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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  None - 2009 Honda CR-V
  By Bob N. Whitehall Pa - May 12 - 2:30 am

  Have driven 1600 miles. Added Remote start and Back-up sensors at the dealer. Two things really bother me. I am getting no better gas mileage with this 4 cyl on the highway than the 3.9 6 cyl Impala I turned in. The other thing is the Remote start. Why would you have to turn off the engine before you can open the door and get in. You have to restart the car. Double work for the battery and starter. On the GM vehicle you just enter the car and insert the key and drive away. Come on Honda, if GM can do it, so can you. If they can correct this and add a 6 cyl like the Rav-4, I think I would be close to a perfect vehicle in this class.

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  What a vehicle - 2010 Honda CR-V
  By Mark - May 12 - 1:26 am

  2010 Honda CRV with navigation is amazing to drive. First the in dash GPS lowers the volume of the stereo so you can hear the turn by turn. The bluetooth feature for your cell phone performs outstanding. Loud and clear over your 7 stereo speakers. The backup camera is crystal clear and you can see wide angle what is behind you. Honda has added automatic headlights for this year and they perform flawlessly. The beefed up their engine giving a little more power on acceleration. Gas mileage improved about 1 mpg. Insurance rates actually went down because this vehicle is one of the safest vehicles to drive. Wider arm rest and redesigned front end adds to the vehicle. Deals are plenty.

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  Great Small SUV - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By Don - May 11 - 6:06 pm

  I love my CR-V. I own a 2000 Chevrolet Tahoe but was looking for a smaller SUV with better gas mileage. After much research I narrowed my choices down to a Honda CR-V and a Saturn Vue. I really wanted to Hybrid Saturn Vue, but after discovering that they were few and far between and that Saturn was having problems with the hybrid battery, I chose the Honda CR-V. Needless to say, I am VERY happy I chose my Honda CR-V EX-L. My wife has had both a Honda Civic and two Accords, and I purchased a 2000 Honda CR-V for my daughter as a college graduation present, but this is my first Honda. I love the styling, ride, comfort and all of the extras that make the CR-V EX-L a "poor mans luxury SUV"

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  Honda CR-V - 2017 Honda CR V
  By John Williams - May 11 - 5:21 pm

  Turbo-lag is very disapointing

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  Love it - 2004 Honda Element
  By elemental - May 11 - 1:13 pm

  The Element is everything I thought it would be and more. Its stylish, comfortable and handles well on the road. Its particularly great for my big dog who is older and has trouble getting in and out of most cars. This ones a cinch for her. Plus its easy to clean up after a weekend at the beach. And the cargo space!!!

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  so far so good - 1990 Honda Accord
  By sweetcheeks - May 11 - 2:00 am

  Purchased with 123,000 on it, now has 176,000 and the problems are starting to occur, which I guess should be expected at such high miles. Things I have had to fix in the last year. 1. had to install new speed sensor. 2. alternator had to be replaced. 3. front cv joints. Power drivers window no longer works. Seems to be some problem with the electrical system, I am constantly putting new bulbs in brake, side marker and parking lights. Power locks, sometimes car will lock when shutting door, always have spare keey!! Lots of front end noise although I have had it inspected and there is nothing wrong! All in all though this has been an excellent reliable car.

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  My Passport - 2002 Honda Passport
  By SUVlady - May 11 - 2:00 am

  This has been an excellent vehicle for me and has provided good transporation through a heavy snow season. The 4- wheel drive on the fly performed well and was easy to use by just pushing the button. No major mechanical problems. I am a satisfied customer.

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  Great Van, Cheap interior - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By texastenneys - May 11 - 2:00 am

  Weve had this van for a year now and its been fun to drive and reliable. We love the hooks in the back for grocery bags and the easiness of folding the rear chair into the floor. It drives like a car and has some real power to it! Interior quality is cheap. Within the first few months two of the arm rests had broken and the "handle bar" for lack of a better term that is located on the rear of the passenger seat broke off.

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  2006 CRV LX AWD - 2006 Honda CR-V
  By Bill - May 10 - 8:56 pm

  This vehicle gives the driving impression of being a larger SUV. The interior is very functional with lots of small storage trays and well laid out. Power is suprisingly adequate for a 4 cylinder. Gas mileage is 25 to 27 in urban driving. Vehicle performs very well on wintry roads.

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  The car that makes me smile :) - 2016 Honda Accord
  By Accord driver - May 10 - 1:28 pm

  We were looking for most reliable, comfortable, low maintenance cost car that would drive tall guy from A to B. It should be powerful and with good MPG… We have tested Optima, Sonata, Mazda 6, Outback, Escape & Avalon. I fell in love with Accord 2016...Instantly, so I am biased now :). From the moment I sit in a car it was easy to see myself driving it. About Accord: 1) I do like 2016 design for its aggressive front stylish rear and sporty sides. Beautifully designed front grill and wheels. 2) I do like Android connectivity. Based on reviews I was looking for EX-L with no navigation and sensing. I love my google map on Galaxy and Honda gives you an amazing technology to “mirror” your screen for several apps like Pandora, Google map, Amazon music, Phone/text etc simply connect it by USB cord (1.5 amp). I love google map (free updates) so there is no need to pay extra for Honda navigation & its expensive updates. Also Bluetooth works just fine when my galaxy connected via cord… not sure about IPhone. BTW, it does connect Skype conversation which is amazing. 3) Speech recognition is very friendly! Click on microphone and send message to any number while driving … it’s pretty accurate. 4) I do love power of V6 and automatic transmission. It’s beyond Optima &Sonata options with much better fuel efficiency. (Honda’s 278 HP and 21/34 mpg VS Korean 2.0 turbo with 20/ 31mpg). When you click economizer button accord makes it even more efficient. With V6 it does turn off 3 cylinders on a freeway and my avg mpg is about 40 or higher. 5) It’s Quiet. It’s a truly quiet vehicle. We test drove Optima & Sonata and the road noise was a killer. We could not hear each other… no exaggerations. May be a little. 6) Also Honda sound system is amazing! EX-L does have 7 speaker system (6+1) and the quality is outstanding much better then Infinity system in Kia. Pandora Jazz#$%^& just phenomenal. 7) We saw very good Mazda 6 reviews online but we didn’t like the car. 8) We think Honda Accord has made a big step forward in design while nice & attractive Optima became more & more boring and Camry… what have you done!? 9) Acceleration is amazing, turning radius is good. 2nd row is super roomy (5’11” person sits very comfy behind driver). 10) Good Michelin tires with pretty 17” discs. 11) Crosstour was an option as well but price was higher and it’s discontinued… First tank of gas gave us 26 mpg avg fuel efficiency. With second one we have a little above 28. We do like exterior white color a lot. It comes with ivory interior which is nice but requires a bit of cleaning.