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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  GREAT SAFETY FEATURES - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By supechief 20 - October 21 - 2:46 am

  GOOD: back up camera; blind spot camera [ except when sun glares]; collision avoidance; lane change warning; better acceleration than my 2013 model BAD: adjustable Cruise control slows car down around slight curve on highway when a car is in other lane.

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  Accord on Steroids - 1996 Honda Odyssey
  By VanMan2001 - October 21 - 2:00 am

  We bought our 1996 Ody used in 1998. Since then we have put on 70k miles of virtually trouble free miles. At 86k miles, the ABS sensor went bad and had to be replaced but that is the only trip it has ever made to the service bay besides normal maintenance. Its smaller size and 4 doors make it ideal for our local city driving and the room for trips has been great. After we purchase our new 2001 Ody, we kept this one too because we like it so much.

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  Peppy sedan at 190k miles - 1991 Honda Civic
  By Tom Haws - October 21 - 2:00 am

  Beloved wife and I have owned our 1991 white Civic "Pegasus" since 1992. Along the way we have had trouble with CV boots, the heater blower and resistor switch, the rear driver side door latch. In the past 4 years we have spent $4000 on repairs to go about 50,000 miles. Not bad. At this point, with 190,000 miles, it isnt 100% reliable, but it is still a zippy little car and very fun to drive. Wish it had a clock and cup holders. We bought a 1996 Accord yesterday to replace it, but we will probably keep it around a while just for old times sake.

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  A solid compact SUV! - 2000 Honda CR-V
  By emanky - October 21 - 2:00 am

  Well-built, solid, small-size SUV. The reliability is great (what you expect from Honda), have owned for 3 years, not one problem. The AWD is great in bad weather conditions. Cargo area is spacious, a good car for longer trips, as well as, carting the family around town. The fuel economy is good as well. Only shortcoming is four cylinder engines horsepower, its adequate, but engine struggles in passing situations and up steep hills. I believe Honda has improved this in later models

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  Solid, Reliable, and Great Resale Value - 2001 Honda Odyssey
  By VanMan2001 - October 21 - 2:00 am

  Our 2001 EX has 45,000 miles on it to date and we have not had a single problem. As a matter of fact, we are still on our original tires. Honda has delivered, in our opinion, exactly what they promised - a quality van that is reliable and unmatched by any other on the road. Our dealer was so confident that they included a 5 yr/100,000 mile bumper to bumper warranty at no cost. But were glad we have not had to collect on it!

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  2017 Honda CR-V Touring - 2017 Honda CR-V
  By Jim - October 21 - 12:30 am

  Be sure to shop around as some dealers arent likely to give best price.

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  Poison Ivy - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Last Accord - October 20 - 2:23 am

  First Honda, probably my last. Replaced 2005 Camry that was totaled in a rear-end collision. Have owned the Accord LX since November 07. 1400 miles. Over 60. Three months and I still cant get comfortable in the LX. In my opinion: hard seats, hard ride, more road noise than expected, disappointing gas mileage. For test drive(s), I wish I had removed the hard plastic from the drivers seat; tried harder to get comfortable in the non-electric seat; spent more time on rough roads. I did several back to back test drives with Accord/Camry. I admit I was caught up (a bit) in the new styling of the Accord... but I do miss the more comfortable ride of my 05 & 96 Camrys.

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  Honda SUV - good work horse - 2006 Honda CR-V
  By A.L. - October 20 - 2:11 am

  Good car if you need more space for hauling things than you can get in a sedan. Reliable with minimal maintenance of the past 11 years. Road noise is fairly high and the ride is stiff.

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  Love it! - 1990 Honda Accord
  By koko2 - October 20 - 2:00 am

  good overall, very reliable

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  Its a BLAST! - 2003 Honda S2000
  By BLAST - October 20 - 2:00 am

  This is really a race car and its fabulous!