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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  Good Minivan - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By ppp - June 11 - 2:40 am

  Have put 10000 on so far, had no complaints. We use our van hard and it has held up very well. Removeable/stowable seats are wonderful, easy to drive, lots of power for a minivan. OK mileage (22) for a large van. Nice to have a million cup holders, too. It is not outstanding in any particular category, but does everything well, probably the most "easy to live with on a daily basis vehicle" I have owned. Kinda like a favorite hat, you grab it on the way out the door and it gets the job done.

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  It is a little pricey for a 4 banger - 2017 Honda CR V
  By eddy jan - June 10 - 8:27 am

  It does come only with 1.5 L Turbo for the engine

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  Nice but Not for Sasquatch - 2004 Honda Element
  By QMSmitty - June 8 - 8:38 pm

  We bought ours as a 2 yr old model with 26K miles. I named it The Earl-ament. We bought in preparing to have a more baby friendly car, that has some ground clearance in case of high water. We are very pleased with the vehicle. We wish we could find a slightly larger vehicle with the rest of the features that would help accommodate the stuff two little boys.

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  Great car - 1994 Honda Passport
  By R Nair - June 8 - 3:23 pm

  Ive had this car for about a year and I have limited use for it. I have taken it for long drives (1000+ miles)and pulled a bunch of cars out of the snow (as I live in the blessed snow belt). It has never broken down or given any problem. The engine and tranny have been smooth and trouble-free. It gives decent mileage for the size of the car. I would definitely recommend this car!

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  Terrific, and not as small as you think - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By HiroProtagonist - June 8 - 10:00 am

  Like our old Accord, the CR-V handles very well. Its actually a lot of fun to drive quickly. However, the main reason I got this car is for its practicality. As parents of a young child, we were really looking for a durable family car, and the CR-V delivers. The car is extremely well designed inside and out. Its also much roomier (especially in the back seat) than the Escape and Rav4, both of which I have ridden in several times. Combine that with the 4WD and youve got a terrific all-weather family car. The smooth, high cubic-inch 4 cylinder is plenty for everyday drving and gets better gas mileage than a 6.

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  gas guzzler - 2007 Honda Pilot
  By Lyndie Aquila - June 7 - 9:31 pm

  I love this car. It is comfortable and has many nice luxury features. One cant go wrong with a Honda. More expensive than other suvs and the inside features are worth it. Gas mileage is very poor. Had I know this, I might had purchased the Toyota 4 Runner. If you want luxury, this is the car for you. If you want to tow or help the environment, steer clear.

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  Great Buy - 1999 Honda Civic
  By 1st car - June 7 - 9:09 pm

  Ive had this car since my senior year in High School. Nine years and one son later I still enjoy my silver civic. Paint is still holding up and still looks beautiful under the the California sun. True it has a bit of sentimental value but it also has monetary value. Ive kept up the maintenance with no problems at all great. The cabin does gets a bit noisy during freeway but not a huge issue. You learn to be frugal as a teenage father and college student so this purchase made life a bit easier. When you want reliability turn to good ol Honda.

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  Drive Fast or Slow? Cant Decide... - 2008 Honda Civic
  By DMW - June 6 - 9:56 pm

  Leased for my commute to work, but knew this would be a fantastic weekend car. Whether to tackle everyday tasks or to have a nice Sunday drive to the beach, the smooth shifting 6-Spd is a pleasure to drive. The clutch is quite an upgrade from the DX, LX, and EX trim. Happy about the performance, comfort, looks, reliability, and handling. Interior is eye catching, and the mp3 capability is welcomed. A/C vents need to be moved as they are behind the steering wheel. The black cloth seats with red stitching are extremely comfortable, but impossible to keep clean since every piece of lint or dog hair shows. Leather should have been an option. Need to fix creak on windshield/dash!

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  21st Century luxury - 2016 Honda HR-V
  By Sandy R - June 6 - 12:49 am

  I wanted to drive my HR for a while before I wrote a review. Lets start with my needs. To begin with, the last time I bought a car was 1998 so things have changed a lot - USB ports, backup cameras, push button start, heated seats. I love it all. I was looking for a car that would fit in my garage so it had to be less than 175 inches long. I wanted AWD because I will be moving to Denver in a few years when I retire. I also wanted cargo space for trips to Home Depot. I wanted leather seats. They last longer and its easier to get in & out of the car. I promised my son I would get 4 doors this time because it was difficult to get my grandsons car seat in and out of my old car. The HR met all my needs and then some. The only problem I had was with the drivers seat. Im short and my specific back issue needs the seat straight up, not tilted back. That caused the headrest to tilt too far forward. I took the head rest completely off, but that didnt give my neck any support. I finally put the headrest back on, but backwards. Now its perfect. (short people problems!) Sometimes I think this car is so automatic, I could take a nap on my way to work. The headlights are set to automatic, the temperature is set to stay the same all year round. The audio plays my MP3 player, and my Android phone is synced up. In short Im very satisfied with my choice. It truly is 21st century luxury.

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  Purchased @ 205k miles and still going! - 1990 Honda Accord
  By Brandon - June 4 - 11:15 pm

  I purchased my 1990 Honda Accord ex as the 3rd owner. Before driving I installed a new timing belt as sort of insurance for the motor and fixed the power locks for a little over $300. All in all car cost $2100 and love my car! The ex comes equipped with an electronic sport transmission ( shifts at higher rpm) and when you turn that baby on this car really moves! Even without it itll shift at five grand steadily so you have plenty of pick up (limiter is 6100). This car is very reliable and has pin point handling. The car comes with wider tires than most imports which greatly improves traction on the corners when you really feel like testing her. Maintenance is simple and easily accessed.