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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  CR-V 2- year review - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By MAN22 - May 10 - 8:31 pm

  We bought this for the wife, but she soon wanted back into a mini-van. I became the driver. Since new, wind noise on the right side of the windshield has been problematic and the dealer cant fix it. Road noise is another problem that is a historical issue with this model. Economy is good, great miles between oil changes, and really kinda fun to drive. Front wheel torque can cause you problems if you get on it while turning and it is zippy for a 4 cyclinder. Seats are a little firm for the wife, but I like them that way.

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  2 soon 2 tell - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By Dal Andrew - May 10 - 1:33 am

  good vehicle

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  Air Conditioner Issues Strike Again!!! - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By ScorpioJ - May 9 - 9:46 pm

  I love the the way the CR-V looks, and drives. I bought it Sat. and by Monday the air conditioner wasnt working! I took it to the dealership yesterday and they told me they had to order a new compressor. I did a yahoo search for CR-V air conditioner problems and there are tons of posts with older models that had problems with the compressor blowing up! I think I may go buy that extended warranty!

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  Great highway MPG - 2007 Honda Civic
  By parker712 - May 9 - 5:06 pm

  I have had my civic for a little over a year now. I go 80 miles/day round trip for work, mostly highway and I am getting 37-39 mpg. Definitely not much "spunk" but I bought it for the MPG not its performance so I am happy!

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  Prelude SH - saved my life - 1999 Honda Prelude
  By Wedge - May 9 - 1:38 pm

  Recently, I was clipped from the passenger side behind by a tractor trailer cab which was spinning in a hydroplane. This was in a rainstorm at freeway speeds. I did 2 ½ 360 clockwise spins before coming to a stop. The prelude SH suspension and ATTS saved my life as I steered into the spin and avoided a 2nd clip by the counter spinning truck cab. So here is where the 80% power transfer to auto steer the outside front wheel occurs. Most of the time one hardly notices the SH, but I did about 3 G’s and maintained steering with my front wheels while the rear spun about. Worth all the prior gear shifts during slow commuter traffic.

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  My fifth Honda - 2007 Honda Fit
  By Honda Person - May 9 - 12:33 pm

  The most fun car I have ever driven....however, the fuel mileage is extremely bad. It should be 33 and 38. I am getting 18 and 23. Ive owned 2 Civics and 2 Accords, my driving habits are the same. My MPG was within range on the previous four vehicles. Im being told my mileage will improve after about 5,000 miles....I sure hope so!

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  Moms Honda - 1999 Honda Civic
  By Justinkw - May 9 - 10:00 am

  Im writing this review for my moms car since I cant drive cause Im only 12 (I love cars). The ride is nice from a compact. No rattles or annoying noises. Wind noise is kept under control, but gets loud when sunroof is open. The only flaw is the audio system-it does not get loud enough to over come the wind noise, so my mom will have the volume turned up almost all the way and I dont think its blasted.

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  Honda Odyssey - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By K in Canada - May 9 - 10:00 am

  We bought our Odyssey new in June and in regular summer driving it has reasonable acceleration and handling. Great cargo capacity. We havenÂ’t had any problems with the vehicle and can find no fault with the design except for the dashboard heater control placement and the poor seats.

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  Nothing is perfect, but Honda is close. - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By Kevin Krueger - May 5 - 11:26 pm

  Owned this vehicle for a year, use it for work pulling a trailer. Fantastic. I think the mileage is reasonable for an AWD truck. I average 16 city/20-21 hwy and about 14-15 when pulling a trailer, and it pulls a trailer sweet. Thanks Honda.

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  Rock solid - 2006 Honda Accord
  By oldmansi - May 5 - 5:50 pm

  Picked up my cool blue metallic ex v6 coupe a few days ago but am very pleased with the overall performance of this car. Color is beautiful with the soft black leather interior. Driving a stick shift for over 35 years and wanted an auto for a change. Still have my 00 civic si to drive if i want to drive a manual. Car feels bullet proof with a nice thud when closing the door. Overall very happy with the car and feel reliability should be very good.