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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  Really Cant Complain! - 2001 Honda Civic
  By Honda Driver - December 29 - 12:38 pm

  Bought the car new, off the lot, in 2001. It has been a great car, up until about a couple years ago when, at 165,000-plus miles, the clutch gave out. I still have my questions about that, but I no longer frequent that mechanic. That was my first major repair. The original battery lasted 11 years!! Gotta agree on the headliner; several years ago it started drooping and I just used clear packing tape, and its pretty bad now, but Im not forking out $$ to fix it (the car is aging and is less than nice looking anymore). Upon going to a dealer for a recall fix, the service tech told me they see a lot of that. Made me wonder if it was some sort of defect. And the headlights - the last few years they seemed to go out quite frequently - annoying! I also had the SRS light go on and didnt want to bother with it, but, again, upon the recall for the airbags a couple years ago, the dealer checked it out (I didnt ask nor mention it) and it was the seat belt buckle - they told me Honda has a lifetime warranty on the seat belts so they fixed it free! Ive gotten 39-40 mpg on the freeway (I stay at a steady speed) and roughly 34-35 in town. That has started to decrease a little in the last six or so months to maybe 36 hwy and 33-34 in town. And the dashboard lights, about a year ago, went out partially (the right side of the speedometer and the gas gauge), but, again, with the age and condition of the vehicle - not gonna fix it. It also started using oil a couple years ago, but the usage has remained roughly unchanged so far and, oddly, is better when I get an oil change/filter. I now have managed to get it to 189,000 and dont know how much longer I have. It has to be smogged very soon (Im in California) and I dont know if it will pass this time (California gets more strict with older cars). I passed two years ago with flying colors, but now not so sure. If it passes, Ill be happy and keep going as long as the car doesnt $200 me to death. If it doesnt pass, whether I keep it will depend on whats wrong and how much $$. **An update. I passed the smog. My new mechanic, I noticed, now uses 5-30 synthetic blend oil for my oil changes (it had always been 5-20 regular oil), and my oil consumption has decreased. Go figure. Im hanging in there!

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  Sharp and Sexy - 2009 Honda Accord
  By Phoenician - December 28 - 10:30 pm

  I traded my 2006 Accord Sedan, for the 2009 Accord Coupe. Im really happy with my trade. The body style is sleek and sharp. Although the EX has 190 HP, I think it drives fast and smooth. Im having lots of fun driving this baby around. Although theres lots more buttons on the console, I found it easy to navigate. A lot of people complain about the road noise, but I have no problem with it, and I aint going deaf.

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  Awesome, star wars machine - 2010 Honda Accord Crosstour
  By Erich J Abt - December 28 - 10:00 am

  Best car I ever owned, beautiful styling, fun to drive, interior room super, rear seats, actual higher then then front seats. Tight steering, good handling, fast, just get on it, shifts through gears like a dream, love the rear space, put an living room club chair inside and closed the hatch, many stooge compartment, sunglass holder, cell phone, coin holder, deep cup holders, cd, and extra bottle holder in doors, get many compliments on looks and color. Honda is a very well built car, star war electronics, separate climate control, super radio, sound system, controls on steering wheel, also bluethooth, hands free, safety, 10 air bags, Honda engine, 3,4, 6 cyl. Great gas mileage, over 30 mpg.

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  This is Like A Muscle SABB - 2010 Honda Accord Crosstour
  By I love my Crosstour - December 28 - 10:00 am

  Excellent Design Horsepower I love They should have changed that honda radio other than that I love it!

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  Dont get it. - 2010 Honda Accord Crosstour
  By nz24 - December 28 - 10:00 am

  I assume the 7.5 rating the editor gives this terrific car has to do with its lack of room compared to other SUVs. Well they dont get it. What they should be saying is that the Crosstour has a great deal of room compared to other cars. This has all the attributes of an excellent car and the benefits of an SUV. I also drive a Infinity G35X and the Crosstour although may not be quite as peppy, it is in definitely in the same class.

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  2016 Odyssey EX-L Great buy, great Car. - 2016 Honda Odyssey
  By Ben Laurens - December 28 - 8:10 am

  We are 3rd time Odyssey owners. Each purchase was preceded by scrupulous, in depth study of all minivans. Odyssey proved best for our needs every time. Reliability is beyond expectation. All else fits our needs very well. Highly recommend.

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  Excellent value - 2004 Honda Accord
  By EdNJ908 - December 27 - 2:56 pm

  This is my second Accord V6. The car is very reliable and performs well. I would like to see improved gas mileage in city driving (currently low 20 miless/gal) and less interior noise when driving. The Honda tends to ride rough especially over bumps. The radio/CD player should have better speakers. All of this being said, I still recommend the car and enjoy driving it.

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  The Lemon - 1996 Honda Passport
  By Sucking the Lemon - December 27 - 2:00 am

  This is a lemon. I heartily recommend that anyone considering this vehicle look elsewhere. Be aware it is NOT a Honda - it is an Isuzu with a Honda badge, so forget about Hondas reputation. This should be judged as an Isuzu Rodeo.

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  Cant think of much to change!? - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Jen - December 26 - 5:56 pm

  I bought this car a few months ago and it is the best car Ive been in in a while. It handles great, fuel efficient, cute, and great features. I was able to get it for below MSRP, so talk your dealer down. I would recommend this car to anyone, if you plan on having more than two people in the car its a bit of pain to get in and out from the back so much, but I love it for my college and commuting life.

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  Honda CRV first 6 months - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By mrdad1 - December 26 - 3:06 am

  Purchase in March of 05 have 10089 miles break down 70% interstate 30% city. A few reviews have mentioned a pulling to the right I did take it back to dealer twice. There still seems to be a tendency to pull to the right but this is over a long strech of road. It offers comfortable ride minor road noise and excellent fit and finish. As to performance it is 160 HP with a five speed automatic fwd. When I need to get moving the design of vehicle drops you down from 5th to 3rd gear and you increase about 1200RPM if you are runnig the A/C that is design to go off for time your demanding the HP to accelerate. When done A/C comes back on go back to 5th gear. MPG high 27.24 low 20.41 average 23.38