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:

• 

  Honda is good, when it runs - 1990 Honda Accord
  By rubrenbear - May 17 - 2:00 am

  I bought the car from a friend 2 years ago. The first few months of owning the car were not spent driving it. The car needed costly repairs such as timing belts, battery changed 3 times, ignitor switch, starter and alternator. Once fixed it stopped entirely. It was towed to the nearest shop but nothing was wrong. An hour later, we tried starting it and it magically was fine! Arrg! Ive had this car 2 years and it almost feels like Im making monthly payment on this car.

• 

  Lovin It - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By Casey - May 17 - 1:46 am

  My first Honda and I love it! I traded a 2005 Ford Escape because of issues I was having with the cloth seats falling apart and the interior felt very crowded. The Honda CR-V has so much more room. I love having the open space between the front seats vs a center console. I actually have a place to put my purse. Also the person sitting in the middle of the back seat has more leg room because the console is not in the way. Originally, I was concerned about the 4 cyclinder engine in the Honda but I found it is zippy and acceleration is no problem. After having looked at many other mid-sized SUVs on the market, I just kept coming back to the Honda CR-V. It has everything I wanted and more!

• 

  Transmission/Radio Issues - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By Erock - May 17 - 1:07 am

  Read up on the 9 speed transmission in the touring and elite models. Acura has a TSB supposedly addressing these but none has been release for Pilot, which is frustrating since they are the same transmission. Low gears are "jerky", acceleration when stopping (DANGEROUS!) The radio; plain and simple, AWFUL. The fade that is all over the forums for FM is absolutely ridiculous. Reminds me of a "jambox" from back in the day that had old batteries - sound fades in and out. Many on the forums have said Honda has stated it has to do with cycling back and forth between stereo and mono; really Honda. In a 40+K car in 2016 you have issues with FM???!! First Honda Ive owned and unless they get these issues corrected quickly, definitely my last. Very disappointed so far.

• 

  SUV owner converted - 2005 Honda Civic
  By chillinnsatx - May 16 - 8:53 am

  Ive always driven large trucks and SUVs, but recent gas prices got me to reconsider a more efficient car. The Honda Civic has great crash test ratings, great resale values, great "low true cost of ownership", great gas mileage, a huge trunk, comfortable ride. For a 4 cylinder compact, it gets me up & going on the freeway just fine, and friends fit great in the back seat. Its not going to pull a boat or anything, but I think its a vehicle Im going to have for a long time. I really cant see the logic of spending more on a car unless youre just really trying to impress the neighbors with an emblem, b/c this is an awesome car for the price.

• 

  Great 1st car or x-tra ride around vehicle - 1999 Honda Accord
  By William Henderson - May 16 - 6:20 am

  Trouble with emergency flashers, it doesnt work properly.

• 

  Honda Accord Sport is Everything - 2016 Honda Accord
  By Camille Mc Donald - May 16 - 5:04 am

  I loves this car alot. The fuel Economy on the highway is great. The look of this car take my breath away. I got some many compliment that i chose the best color Lunar Silver. I am looking forward to what the newer models will look like and I can only bet it will be better. Am sticking to the sport for sure,

• 

  2001 Honda Prelude - 2001 Honda Prelude
  By rralls - May 16 - 2:00 am

  Zero service issues. Great quality and reliability.

• 

  awesome little car - 1996 Honda Civic
  By Pheng - May 16 - 2:00 am

  i motor swapped this baby in a H22a engine and its jux a blast to see this hatchback run high 13s!!! wow, what an awesome timing for me

• 

  The best in its class - 2000 Honda Odyssey
  By Cuzan - May 16 - 2:00 am

  Only complaint, road noise. Other than that its the largest, roomiest, safest and most reliable. Handles like a car. The sound system should have speakers in the sliding doors. Sometime the music has to be loud for the kids in the middle seats. There is lots of storage in the back of the van.

• 

  Excellent - 2009 Honda CR-V
  By Kar - May 15 - 7:26 pm

  Replaced my minivan with the CRV. After researching other competitive vehicles (Rav4, Rogue, Tiquan) went for the CRV. Have owned Hondas in the past and do now. Great vehicles. The CRV is in line with my past purchases.