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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  disappointing - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By unfortunate - January 2 - 2:00 am

  This is the worst vehicle I have ever purchased. In one year we have needed to replace the altenator, have the sliding doors adjusted twice (and still not right)and replace the pilling interior fabric (which Honda has not yet done). Based on the perfomrance of this car and the manufacturer, I will not buy another Honda again.

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  Great Honda, Great SUV, Not an Acura - 2017 Honda CR-V
  By steven mcdonald - January 1 - 10:37 pm

  This is a very high end Honda, but this is not the quality of materials (the leather seats), or the fit and finish (particularly the rear hatch seams.....), of my Acuras. I assume it will have the same reliability as the 8 other Honda products I have owned. Details: average mileage is ~25 MPG; when you go over 78 MPH the turbo is on all the time, mileage drops fast (to around 22 MPG?); transmission is good, even acts like it is shifting when you push it hard (I like it?); rear seat room is awesome; handling is awesome; the leather on the front seats is weak, really weak, it will wear fast; get the all weather floor mats, they are awesome; the fit of the rear hatch baffles me, it is so bad I can almost get my finger in the seams....weird; the infotainment system is aggravating at best, very confusing; bluetooth is crazy, out of control, takes control of your phone even when you have deleted your phone; Android Auto works fine, but be prepared, Android Auto messes up your phone bad; Apple Car Play also works fine, but that product is terrible; love the deep white Touring color; AWD is awesome and seamless; There is a slight vibration at 78 MPH, I think it is the turbo not being isolated - I am getting used to it, so not a problem; we have 6K on the CRV. This CRV looks so much better than any of the previous versions, that is why we took a look at it. We do love it, quirks and all. We have 4 grown kids, and 2 grandkids, and we think this will make a very nice hand-me down at some point in the future - as did my 99 TL, my 05 Odyssey, my 08 Fit, and my 09 TSX - and 92 and 93 Accords....ugh....yeah, that is not all the Honda products, but most of them.....

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  Honda CR-V No surprises - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By Barry Harper - January 1 - 10:16 pm

  This is a very nice vehicle. The package additions make it very nice compared to the LX, without going overboard. The only thing that we dont like are the controls for the radio. The touch screen buttons are small and somewhat hard to read and locate. The vehicle does have controls on the steering wheel that mitigates the issue a bit, but I would like to see better controls. There are not as many cubby holds to put stuff in the front compared to my older (2003) CR-V; this isnt a big deal but something that we noticed.

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  Sound investment - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Rajdeep - January 1 - 9:10 pm

  Its been 1.5 years, and the car responds as well as when I bought it. The extended period of 7500 miles for an oil change helps in forgetting that this car actually has mechanical parts that require maintenance! Ive the V6 with leather, navigational system - the works, and while I did question the need for the navi. system when buying it, it has become indispensible. It has a quick GPS lookup/update which is extremely important. The touch screen is slightly buggy but overall the interface is very intuitive. The voice guidance (configurable in male/female) is non-robot like!! One negative would be the brakes which seem to have worn out sooner than expected.

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  Never buy gas again! - 2005 Honda Civic
  By Bud - January 1 - 6:56 pm

  I am extremely satisfied with this car. In California, I can drive in the carpool lanes by myself and park at parking meters for free. The single greatest feature of this car is home refueling. With the Phill compressor in my garage, I never have to go to the gas station again. Its also the lowest emission internal combustion engine ever made. Its very good for the environment and easy on your wallet too.

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  Step up to the plate - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Mad in Massachusetts - January 1 - 5:16 am

  I think its time Honda stepped up to the plate like Toyota and admit when there is a problem. Headlights are crazy-keeps dimming when driving, Brakes are shot at 22,000 miles, and drivers window makes horrible noise when closing.

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  Great car - 2009 Honda Accord
  By jimmy de - January 1 - 4:00 am

  Ive owned Hondas for the past 12 years and this car is as nice as any Ive had. Performance of the 4cyl. engine seems a bit weaker than my past 2 Accords but is by no means a dog. Complaints about the seats being uncomfortable dont factor into my opinion at all. I find them very comfortable especially for long trips across Texas. I find them a bit low for exit, but not a problem at all when Im in the car. I drive in the El Paso area quite a bit and as far as fuel economy is concerned, I get almost 28 mpg on every tank of gas. This car is a keeper and Ill continue to buy Hondas in the future.

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  good car - 2001 Honda S2000
  By mike2004 - January 1 - 2:00 am

  had carerra & prefer s2k

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  It fits me - 2005 Honda Element
  By mveach - December 31 - 12:03 pm

  I stopped by just to lock inside one. Test drove it. Took it home for the weekend and, didnt want to give it back. The room in the front did it for me. I hate things close to my face. No problem here. My wife has a pilot and for every day use, I prefer the Element. My grand kids love the rear seats. They set up high enough to see out.

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  Still Not As Quiet As Honda Claims - 2013 Honda Accord
  By bb49 - December 31 - 11:11 am

  Interior and features are much improved over my 2003 Accord EX-L V-6. However, there was no signifigant improvement in the handling or ride of this car over my 2003 and it was very noisy on rough pavement and the suspension let me hear every imperfection in the road.