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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  Great but forgot a few little things - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By JohnBoy53 - December 17 - 2:00 am

  Downsizing from a 2001 F150 S-Crew, it took some adjusting! This little SUV appears to be a very good vehicle. Solid, well designed and nimble. Several things that coulda/shoulda been included are: 1) tethered gas cap so you cant forget to put it back! 2) tinted top of windshield. (I thought all cars had this) 3)12V power outlet that works with ignition off so cell phone can charge uninterrupted. Other caviat to consider: Road noise is excessive. (I was surprised about this) I do recommend this SUV. Overall it is an excellent value!

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  Happy camper.... - 2004 Honda Accord
  By senna1 - December 17 - 2:00 am

  This is a great car and I am totally satisfied with my purchase. The combination of performance, space, economy, reliability, quality, resale and value is unbeatable.

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  Best sedan for the price - 2004 Honda Accord
  By TBP1 - December 17 - 2:00 am

  Purchased for less than $22K + tax, I agree with others, it is comparable to much pricier sedans. Very luxurious & loaded all around. I had been considering lower- priced cars to provide basic transportation, but decided to get something the entire family could enjoy despite the fact we have a Toyota Sienna van. The 4 cyl. is very peppy and frankly a 240hp 6 would be frustrating - it really isnt prudent or necessary to accelerate like that. The leather seats, the ride, sunroof, stereo etc, make this a car I will happily drive for a very long time. The stick shift is very smooth and rather fun, and lowers the price. The stereo & 6 disk CD changer rock.

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  Reliable, Reliable - 1993 Honda Accord
  By Billy Willy - December 16 - 10:00 am

  I bought the car new, and loved it from that day. My family had it for 7 years, 120,000 miles, and never expierenced a problem with that automobile. We finally replaced the EX Accord with an Odyssey EX. One would be suprised at how peppy the 140hp I-4 is. I reccomend this car!

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  My 2nd Honda... - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By 2HndaOwnr - December 16 - 10:00 am

  The fake dead-pedal is poorly designed for your clutch-foot. The EX manual has no armrest in front! The stereo is too far away for anyone shorter than an NBA star - changing CD tracks requires you lean over as if you are getting something out of the glove box. The front seats could use more bolstering. The carpet is awfully cheap. The headliner rattles. The power windows on the CR-V wont operate in the auxiliary key positions. IÂ’ve experienced some torque steer under high-powered starts. The stereo needs more power. The tailgate is rather unwieldy.

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  1998 Accord EX --- Good, Could Be Better - 2002 Honda Accord
  By majjikdick - December 16 - 10:00 am

  The Accord offers good value, but I am not without some complaints. Despite mainly highway mileage, only 26 mpg with 4 cylinder --- not good. Have had problems with cruise control since delivery. Dealer claims no problem and after 3rd attempt refused to do anything more about it --- so much for acclaimed customer service. Finish on alloy wheels has tarnished badly and has actually "peeled" off --- again, my loss. However, the car is very dependable and offers a comfortable ride. Interior is very nicely designed and car offers driver a sense of control and confidence.

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  Fun and Practical for this 23 year old - 2008 Honda Civic
  By cagekicker17 - December 16 - 9:56 am

  So far I have close to 2000 miles on the odo. Its a fun car to drive given its size. I have been averaging 26-28 mpg with city driving. I really like the fact that the civics now come with a 5 speed tranny. I use to have an 01 civic coupe and my new one is improved all around. The wipers are neat too. They have air foils on them so you get a better swipe of the wipers as you are moving because it presses against the glass. My next vehicle well be a civic si or maybe the diesel if they bring it over from Europe.

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  The Best (and only) Car Ive Ever Owned - 2007 Honda Fit
  By teendriver.....aaah! - December 16 - 4:46 am

  Since everyone else has been raving about this car, i decided to check it out. The space and functionality were nice, but it was the suspension that really set it apart. Before this I had driven a Yaris and a Versa, and they both handled like a 90s SUV (the Yaris in particular felt like the Bronco II). I was therefore pleasantly surprised that this cars steering wheel was actually hooked up to something. This thing can corner like no ones buisness. Its fun to drive factor is off the chart, and i got it fully loaded for under 16 k. In typical honda fasion, it beats just about everything on the road, but just isnt racy enough to inspire anyone.

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  Early review - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By John Walker - December 15 - 3:13 pm

  Some of the review questions could not be adequately answered due to ownership being only 3 weeks. So far, the vehicle has lived up to our expectations. In my opinion a better review would be at the 1+ year mark of ownership.

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  Honda CRV 2010 - 2010 Honda CR-V
  By Marie Balson - December 15 - 1:53 pm

  Have the car for 1 week + and enjoy driving it. Very comfortable and easy to drive