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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  Like riding Indiana Jones at Disneyland - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By AlexC - August 28 - 10:39 am

  Seriously losing confidence in Hondas quality. Ive owned 2 cars in my lifetime.. both Hondas.. and both have glaring defaults within. (Previous car: 2001 Honda Accord, which came w/ a bad transmission) The 2015 Honda CRV came out of the dealership lot driving great. I thought I finally scored a great deal of a car! Then I started reading about the VIBRATION issues the car supposedly had. The car still drove well for another 10,000 miles.. But now, Im near nauseous at every stop light I find myself at. I look over at the passenger seat, which is shaking madly.. which means that the driver seat I"m sitting on is also shaking likewise. This shaking at idle reminds me of the transmission issue I dealt with in my previous Honda Accord, where the car constant risk of shaking and dying upon acceleration at eery red light. I certainly hope Honda does something about their problems with the 21015 CRV. They received incredible ratings and reviews upon initial release and rode it all the way to best seller. This is very unfortunate that the car does not deliver up to value and no has many (and priorly non-returning) customers. Very disapointing

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  Good value - 2007 Honda Fit
  By dan dierdorf - August 28 - 9:13 am

  With summer gas prices looming, I was looking for a vehicle that got good mileage yet was still fun to drive. The Honda Fit "fit" my needs better than the competition. I really love the exterior styling. I get about 34 mpg combined city/hwy. It handles great and sticks to the road well. Safety features are second to none. The bad thing about the car is it isnt too comfortable for long drives. No armrest and gas pedal position cramps my foot. Road noise is more than expected on the highway and you have to floor it to accelerate uphill.

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  What a - 1995 Honda Passport
  By mickydu - August 28 - 2:00 am

  Driving our 1995 Passport EX 4x4 has been very enjoyable. ride has been comfortable,plenty of room, rear also, just a little stiff...weve had very little repair other than the usual maintenance. averaged 14 in the city and nearly 19 on the road./..this vehcile has plenty of uphill power with its electronic gear shifter..the 4wheel has been superb in the snow weve taken it on several long trips never feelling driver or passenger fatigue. theres some air noise from the moon roof, but not bad, it can be drowned out by a little low music...hope to find another quality SUV in our near future...

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  $50,000 Sports car for 33K? - 2003 Honda S2000
  By gt - August 28 - 2:00 am

  Incredible machine! Built to the quality of what you might expect from Mercedes. Unfortunately for Mercedes their SLK looks good but is no match in quality or performance.. The S2K is a real "rocket blast!"

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  Your Basic Car - 1994 Honda Civic
  By Owner1122 - August 28 - 2:00 am

  Heres just about everything you need in a car, literally speaking. Not particularly powerful, and quite noisy at speeds, the little Civic will take you more or less wherever you want to go, and it wont exact a huge price on your bank account. The car is tolerable, and fulfills all its promises. Its kinda fun to drive, in a slow, homey kind of way. Theres not much going on under the hood, but this car will never break. If you want to get from Point A to Point B, youre all over the Honda Civic DX.

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  Cant Ask for More - 1997 Honda Civic
  By Andie - August 28 - 2:00 am

  I bought my Civic EX brand new in 97 and I still love it. Its about time to move on to something with a bit more comfort - been trying and make it to the Acura dealership to look but somehow I just dont want to part with my Honda. It has given me almost no problems in 6 years (drivers side window got stuck once about 3 years ago replaced the alternator 2 years ago) - otherwise its been a very reliable car. Love the exterior styling and the interior layout. The 5- speed is fun to drive except in stop & go traffic - next car will definitely be an automatic for this reason only!

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  Never Again - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By Dave - August 28 - 12:53 am

  Good vehicle if you live in city. Not good if you live in country in Wi., Mn., Mi. etc. The so called AWD system blows. I live in county. Driveway has hill. If driveway has ice front wheels barely enough to get up hill as they were spinning. Appears back wheels never kicked in. During winter there were times going into town or home and hoping didnt end up in ditch. No confidence in this vehicle. There are no indicators to notify the driver that the vehicle is in AWD. Driver has no idea when the vehicle is in AWD if it ever is. Do I really have AWD ? There are 1-2 sentences devoted to AWD in the owners manual. An AWD light will come on if the AWD system overheats. Bet this was done purposely(no indicator) do avoid law suit when someone gets in accident when the driver thinks AWD should have been in place when it wasnt. If you tilt the front seat back to any degree,which you will need to do if youre taller than 510", you cannot fold the back seat down as it hits the back of the front seat. Have 10,000 miles on mine and looking to trade in. Good gas mileage. Average 30-35 on highway. 29.3 overall since owning.

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  Back for another... - 2006 Honda CR-V
  By Don McConaghy - August 27 - 6:53 pm

  My wife has a 2003, and she loves it. I saw a 2006 (same color) with a manual transmission and ahd to have it. It is fun, economical and will probably last a long time.

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  awesome - 2005 Honda Accord
  By djmeagher - August 27 - 3:43 pm

  Handles great with lots of power and nearly 40 miles to the gallon on the highway!

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  Why settle for less than a Honda? - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By therhino - August 27 - 10:00 am

  This is my 3rd Honda. I run em til they rust out, so forget leasing or trading in. That being the case, youve got to really like a car to keep it for 15 years & I have never wanted to keep a GM or Ford product for more than 3 years [new or not]. Too many little annoyances. With the Odyssey, I was again impressed by the workmanship. Everything is thoughtfully designed and serves a purpose. Because the 04 is the last of its design series, picked one up for $5000 under retail & $10,000 less than what Siennas sell for around here. Only $2000 more than GM & Ford competition, so why not pay 10% more for peace-of-mind, knowing you got the best?