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 Vehicle - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By SMcMahon - July 7 - 5:30 pm

  Ive been driving a 07 CRV for over three months. I am extremely happy with the handling and ride quality. CRV is driven on hilly, curving highways and in city. Handles both very well. Look forward to driving it EVERY time I get into it!

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  Awesome car!!! - 2009 Honda Civic
  By bori - July 7 - 3:00 pm

  Ive had my 2009 EX for 3 months now and love it! Much more comfortable than the Corolla that I used to have. No complaints from me. There are times when I start it up it takes a couple of extra seconds to get the engine running. Ive discovered if I park on the smallest hill sometimes theres a clunking noise as I shift from P to R, also there are times when I shift from R to D Ive noticed the engine accelerates a little as the tachometer indicates, but other than those minor things the 09 Civic is definitely an awesome car to own!!!

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  Great Value for your money - 2005 Honda Accord
  By PC - July 7 - 1:46 pm

  This is my 3rd Honda, I currently own a 2002 CRV, and had a 1988 Accord. After doing extensive search to replace my wifes Saturn, the Honda Accord was a hands down winner. I seriously looked at the Camry, which had a quieter road noise than the Accord but not by much, but everything else was a win by the Accord. I am impressed by the comfortable ride ,all the features as well as all the standard saftey features that it comes with, Anti-lock brakes, side air bags, also Goverment crash test results. Honda provides the best value for the money by several thousands of dollars. The heated seats and power driver seat is also a nice feature.

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  High cost of Ownership - 2008 Honda Accord
  By bobs - July 7 - 12:10 pm

  2nd set of brakes at 50,000 miles. NEVER ever had this problem with any car I owned, let alone Accords. No change in driving habits. At $700+ a brake job, it adds up. Miss my 2004 Accord. Sold with 200,000 miles 1.5 years ago and I still see it around town. At year end, Ill look at the Lexus.

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  I love to drive again! - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By newhondagal - July 7 - 5:36 am

  I bought my CR-V about a week ago and I absolutely love it. Everyone raves about how nice this car looks. I got it in Glacier Blue and its so beautiful - in my opinion the best color this car comes in. Im already averaging 27 mpg with highway/city driving. I love sitting up high and the visibility is so much better than my old sedan. This SUV handles and corners like a car, going down ramps with tight turns is no problem, however, it does lack in acceleration, but Ive gotten used to that. Im not out racing anyone, but getting up to speed on the highways is tricky. Other than that, I love it!

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  Amazing - 1997 Honda Prelude
  By PreludeEh - July 7 - 2:00 am

  Great first car. Great perfromance and handling! Extremely reliable, a lot of fun to drive and decent fuel economy.

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  If I Could Turn Back Time... - 2001 Honda Odyssey
  By hatethisvan - July 7 - 2:00 am

  I cant believe we actually paid sticker price for this thing. At only 32,000 miles it rides like a lumber truck, the gas mileage around town stinks, the breaks began screeching during the first year, none of the seat belts retract by themselves anymore and we had to replace the windshield wipers the first year. The paint has chipped off several spots on the hood already. The seats are very uncomfortable on trips longer than 30 minutes. Every time it rains or I wash it, the sliding door seals stick and we cant open them. The sound system is pretty cheap sounding as well. Very, very disappointing!

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  You call this a car - 2002 Honda Accord
  By WstCst - July 6 - 8:53 am

  I bought a Honda because people say they are great cars, are they ever wrong. The car feels very cheap and has to be taken into the shop every other week or so to fix some glitch. The interior quality is poor, not up to the standards of even the poorest domestic car. The gas milege, a measly 24 MPG quite frankly stinks. The price for this car was way to much for the car that you get. The pathetic engine can barely propel the car down the road, and the transmission has to down shift to even go around corners. Dont buy this vehicle

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  CR-V 2015 drive shaft vibration - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By acarbal - July 6 - 5:58 am

  November 11 2014 bought a new all wheel drive CR-V and returned the following days. There was a drive shaft vibration. Dealer agreed to give a new SUV. Drive shaft vibration problem was there again. Went to the dealer for repair, part was replaced but problem continues. Dealer cant fix anymore since Honda does not have a solution. 3 Months and still no solution from Honda. Should I buy another CR-V or Honda again? THE ANSWER IS NO!!

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  Great vehicle - 2013 Honda Crosstour
  By diana - July 6 - 5:26 am

  Love everything about this car