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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  Big Upgrade from my 2001 Sebring - 2000 Honda Accord
  By kovacic_frank - January 23 - 1:37 pm

  Ive had the car for about a week now after going through tooth and nail failure with the 2001 Chryslar Sebring. The seats are very comfortable in the EX and the controls make sense where their placed. The back bar in the seat for extra support where you need it is great and the handling is very smooth if you drive considerate. My car has 140k miles on it when i got it and some where and tear are showing with the looseness of the accelerator, and the dashboard lights are flickering on and off from time to time. Gas is alright but im not getting what I thought id get from a Honda. Still a much bigger upgrade from other Sedans of that era. Also no Transmissions issues so far unlike 2002s.

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  2005 civic dx - 2005 Honda Civic
  By algu - January 22 - 8:14 pm

  Bought this car just over a year ago with 90000km on it. Now has 120000km mostly highway gets around 43 mpg. Its just a base model with 5spd stick. Work really good. Had to timing chain replaced at 95k as well as serpentine belts should be replaced every 100k. Have also replace break lines and Oil pan at Around 110k. Also just replace alternator witch is a common thing for Honda. Changed out spark plugs And oil every 5k. Over all this car is a good reliable car no complaints mechanical wise runs like a top . As far as the interior seats are alittle stiff but are manageable. Its a fun little car and with todays gas prices I would recommend anyone of this car.

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  A sturdy commuter car - 2011 Honda Civic
  By dogstar2389 - January 22 - 3:15 pm

  If you need a reliable car for a teenager or just a ride when commuting to work i would definitely recommend the 11 civic coupe. Ive had mine on a lease for the past 3 years now and so far its been excellent on gas. the car is a little small especially for taller people but for short people like me its comfortable! I have never had an issue with driving it in snow (especially with some michilen tires). it accelerates at a decent rate on the highway too. I will say though that its a high maintenance car. the slightest amount of dirt in the filter or air loss in the tires brings your mpg down. And the paint chips and scratches easily on it. The clock goes too fast too.

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  Honda is getting cheaper, too. - 2012 Honda Odyssey
  By woiferl - January 16 - 12:05 pm

  I was looking for a reliable minivan with ample space, high reliability and high resale value. The Odyssey clearly delivers in that space and surprised me with great performance and decent mpg - I get about 27 MPG on average. From that view and the resale value, itÂ’s an economical choice, even though Odysseys got rather expensive. $38K for a mid-level model is rather pricey for what you get in the end and when you look at the cheap plastics that are used throughout the car. The tech in the car is surprisingly mature. The most annoying feature is without doubt the auto-lock of doors. I canÂ’t remember how often I run out to the garage and only find all doors, except the driverÂ’s door, locked.

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  2014 CR-V EX AWD Excellent car but poor mileage - 2014 Honda CR-V
  By photoman148 - January 16 - 4:24 am

  Purchased this late November 2013 and have put a little less than 1,000 miles on it so far. Very happy with it so far, except for the gas mileage is below 20 mpg even with the eco button turned on, although almost all my driving so far have been on distances of less than 5 miles... mostly 2-3 miles. Features I enjoy the most is the USB and Bluetooth connectivity. When you hook your I phone to the USB port, Pandora can be fully controlled with the cars audio system controls, including channel. The backup camera is convenient too!

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  Plain jane - 2013 Honda CR-V
  By rwalters1 - January 9 - 6:58 pm

  Nice automobile, but for an EX-L it is a bare bones equipment. Put 5500 miles on so far. Acceleration has gotten better, mileage good but the seats are awful. I have never had such a sore behind in my life. My wife and I are of small build and the seat is firm right in the middle where your tailbone rides. My tailbone feels like its on fire in just ten minutes of driving, hers too, either seat. Its going to the upholstery shop soon. If he cant fix it then it will be sold. Who designed those seats. They must be like the accord seats everybody complains about. Called Honda, they dont seem interested in helping me out, see the dealer.

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  is it too late for 2015 - 2014 Honda CR-V
  By miles_in_tx - January 9 - 12:28 pm

  I hope the 2015 CR-V model will put the AC vents like they were in the 2010 model. I also hope they can change the rear view out of the vehicle, if possible at all. Otherwise, perfect vehicle.

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  bad batteries - 2013 Honda CR-V
  By dangthieu - January 6 - 2:15 pm

  Car do not start in -9 degree even the car still 10 months old. (cr-v 2013).

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  is perfect for me, except for some rattles - 2013 Honda Civic
  By white_tea - January 3 - 10:44 am

  the car performs excellent. I am hoping for the Honda reliability. So far, gas mileage is excellent. Interior ..... car is easy to navigate (viewing the i-MID system is ..... p e r f e c t .... when compared to others. It is clear, concise and simple. Well done! Bravo! So far, a perfect car except I cannot give five stars on interior design due to the rattling noises I experience in the area of the controls for the CD player, volume button and it really annoys me.

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  Great Car... but - 2014 Honda CR-V
  By polarbear14 - January 3 - 10:12 am

  Our 2014 CRV is a very nice, reliable and economical car. We have had a number of Hondas and find them to be a good value. The CRV has excellent seat comfort and seating position, great visibility, good ride and handles well ... as long as you dont drive aggressively. The sills are low - a good thing for over 60s getting in and out. It has a real key - not a fob and starter button, a good thing. We just did a 1400 mile trip and got great highway mileage (33+). As with all Hondas, there are minor annoyances that mar an otherwise great car. We considered similar Toyota, Mazda and Subaru models and liked the CRV best overall. There are issues (see below), but all cars have issues.