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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  Almost Perfect - 2003 Honda Civic
  By Frogstink - January 27 - 10:00 am

  I love the way my civic looks both inside and out. The backseat is very comfortable for a two-door car. The dashboard, including the gauges, are much more impressive than other compact cars that i was looking into buying.

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  Did GM Build This Accord - 2003 Honda Accord
  By 3rd Honda - January 27 - 10:00 am

  This is my third Accord. The interior is very nice and a pleasure to drive. The steering wheel controls and six CD changer are great additions. This is my third Accord and possibly the last one. The quality problems and poor dealer service are not worth the hassle.

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  Commuter car - 2007 Honda Civic
  By Bill - January 26 - 9:33 pm

  I bought the Civic for my 80 mile round trip commute every day. It does the job very well but there have been a few issues that I didnt expect from a Honda (this is my first). The air conditioning failed (due to road debris?). Not covered by warranty for some reason. The tires wore out very fast and unevenly (upper rear control arms were replaced per tsb but not the tires). There were two recalls, one for rear bearings and the other for water pump pulley cracking. A rattle in the rear deck I fixed myself with foam rubber. Overall not bad, but more problems than I would expect from a new car. Still it is a competent commuter car and hasnt ever left me stranded.

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  Handy hatchback - 2010 Honda Accord Crosstour
  By gthawk - January 26 - 10:00 am

  While we dont often require a large trunk, the occasional purchases at Ikea, etc., made us appreciate the trunk capacity of our old Dodge Intrepid, especially when the rear seats were folded down. Looking for a new car, not an SUV, we were drawn to the Crosstour and have been pleased so far. Weve already hauled a tall bookcase. The car is well-finished and comfortable, and the high driving position is a plus.

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  Well built but ordinary - 2008 Honda Pilot
  By mkarstad - January 26 - 9:38 am

  Driving in the Canadian winter is not fun, yet the Pilot, even at -45 degrees C runs fine. The traction assist will catch you unaware on ice corners and might cause you to over-correct. The get-up-and-go on ice is fantastic! Cold starts without plugging in are no problem, and the engine warms up very quickly. Feild of view for a tall person is limited by the side pillars I find myself leaning forward and back with a lot of head movement while checking intersections.

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  1997 Civic 4 Dr. Manual trans - 1997 Honda Civic
  By alex89 - January 26 - 2:32 am

  This car was my first one and the one I learned to drive on. Even though I bought it when it was 9 years old and had 140,000 miles on it, it worked great and held up even though I learned to drive manual on it, abused the clutch, and drove recklessly. The Honda Civic is a great car for a first time car buyer as it offers both great economy, inexpensive repairs, and a good driving experience.

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  Packed with features, few complaints - 2017 Honda CR-V
  By JoshV - January 25 - 7:44 pm

  Adaptive cruise control and lane assist make for frighteningly leisurely highway driving. One step below self-driving. Android Auto integration is amazing. Ive been using Android Auto on my phone in an air-vent mount for years and this is just light years better. The feature list for the price is impossible to beat. Drives nicer and with a LOT less road noise than my 2009 CRV. A few minor complaints. Why in the world is the USB port with the data connection only 1.5AMP? There are two 2+AMP ports in the back, but the one that will be used every single time the owner gets in the car doesnt get turbo charging? Bizarre decision. Road departure protection has a tendency to trigger randomly when on less-than-great roads. So far Ive been dealing with it and resisting the temptation to turn it off because I know if I turn it off its likely to stay off and then it wont be there for me when I need it. Occasionally the computer says my phone isnt connected when it is and only unplugging/replugging will fix it. It has plenty of power for average commuting, I have so far never been tempted to turn off Eco mode. Averaging about 31.5 MPG without really trying and using Adaptive Cruise Control heavily.

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  Brake Issues!!!! - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Sean - January 24 - 9:20 pm

  This car is okay, but the build quality is not what I expected. The spacing between the hood and the quarter panels is wider than my 87 BMW. The chrome-colored plastic on my grill has started to wrinkle. I needed to replace rear brakes first (on an automatic) and I have never used the hand brake. And less than 4000 miles later, my front brakes are squealing. I just took my car to Firestone and they said I had plenty of front pad left and my rotors were fine, but the noise is embarrassing and drives me crazy. I have to turn up my music so that I dont hear it. My remote batteries died very quickly--in less than a year.

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  Good Value - Severe Weather Ready - 1998 Honda CR-V
  By drive2quik - January 24 - 2:59 pm

  I got the CR-V when a deer killed my 1995 Nissan 4x4. I got a good deal on it and have owned a Honda Civic in the past so I bought it mostly on AWD capability and the Honda name. It was a great little commuter car - I drove 45 miles a day (one way) to school and work. I got about 22 MPG overall. The all weather capability of this vehicle is excellent - deep snow, light snow, rain - all good. I had 205/75R15 Uniroyal Laredo tires that I had put on it since I live in the sticks and drive gravel roads. Ride was a bit rough and loud but the traction was very good. I would recommend this brand and model to anyone - Just replaced it with a 2006 Honda Ridgeline.

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  Great van - 2008 Honda Odyssey
  By honda - January 24 - 10:19 am

  Owned for 5K miles and 8 months. Great van, no real issues. Drives and handles like a car. Much nicer to drive than our Dodge Grand Caravan and handles nicer than a Sienna. Road noise is a little more pronounced than in other vans, but not bad at all. Had DVD player installed aftermarket for 1/2 the price. Mileage is as advertised, 20 around town, 24 highway, and were very light on the pedal