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:

• 

  My Review - 2000 Honda CR-V
  By nicomp - November 15 - 6:21 am

  Runs well, always starts, easy to work on, drivers side window motor failed after a few years, otherwise no problems except the A/C compressor self-destructed this summer (2007) and contaminated the entire HVAC system. Dealer wants $3200 to replace everything. I disconnected the drive belt instead. We are seeing much better fuel mileage since then.

• 

  Good car but not for me - 2000 Honda Civic
  By Cheast - November 15 - 2:00 am

  I have nothing against my Si. Its a quick little car but there are a few things i dont like about it. First off, if youre not shifting every 2 seconds you will find yourself winding every gear out to almost 5k rpms. You almost need to do this with the lack of torque that the Si has. My 92 Sentra SE-R(151k miles) is so much more enjoyable to drive and picks up a lot better around town. If I had to do it over again I would have just bought the sentra and saved the other 15 grand I wasted.

• 

  Our Odyssey is great! - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By VegasDJ - November 15 - 2:00 am

  Weve only had it a month and a half, but compared to our 1994 Plymouth Voyager, this van is a dream. One setback is that it gets 17-19 miles per gallon on the highway. Two advantages that the Voyager has however, are rolling door locks and a light under the hood which is convenient if you have to check your oil level or some other thing at night.

• 

  CRV a bargain - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By fredrab - November 15 - 2:00 am

  Comfortable, quality is obvious, especially for a relatively inexpensive SUV. 4 cyl. engine really feels closer to a 6 cyl.& I am really pleased with the power. Very ergonomic interior. Compared to other compact SUVs, the CRV is larger and is a real bargain. The RT AWD makes a ride on slick roads feel very secure.

• 

  2004 Accord EX V6 - 2004 Honda Accord
  By Deen - November 15 - 2:00 am

  I would give this vehicle an overall 8.5 out of 10 for a car in this category. Its definitely fun to drive and a good improvement from the 02/03 models. I think Honda should add more luxury features and try to make it more of a sports vehicle. Otherwise, not a bad ride!

• 

  Mixed Review - 2013 Honda Accord
  By brymil2 - November 14 - 1:18 pm

  I have a fairly long commute and after narrowing down mid size cars by gas mileage, the 2013 Accord was one of few choices. After drive tests and seeing what the car offered for the price, I thought is was a great bargain. Its sharp looking and has a great interior and lots of features for the price. And, the gas mileage has been phenomenal! I am averaging around 35mpg in approximately 65/35% highway/city driving. There is one issue that is ruining my new car experience. The CVT transmission is jerky at low speeds. It is quite noticeable and irritating in my stop and go commuting. I recommend test driving the car quite a bit before making your choice to see if the trans is jerky.

• 

  Perfect SUV - 2009 Honda CR-V
  By Michael - November 13 - 10:13 pm

  Given the price, everything is amazing. Honda has a tradition of reliability and value; this is clearly evident in the CR-V. The only problem I have is the fuel mileage. Im a little confused how the other critics on this page are getting over 20 mpg. I mostly drive in NYC and have never broke the 15.3 mpg average. Maybe when EPA tests out the fuel mileage, they are conducted in very spaced out suburbs? Anyways, I recommend this car to everyone, ranging from that cliche fast and furious 18 year old to the neutered family man.

• 

  My 2 Cents - 2009 Honda Accord
  By Darin - November 12 - 7:40 pm

  Overall Im happy w/ my car, I bought it 7/31/09 and have put a little over 3k miles on it thus far. My one complaint and I knew this going in is the road noise. Im just not sure what theyve missed but the road noise isnt as good as it should be. Other then that its a great car fun to drive plenty of pickup for a 4 Cylinder. MPG seems to be about 27 thus far (I drive almost exclusively freeway) would like a bit better (my 97 Accord got around 28).

• 

  2 years - 2015 Honda Accord Hybrid
  By markw17 - November 12 - 2:01 pm

  Still really like the car a lot. Wins, mpg of about 41.5, drives great, hugs the road well and cruises quietly on the highway. The local dealer has done all maintenance and they are efficient and polite, and the price is very competitive. I think the Car is still as nice looking as when I bought it and prefer it over the newer models look. Opportunities, small rattles, something in each front door panel buzzes most of the time and its close to my ear...very annoying but I never brought it in to be looked at. Another rattle in the back either the panel behind rear seat or the headliner, cant tell. Small trunk because of the battery can be a challenge at times. It will be hard for me to not move to over to a Model 3 in a couple of years, Honda needs to step it up!

• 

  very sturdy and worthy car - 1995 Honda Accord
  By bughugger - November 12 - 2:00 am

  amazingly sturdy, never broke down once in 7 years. Saved my life in a serious autwreck actually really quick, large trunk lots of interior space, basically lived out of it.