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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  A work in progress-Accord SE - 2007 Honda Accord
  By Wise 1 - March 21 - 11:56 pm

  The Accord has excellent power and a smooth shifting tranny, very strong stereo and cd player is great. Heat works well cant comment on AC until summertime. The brakes are very touchy and require very little effort, stops quickly and predictably. Fit and finish are excellent but drivers seat is short and doesnt give the support most will need if they are more than 5 5" tall. Head room adequate for those 6. Center armrest doesnt extend far enough for me. I can barely use it. The ergonomics of the cockpit are with larger and taller drivers in mind.

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  How i feel - 2016 Honda Accord
  By Jeremy thomas - March 21 - 11:45 am

  This car will definitely tempt you to add accessories

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  Transmissions - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By Phil - March 20 - 8:38 am

  You MUST follow the scheduled maintenance of the transmission... which means drain and fill EVERY 40,000 miles. People let it go, then wonder why the tranny fails?

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  Honda Interior - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Hondared2006 - March 20 - 4:37 am

  Major problems with interior and trim, panels on inside of car by roof and window. Honda had to re built a major engine part. When car was 2 years out of warranty. For the most the car is outstanding on gas. Handles and drives great. Lots of room in trunk. Comfortable! I just wish the interior was a little better.

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  2008 Honda CR-V - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By jjh - March 19 - 4:04 pm

  I have owned my CR-V for about 6 months now. In general, its a very nice car to drive, has decent handling, good mpg for a small SUV, and is very nicely designed. The power is rather lacking, but its only a 4 cylinder, and I find myself continuously frustrated that it is only sold as an automatic. However, the general reliability, safety, performance, and resale value of CR-Vs made this my first choice because of the arrival of our new baby. If no baby, I would never have purchased this vehicle simply due to personal taste... Im a truck person.

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  Shopping for mid size crossover - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By Ed - March 19 - 2:22 pm

  I am generally a big fan of Honda and Acura. But a few things have me shopping against the CRV Touring. First, the Navigation system is pitifully low resolution and the interface is just stupid. Its a big step backwards from my former 12 year old 2004 Acura TL and way behind current offerings from Hyundai, Mazda, and others. Second, Hondas exterior styling with the CRV leaves much to be desired. Again, compare to the Mazda. The CRV Touring wheels look like the designer was on drugs. This is the same company that gave me an S2000 in 2001 that still looks good and crisp today?? These are dumb little things in the big picture, but its equally dumb for Honda to ignore them. If not for Hondas great reliability and resale, Id go with the new Tuscon Limited or CX5. I may end up in a CPO X1 for three rungs up from all of the above in driving dynamics; but if Honda would get their act together in ergonomics, it would make my choice easier.

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  Evil A/Cs - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By Shawnzee - March 19 - 11:22 am

  I bought my 2004 CR-V new and took delivery in Nov. 03. Basically a good car but not a great one. The well known A/C problem became a problem for me in the 90,000 mile range in August. I live in Connecticut and we dont use A/C much but in August you really need it. The repair was $1500 and Honda covered $900 of it as good faith. At about 105,000 the throttle body went and I shelled out $1000 for that repair. Based on the dealers absolute confusion on what was wrong I dont think this was a common occurrence for the CR-V. The sun visor broke off in my hand and cost $100 to replace. The drivers seat belt broke but was covered under the lifetime guarantee on seat belts.

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  Dont Lose The Race NOW! - 2007 Honda Accord
  By DL - March 19 - 9:45 am

  5th accord 4 cyl. Owned since 1991. Gas mileage great, Cruise set at 75, got 34 mpg on 800 mile trip, after 6500 mile break-in. But some quality issues never had on older Accords - brake rotors shake and brake fade on long steep hills. Even with leather option, seats comfort in front is terrible even on 100 mile trip. I am a serious car collector and insist on quality and reliability, the reason I have been with Honda all these yrs. But Honda is starting to lower their standards, the very thing that put them on top. This is the first time I have ever had reason to question the build quality of this brand car. Honda, stop the bleeding! What a great business model, save this product!

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  Could be better - 2007 Honda Accord
  By DanaS - March 19 - 4:20 am

  Picked up a Honda Accord for the wife to drive. It seemed to be a good economical car, but hasnt gotten near the EPA mileage. The six cylinder with the auto is nice, but not as economical as we thought. The interior is well put together and somewhat plush like a 1980s Buick. The parts fit together well and are acceptable for a 25K car. The ride is an anamoly...flaccid yet tinny. Not much of a step up from a Civic.

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  O say can you see? - 2006 Honda Civic
  By carcare - March 18 - 4:10 pm

  I am surprised that I have not read more about the visibility problems with this car! I only have one bumper left without a scratch. You can not see the front of the car at all and the back is not much better. The car is also very low to the ground making it awkward to get in and out of. I love the gas mileage, the interior design but hate the visibility problem.