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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  Love our 2007 Honda CRV - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By Chuck - May 23 - 1:13 am

  Our CRV is 9 years old and we havent had any mechanical problems with it! The catalytic converter cover recently rusted loose, but that was easily fixed with muffler clamps. The cloth interior is difficult to keep clean. Great handling in winter.

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  Love our 2007 Honda CRV - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By Chuck - May 23 - 1:13 am

  Our CRV is 9 years old and we havent had any mechanical problems with it! The catalytic converter cover recently rusted loose, but that was easily fixed with muffler clamps. The cloth interior is difficult to keep clean. Great handling in winter.

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  Love our 2007 Honda CRV - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By Chuck - May 23 - 1:13 am

  Our CRV is 9 years old and we havent had any mechanical problems with it! The catalytic converter cover recently rusted loose, but that was easily fixed with muffler clamps. The cloth interior is difficult to keep clean. Great handling in winter.

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  its no ugly duckling - 2010 Honda Accord Crosstour
  By chattguy - May 22 - 11:53 pm

  I purchased a crosstour after driving a venza. The honda offers adequate room and versatility with good looks. I have not had long enough for the car to be broken in and see real world mileage, but the ride is excellent and honda eliminated their characteristic road noise issues. I also drive an A5 quattro coupe and this car suspension is less stiff as one would expect, but very compliant and predictable.

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  Love this Minivan!! - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By Michelle - May 22 - 5:23 pm

  This is a great minivan. It is very reliable and drives like a car. My husband drives a Lincoln LS and I think the Odyssey handles better than it.

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  Frustrated and Disappointed!! - 2010 Honda Accord Crosstour
  By WR - May 22 - 4:48 am

  The VCM system is a disaster. I have 2010 accord crosstour with cylinder misfire, oil consumption, and fouled plugs. While driving to work, I experienced a loss of power and check engine light came on. I limped to a local garage that services asian vehicles. He read the code (misfire cylinder 1), pulled the plug (fouled), and checked oil (2.25 quarts low). Within 10 minutes he diagnosed the problem and told me there was a class action lawsuit forcing Honda to extend the warranty for this condition. Great I will visit the local Honda Dealership. Upon arriving I spoke with the service manager, explained the situation and he was well aware of the issue but wouldnt do anything because the code had to be read at the dealership with their equipment (code had been cleared by previous mechanic). I called Hondas corporate office and spoke with a representative and the response was the same: must read code at the dealership. Wow! How could I possibly benefit from fixing this issue (I felt like I had done something wrong). This issue has been known by Honda and it took losing a law suit for a resolution (which is difficult - hopefully breakdown occurs near a dealership) to be reached. I feel the company is chasing the bottom dollar and the customer is 2nd. My question: if this were the 1st vehicle Honda had built, where would this company be today? The representative I spoke with said she would make note - what does that even mean? She told me I could submit a request for reimbursement of my costs from the previous shop (would I really be reimbursed after experiencing the above behavior). This is not about the $70 I spent, it is about doing the RIGHT thing. Sincerely, Frustrated and Disappointed!!

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  YES!! - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By Dee Cooper - May 22 - 4:13 am

  I have loved every Honda I have owned. But the Pilot is the best. It provides versatility, performance, comfort, and fuel efficiency into one vehicle!

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  Nearly Flawless - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Stoney - May 21 - 9:13 pm

  Bought this new and have been extremely pleased with the performance, reliability, and overall "functionality." Our 4 cylinder LX accelerates and handles well. The fuel economy is very good. Seat comfort is excellent despite the lack of lumbar adjustment. Repairs have been minimal - oil changes, tire rotation, and new brake pads (typical for 50% city driving). If you buy this car used, be sure to pull a CarFax because there are thousands of "totalled" Accords out there being sold - and it is hard to restore a heavily damaged car to original specs.

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  No Surprises - 2017 Honda Ridgeline
  By Lamar Jackson - May 21 - 5:02 pm

  Having owned several Hondas, including a Gen 1 Ridgeline, this vehicle has been no surprise. The engine is smooth and responsive. Fuel economy is good. The exterior paint is excellent. The interior design, and quality of materials is very nice. Seats 4 adults comfortably, 5 in a pinch. Quiet, smooth, ride. Lots of tech to keep me amused. Lots of storage and versatile.

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  Nice car but a bit cramped... - 2016 Honda Civic
  By L Sanford - May 21 - 8:11 am

  Nice car but a bit cramped inside. Driver seat bottom is too short - Im 61", 33" inseam. I prefer the Accord... roomy, better ride, nicer overall.