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:

• 

  Another winner - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By Yinch - June 26 - 6:56 pm

  I got the LX 2WD last week, I am loving it, being a previous CR-V owner, I notice the road handling and curving are much improved. The interior is very classy, yet I found myself missing my 02s storage boxes and back glass hatch, the cloth material feels very modern, and when stopping there is no longer the irritable shaking. I was first impressed with the list of all safety features, the break feel very capable and I loved to play with the new mpg meter. Overall, a hit with the whole family.

• 

  After the first year. - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By D07 - June 26 - 1:23 pm

  This has been the best vehicle Ive had. Its balanced in every sense - not too much of anything. The comfort, performance, styling and utility are just right for a small family. Even with a base LX we have just what is needed to be safe and still keep up with the times. The vehicle exudes solidity, and after a year, nothing rattles. Cruising at 70 mph all day is effortless due to the efficient gearing. Puttering around town is no chore at all. Cargo capacity is commodious, and most importantly, ALL the seats are comfortable. Materials are top notch inside and outside and EVERYTHING, inside outside and underneath is seemingly durable and well engineered. Very good braking and handling too.

• 

  I love this suv - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By ohmysol - June 26 - 10:00 am

  I am head over heals in love with my honda cr-v and cant understand why it doesnt get plugged more- espcailly over suburu. Nothing runs like a Honda or keeps on ticking like one. I love the spaciousnous of it for travel and the fuel econmy is better than most.

• 

  GREAT SUV - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By pafam - June 26 - 10:00 am

  The CR-V is a great small-mid SUV. Its perfect for my teenage daughter and son to drive. Its safe, drives well, and is realiable all typical Honda qualities. We have a Accord, Odyssey, and now a CR-V. Weve had such good luck with them we wanted a 4WD for the snowy weather is the Northeast. I do think the gas tank could be bigger. The gas mileage is great, its just the size of the tank which makes it seem like it eats more gas. Weve put 2600 miles on the car for the 3 weeks weve had it and are planning to put thousands more on. One of the Best Buys weve ever bought!

• 

  A few items short of being perfect - 2004 Honda Accord
  By fxcarden - June 26 - 10:00 am

  The car has a great, quiet ride. The V6 is smooth and powerful, and the gas mileage is very good, even with the V6. The radio controls are complicated. Honda dropped the ball on some items, considering the EX V6 is the top of the line. There are NO anti glare or heated mirrors. The Canadian version of the Accord has heated mirrors. Apparently someone at Honda doesnt think winters can be just as cold and snowy in the USA. The controls on the steering wheel are not lit, making them useless at night. The headlights do not turn on automatically. While these items may seem small, they are safety items so buyer beware.

• 

  Honda Corp says car wont cool down in 1/2 hour - 2016 Honda Odyssey
  By DanielleS - June 26 - 3:08 am

  This is the worst car weve ever owned as far as heat goes!!!! It will not cool down. We took it back to the dealership because we thought there was something wrong with it, it didnt cool down for about 45 minutes. Thats when the girl that worked there said that all new Honda Odysseys are like that! I dont know about you, but I live less that 1/2 an hour from where I work and am not excited about driving to and from work in total heat! I did what any normal person would do and called Honda Corp. The manager we got immediately said that it should take 3-5 minutes to cool down the car. However, he then called the dealership and his tune changed. He explained that it was hot in FL (something we apparently werent aware of--we only live here). Then he said the interior temperature of the car can reach 140 degrees and it takes a while to cool down. By that logic, the engineers didnt take into account 3/4 of the US, because this year it was hotter in the Northeast and Southwest than it was in FL this year. Somehow our 2011 HONDA CR-V and our 2009 Toyota Sienna can cool down in this heat, but not a 2016 Honda Odyssey. I showed up for a meeting drenched in sweat--FROM A BRAND NEW CAR!!!! I was asked what happened--I told my clients what happened and now Im telling as many people as I can. If you live in an state that can get hot--DO NOT BUY this car!!! Its not worth it to ride around in heat to and from work!!! Im stuck with it, but you dont have to be.

• 

  Hondas newest Gem - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By jz - June 26 - 1:10 am

  Truly one of the finest suv-crossover entries for 2007. The exterior and interior shines with quality and refinement. One test drive is all it takes. Quiet interior, crisp precise steering. The interior is that of a luxury sedan costing 2-3 times more. Engine is smooth and refined. Dont let the 6cyl. comparisons fool you. Hondas 4 cyl. is responsive, quick and smoother than the competetions 6 cyls. Highly recommend this vehicle.

• 

  Proud to own an Accord - 2002 Honda Accord
  By dang tong - June 25 - 4:33 am

  Accord is an excellent value car. No doubt, its the most reliable, dependable car and has great resell value. If you are looking to buy an Accord. Good choice. Go for it. Cant go wrong. Get the EX-V6 if you can. I must say I regret for not getting the EX-V6 as my wifes. The reason I picked up the LX-V6 because its less $$ and its in the lot. From my point of view and experience, the EX-V6 worths every extra penny and its a more enjoinable car. If you decide to go with 4 cycl. model, get the SE for best bang for $$.

• 

  07 EX Sedan - 2007 Honda Civic
  By Iowa WB - June 25 - 2:36 am

  Overall a great car. More room inside than my old 02 Subaru WRX. Trunk about the same space. Drives smooth on the highway and around town.

• 

  review - 1996 Honda Passport
  By enzo - June 25 - 2:00 am

  too boxy, needs better gas milage