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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  Ks CRV - 2001 Honda CR-V
  By k_killings - January 5 - 2:00 am

  Fun car to drive! Eng.loud inside under load or going up hills. Also more road nosie than I would like to have.

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  Worth Every Penny! - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By gmrfish - January 4 - 10:06 am

  We compared the Subaru Forester and the CR-V. The Forester had a bit more pick- up, but was such a "wagon-style." The CR-V put you in a commanding position without compromising design, safety, nor gas milage! Honda did an excellent job redesigning an already great model. The ride is smooth, but road noise is pronnouced. This can be corrected by purchasing better tires (comon Honda, Duellers are NOT the best tires in the world) such as the Goodyear Assurance, or the Regatta IIs. Storage space in and around the cockpit is exceptional, the cargo bay can fit 2 large dogs (65 each) comfortably and easily. The lowered rear deck is very accomodating for easy access into the back.

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  Great car!! - 1991 Honda Civic
  By KimTX - January 4 - 2:00 am

  Very reliable car for young adults just getting out of college or high school. This was the first car I bought out of college and have enjoyed it ever since. There is a lot of storage for the moving days or shopping sprees. If you just change the oil regularly, this car will treat you right. I have 141,000 miles on it and have only had to have the normal maintenance work done on it. If you come across one of these, it would be a great choice for those looking for a great economical car.

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  the civic - 1993 Honda Civic
  By linz26 - January 4 - 2:00 am

  Ive only owned my car for a little over a month but i can generally say im quite satisfied with it! Because i bought it used it only had minor things wrong with bout since they are all fixed the car runs excelent! I absolutely love this car!

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  Bland but Reliable - 1996 Honda Accord
  By drivefor5 - January 4 - 2:00 am

  Been driving the wifes Accord LX for almost 2 years now. Only has 65,XXX miles. Always there for you, just do the maintenance. Its boring as hell though after driving a 92 Camaro RS V8. 2.2 4Cyl sounds like a diesel even after valve adjustment. Great highway MPG (Over 30 with the 4 Cyl) Get the V6 if you are looking. Better performance. Why is A/T shifter able to shift from Overdrive to Drive at all times? I think my wife was screwed over by the dealer as the paint on the left rear door is different (no accidents either).

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  2016 Accord V6 EX-L with Nav, etc. - 2016 Honda Accord
  By Ron Duvall - January 3 - 11:04 am

  The only feature of this car I do not like is the infotainment system, which is overly complex and unintuitive. Also, be sure to make the dealer FULLY demonstrate the use of this hodge-podge system. Otherwise, a great drivers car, even for tall people.

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  I Found Something Else - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By al morgan - January 3 - 5:28 am

  I originally thought the CR V would be what I ended up with, but I got the Toyota Rav4 Hybrid and found that for the money and features (and gas savings) that was the way to go. I wanted an AWD vehicle with plenty of cargo space , active driving assists, navigation in the dash, of course blue tooth, and the ability to quickly merge onto the highway. The CR V definitely had many advantages to the RAV4, like the right hand lane change video (..but not left hand for some strange reason?), CR V has a little bit more cargo room (the Rav4 hybrid battery steals slightly more cargo space than the non hybrid). But the Rav4 hybrid has better acceleration, much better MPG!, and a power lift gate...which for my wife who has issues with her hands and wrists is a blessing. I also liked the styling of the RAV4 a little bit better than the CR V. However, I prefer the square box SUV style than the "somewhere between car and SUV" style that appears to be the current...oh well cant have everything. I pretty much was a Hyundai guy (had a 2008 Santa Fe), but the had priced themselves out of the market for me ($33k for something similar to the CRV and Rav4 who where in the high $20ks).

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  Old Reliable - 1990 Honda Accord
  By Carl Schlanger - January 3 - 2:00 am

  This car is one of three Honda Accords I currently own -- 1990, 1992, and 1993. Among them, Im nearing the 500,000 mile mark. I dont hesitate to repair or replace any part that fails because it happens so seldom and my mechanic gives me a lifetime warranty on any work he does. Transmissions are tough, engines last forever. Those assemblers in Marysville, Ohio really know what theyre doing!

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  Excellent car! - 2016 Honda Civic
  By Ronald Castro - January 2 - 7:13 pm

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  Shake, rattle and roll - 2003 Honda Accord
  By fed_up_with_Honda - January 2 - 4:46 pm

  Good design, good technology. Very poor build quality, reminiscent of 70s GM. Too many rattles to list (dash, seatbelt adjuster, exhaust, etc). A/C clunks every time it cycles on. Brake pads worn out at 30000 miles (under warranty). I had similar problems in a 95 Civic. Since manufacture moved to North America, QA has gone way down. (Sorry, but its the truth). I have owned many Hondas over the years (even motorcycles). But no more. Will no longer pay steep premium price for such poor quality. Will trade in on a Ford or GM. I expect the same quality problems, but will spend far less money.