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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  Safety - 2004 Honda Accord
  By jhk - August 11 - 2:00 am

  I had the car for two weeks, and loved every second of it...Vrrrm Vrrrm and so comfortable. Then some !%#$!@ rear ended me HARD! The passenger compartment was complete unaffected, even though my rear bumper is in the middle of the trunk. I doubt the body shop will make as good as new, however I will by another.

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  HR-V--OVERALL GOOD BUT... - 2016 Honda HR-V
  By Clarence S. - August 10 - 8:15 pm

  Good overall value. Interior space and layout good. My LX model has fewer tech features, just essential items, nothing fancy, no sunroof to leak, etc. Suspension needs improvement. Ride on delivery date was very rough and bouncy. Ride home was about 25 mi, let tires cool overnite, found tire press to be 35 psi on all tires. Placard reads 32psi front, 30 psi rear. Reset tire press and ride improved slightly. Still too rough riding for a new car. Leased my suv 7/21/16, has 2000 mi as of 11/19/16. Currently, ride seems to be a little smoother, but still too rough/bouncy for a new car. Air cond seems under powered, cools but slowly and takes awhile to really cool car. I live in Hawaii and local temp is on avg- < 90 degrees. Tires are Michelins, which ride rough and are a little noisy at freeway speeds < 60 mph. I want to replace the michelins with goodyears for a smoother ride but its a lease car (3yrs/36,000 mi) so no sense buying another set of tires. However, if I had "Bought" the car, I definitely would sell the Michelins and get some Goodyears. After reading several buyer reviews about other service issues, poor dealer response, etc., I am glad I only have to deal with possible probs for 3 yrs, then turn in the car at lease end. Overall, the hr-v is a good value except for the poor ride. With my low expected annual mileage, I may not experience the range of issues reported by other owners. I did get an "Excess wear/tear" warr to cover me when I turn in the suv. I definitely would look at the mitsubishi outlander as a replacement suv. So, I hope I dont have probs or service issues like other owners. If things change, I will definitely update this review. So far, no probs. Perhaps a 3-yr lease/rtn is best. Keeping my fingers crossed for no probs!!

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  hybrid perfprmance - 2006 Honda Civic
  By ed - August 10 - 3:53 pm

  in the short time of owwnership aug 1 of 2006 we have driven 3,000 miles the vehicle has exceeded my expectaions in all aspects. Acceleration is suprising good fuel economy trip to maine was approx 55 mpg. mileage varies with the amount of foot pedal pressure on the gas pedal. vehicle was rommy and comfortable, handling was excellent. i would highly recommend this vehicle to anyone.

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  goodbuy - 2016 Honda Odyssey
  By Jason Jin - August 10 - 12:20 pm

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  WOW - 2002 Honda Accord
  By GEORGE - August 10 - 4:46 am

  WOW

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  Great Car - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Angela - August 10 - 2:40 am

  I just traded in my 2007 Jeep GC, for this car. I love it so much, it was a great purchase. The car is getting great gas mileage (28 mpg) even though I have only been driving it 2 weeks. I expect it to break in about 3 months. I find that the features of the car are super nice for a low-end model. Daytime running lights, rain sensing wipers, Text display radio w/MP3, steering wheel controls, AUX input. Most of these I did not even get on my $30K Jeep. Maybe i am used to driving a 6-cyl, but this car is fast from 0-60 for just a 4-cyl. Great speed in 2nd and 3rd gear. Only downside so far was the wheels. I plan to buy some nice rims in the spring.

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  I Luv my CRV - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By Dede - August 10 - 12:43 am

  I have had my CRV for 4 months and I love it. It is fun to drive, dependable and gets great gas mileage. We took a 4,000 vacation over Thanksgiving and it held the road great and was comfortable. We really enjoyed our trip and our Honda CRV. It has all the pick up speed you need for city freeway driving and a great ride overall on the highways. My daughter has a 1997 Honda with over 200,000 miles and it still drives like a champ. Sure seems like a good deal to me!

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  Cant beat it... - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By Chris Allen - August 9 - 10:13 pm

  We priced and looked at all minivans. Owned a Dodge which was fare. Could have bought others for less. But we are extremely happy with our decision. Everything about our Honda is great. Could never go back to something else, even with the more money we spent.

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  My third Odyssey in 6 years - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By rob123 - August 9 - 10:00 pm

  50 mph and 60/70 very bad droning/humming noise and vibration. Its a shame because its spoils a otherwise good car.

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  Should Be But Isnt - 2013 Honda Accord
  By danielbrian142 - August 9 - 3:37 pm

  Ive always owned a Honda except for a 6 mth period of a Nissan, and I can say this will be my last one. I bought the Honda in January of 2013. By 4/12/2013, Im ready to return it. By February, the car developed rattles in the sunroof, front dash, back quarter panel, driver-side door, and center console. It has been in for these rattles 3 different times. Furthermore, the infotainment (audio/navi) system is the most unreliable software Ive ever experienced. It constantly crashes, stops responding, sends extremely loud static. The UI is backwards and cumbersome. It is so version 1.0 it shouldnt have been released. I should have bought a Ford. Honda says an update is inprogress.