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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  Lack of Oxygen - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By Nickel99 - October 30 - 11:03 am

  Purchased the car new and currently have 53,250 miles. I have enjoyed the car and it has performed up to Honda quality and reliability standards except for this recent experience. Both of the oxygen sensors failed at the same time and had to be replaced at 53,000 miles.

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  Solid 4 cylinder engine - 2005 Honda Accord
  By SayWhat - October 30 - 12:13 am

  Honda Accord is by far the best midsize sedan, even better than Volvo s60. Stepped down to regular 4 cyl for better mileage and no regrets.

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  CRV - 2017 Honda CR V
  By Mike Doherty - October 29 - 8:17 pm

  Smaller engine with turbo, acceleration is ok but far from great when needed

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  Just OK - 2006 Honda Civic
  By jrmart - October 29 - 1:10 pm

  The car serves its purpose. A good mileage commuter, and just that only! Lackluster power with A/C on and four on board. You really have to worry about passing on two lane roads. Seats seem hard, even after short trips. 5 speed auto just shifts and shifts and shifts even on /mild/moderate inclines! Blind spots because of weird A pillar and C pillars. Rear shelf rattles. Dash rattles

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  Great Family Car - 2007 Honda Accord
  By KA - October 28 - 11:09 pm

  Very comfortable family car, even for long trips. Great front seats, OK rear, handles and performs like a sports sedan. Zero maintenance issues, except for a little window rattle. Average about 25 Mpg in mixed city/hwy driving, and 32-35 Mpg for trips @ 63-65 mph. Economy drops with a heavy foot or above 65 Mph. Stereo speakers were awful, had to upgrade on aftermarket. Would have preferred the 4 cyl/5 M but not available with stability control.

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  Not a great daily driver - 2003 Honda S2000
  By Sean - October 28 - 8:00 pm

  I bought this car in October last year after test driving a couple and falling in love. Bottom line this is a very stiff car that is noisy and not a lot of fun to take on trips much over an hour. It performs well for a stock car, but isnt overly fast in a straight line. It does have a good suspension, but the stock tires are expensive and downright scary in the rain. This has been relegated to a garage queen that I only take out when the top can go down. If you can afford a fun weekend car, its great. For daily life, I found it unbearable.

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  Quality slipped a bit - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By EABTroy - October 28 - 10:48 am

  Note I also own a 2000 CR-V. Honda improved upon the last CR-V, but they also cheapened it up. Our 2003, bought new, has had more problems than the last 10 cars I have had combined. Alternator, door actuator, two door light switches, carpet is crap, dashboard "plastic" can be visibly scratched with a fingernail, paint is easily chipped. I also understand the A/C should crap out at any time. Honda also still have the 4wd service listed at 100K miles, not 30K like what is required. The dealer has been helpful, but its unbelievable for a Honda to be like this. Fortunately, my parents got a 2007 CR-V and, suffice to say, Honda learned their lesson!

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  Ignore the owners manual - 2000 Honda CR-V
  By EAB - October 28 - 10:39 am

  One caveat. If you follow the owners manual on this model, you WILL have problems and perhaps MAJOR problems. Some idiot decided that US CR-Vs (98-2001 only) get a 105,000 valve interval in the owners manual while all other countries manuals state 30,000 miles. If you attempt to go to 105K without the valves adjusted, the engine may not make it. Ask Honda if you dont believe me. Instead, have the local Honda Dealer run the valves every 30,000K. If you are not sure if this has been done, get it DONE ASAP. While youre there, have em do the rear 4wd fluid as well as they lied about that one as well. It needs to be done every 30K.

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  A car you always have to think about... - 2001 Honda Civic
  By vinbone - October 28 - 2:00 am

  Dont be fooled by Hondas claim that youre buying a car "you never have to think about". Quite the opposite. Both of my 2001s had a multitude of problems, small some large: (1) Transmission major downshift and late shift issues, fluid burn, power loss. (2) Rotors need cut every 10,000 miles. (3) Gas gauge reads incorrectly. (4) Window motor locks up. (5) Fog lights crack repeatedly (poor design, lenses too thin). (6) Front end vibration. (7) Call pulls to right, even with alignment & new tires. (8) Front bumper and roof moulding issues. (10) Rear brake squeak. (12) Gas mileage 6 mpg worse than claim.

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  Good car but with issues - 2009 Honda Accord
  By Mike - October 27 - 10:00 pm

  Enjoyable car to drive overall BUT: Overkill driver side lumbar pushing on back. Auto shifts pretty jerky in lower gears. 4 cyl versions have flickering headlights whenever a/c used. BRAKES!!! Im an EZ driver and well just google 2008, 2009 brake problems and youll see for yourself.