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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  Who needs more? - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By YOYO - June 7 - 4:20 am

  I have always been a mini-van believer, even in the days before magic seats or stow ngo features. This being my 1st mini-van a question comes to mind... who needs more vehicule than this? Its roomy, comfy, convenient...dare I say elegant? My wife, who had a hard time accepting the need for a mini-van, is a convert. She dares anyone who needs a roomy vehicule to choose an SUV, with its choose cargo or passengers way of design, over a mini-van. If passengers are the chosen motiff, you better hope no car seats are in use, in a SUV. Now although I love mini-vans, not all are created equal. The Odyssey is heads above the rest. It does everything extremely well. This wont be my last Odyssey.

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  Clunky transmission - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By Rob Lang - June 7 - 2:06 am

  Good acceleration, steering, and suspension for a minivan. Minor creaking and body flex noise when starting from a stop. Also, when stopping, transmission is clunky and feels like it is "pushing" you forward. Overall, by far the best reliable performance for the money. Was surprised about the clunky transmission for a Honda. Highway mileage so far 24.5 (at 75-80 mph)-not bad for a 5200lb. vehicle (loaded) with a V-6. Rear DVD is worth its weight in gold for kids. Radio signal reception is poor. More road noise than I expected.

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  Dodah - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Carl Ivey - June 6 - 9:00 pm

  My second Accord after driving a 98 Accord over 200,000 miles. I am pleased although there is some road noise and the headlights flicker. MPG is from 28 to 30, mixed driving.

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  Peppy 4-cyl, like the design - 2009 Honda Accord
  By volvowner - June 6 - 1:20 pm

  Ive owned a few Accords, and this one is the most fun to drive. The 4-cyl engine has plenty of power for everyday driving, with surprising acceleration off the line. Honda is not typically known for its attractive designs -- usually you had to go to Acura for that -- but the coupe is pretty sharp looking. So far the car has been everything I expected and more. The coupe has some compromises in back seat room, and its unfortunate that Honda doesnt offer a fully adjustable drivers seat unless you get the leather package. Road noise is always an issue with Hondas, and this ones no exception even though it has the noise canceling feature (great idea, cant hear much effect).

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  VCM ruins a great car - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Joe Collier - June 6 - 12:00 am

  Enjoy the way the car handles especially the power of the V-6. I think Honda made a big improvement in the design of the car. The Vcm systems totally ruins the car. What a big disappointment. I had rather not have it and sacrifice the mileage....

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  A Very Smart Car - 2018 Honda CR-V
  By Spark - June 5 - 7:30 am

  Had previous CRV LX, which I loved. Decided to purchase new CRV Touring for the additional safety features and auto open back hatch. This vehicle is luxurious and practical. Love the AWD, since I live in the mountains.

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  Awesome Car! - 2008 Honda Civic
  By Chad - June 5 - 4:36 am

  I have only had the car for a couple weeks but this car rocks. It has gotten great gas mileage so far, first tank 32 mpg, second tank 35 mpg, and third tank 37 mpg. The car accelerates great. I love the way it drives. It looks really sharp. I have got lots of compliments on how cool the car looks. I also love how the speedometer and gas gage are built way up so you can look at them while driving. What a great car.

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  Honda Civic LX New Car Review - 2009 Honda Civic
  By Jill - June 5 - 12:53 am

  I have had the car two weeks and have had no problems with it other than adjusting to automatic transmission from manual and the automatic windows and door locks. It is very easy to handle and takes corners smoothly. It drives like an automatic so I can hear when the engine wants to shift and since Im used to manual, I would shift it at a few different RPMs but I am getting used to it. I rated it low as fun to drive because manual transmission is more fun to drive. The dealer didnt have any manuals so I thought I would try automatic. If you are really set on manual I would hold out for it as automatic is not the same thing.

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  Very satisfied! - 2017 Honda Odyssey
  By Brad - June 4 - 7:40 am

  We looked and drove all the major competitors- very happy that we chose the Odyssey.

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  Good little car - 2016 Honda HR-V
  By JP - June 3 - 7:35 pm

  I have owned a 2010 CR-V and a 2010 Fit and find the 2016 HR-V to be somewhere in the middle. Gas mileage has been fantastic, around town I get 35mpg and on commutes where I stay near 50mph, I routinely get 40 mpg. With great gas mileage comes some tradeoffs - the car is made out of lighter materials that you have take care not to abuse. The ride and handling are above average but I do notice a rougher ride than my CR-V. I miss the elevated driving position that I had with my CR-V but am getting used to the HR-V. I have not found a problem with the seats - they are comfortable and have not experienced any back problems. The entertainment system works well but I have had problems with Blue Tooth and my iPhone. I have had to reset the entertainment system to its factory setting to keep the car from randomly dialing numbers on my phone. The reason I keep buying Hondas (this is my 8th Honda in 20 years) is that they are extremely reliable (under 100,000 miles) and I have not had any major repairs to any of my vehicles. The only minor complaint I have is the noise coming from the engine compartment when I travel around 45mph (~1500 RPM). I hear a noise that results from a vibration or resonance that may come from the thin sheet metal shields around the exhaust system or firewall. It sounds like a bunch of bees are in the engine compartment. You get used to it over time but it is still a minor nuisance. I was also wondering if this was related to road noise coming from the tires. I had tire road noise with the factory tires on my CR-V and when I changed them the noise went away. In retrospect if I had to choose all over again between a CR-V and HR-V, I think I would go with the CR-V due to its larger cargo capacity and smoother ride.