a Honda girl, it started with my 2005 CRV that took me 120,000 miles with just one issue, a rear caliper and continued on when we traded it for a leased 2014 model. The lease was up in a couple months so my husband and I decided to test drive the newly released 2017. We LOVED it! Purchased and drove it home that day!! WOW what a difference 3 years makes! Whenever my husband is in this vehicle he comments on how much better this CRV is compared to our last ones. The heated leather seats are so much more comfortable than previous ones, the interior has finally been upgraded to more quality materials and it shows. Love the feel of the steering wheel, the leather accents are wonderful. The ride is much quieter and more comfortable. I was impressed with how much less road noise this model has. LOVE the automatic high beams !!! Never have to remember to turn them on and off anymore, I was skeptical on how well they would adjust automatically but I am amazed at how perfectly they do the job. NO GAS CAP to fight with anymore, thats a great feature too! Love the auto tailgate, FINALLY!! I was originally considering buying smaller SUV but test drove the HRV months ago and wasnt impressed with the power it had. This is definitely the largest CRV to date and the extra room in back seat is obvious to all. Our Goldendoodle is usually the only one back there and she seems pretty happy with it ;) It did take me a bit to get used to all the new tech though. There is so much more to learn when driving these new tech savoy vehicles, but I am impressed with all of it! Honda did an amazing job of taking the dependable but kinda boring CRV and raising it to a whole new level! Lots of comfort and charm, LOVE it!

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  The smartest buy - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Jason Elliot - April 9 - 2:46 pm

  I feel that this is the best car that I could have ever purchased. Not only is it excellent on gas mileage but the look and handling of the car are outstanding.