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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  Great plain vehicle - 2011 Honda CR-V
  By sean - April 7 - 7:05 pm

  Awesome engineering. easy to do small repairs on (air filters, etc.) I added foglights, it was easy, engineering is ergonomically amazing. poor performance, poor gas mileage, average or less than average stereo w/7 speakers. Everything else, though, is great. Great for the money. Bought cerfified used, was like brand new, leather seats are great, still is...just a great, reliable vehicle for the money.

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  My Sporty New Accord EX-L Navi - 2006 Honda Accord
  By KC Jefferies - April 7 - 10:30 am

  I did my home-work at Edmunds.com & Hondas website, which was pretty good. It helped me pick the car, color, & options, for a list price. Using a buying service, helped me get a great price! Actually driving a new one, showed me much improvement over my 97 Accord LX. The horsepower up 36, is at 166 & zippy! I ordered RED with spoiler, fog lights, & black bra, which gets the looks! The gray leather is excellent, making me feel like Im in my Dads Lexus. The CD Sound System, with XM radio, is superb & the cruise control right-on. What makes it really fun is the Navigation System. It controls the CD/Radio/XM & Air Conditioning with Voice Commands. I get 24 to 31 mpg, urban/hwy. Nice!

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  Worth it - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By quenames - April 6 - 9:06 pm

  This has been everything I hoped for: small SUV with tall storage/cargo, very good ground clearance, and tons of safety features. Its also easy for my 6 2" frame to get in and out of, and the flat floor front and rear is great. Fold down piece between front seats is handy. I agree that the black interior is a total pain to keep clean, and the CRV is certainly not to be confused with a smooth riding, good handling sedan--I have an Outback than is rock solid at 80. The CRV can feel a little loose after 70, especially with wind or if you need to do anything sudden. Beyond that, I have nothing but compliments and can confirm the 23/29 mileage that many others report.

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  Windshield defrosting. - 2016 Honda HR-V
  By Jeff Clagg - April 6 - 12:21 pm

  Poor design in windshield defrosting system. Blower needs to be set at 3 or higher to clear inside windshield of fog buildup. Upper corners and door glass on all doors stay foggy. And this is with outdoor temperatures above 32 degrees.

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  Nice 08 Accord - One glitch noticed - 2008 Honda Accord
  By SR45 - April 6 - 5:36 am

  Very nice looking car inside and out. Nav system top rated by me and the console is very well laid out. One major glitch on this new car is the new constant rattle noise noticed towards the right rear passager area during cooler weather only (possible weld issue in the strut tower). Very noticeable and giving me a real pain. Dealership noticed rattle as well, but unable to try a fix until some clips are ordered first to replace those that are removed from the trunk area. Seems this car is too new to have these clips on hand for the trunk liner. Ride is good, smooth, and the gas mileage is around 33 mpg highway, but very low around 18 city.

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  So far so good - 2002 Honda Civic
  By wayno007 - April 5 - 5:35 am

  It is noisy,and the interior could be upgraded. However I like driving it, get a lot of compliments on it, and havent had to make any repairs except oil change and two new tires. I added new stereo, alarm, remote start and tinted windows which adds nice extras. I plan on getting chrome exhaust, wider high performance tires and maybe stiffer suspension down the road. If you add what you want to this car and the reliability is there what more could you ask

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  Dream Mobile - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By Pegasus - April 4 - 8:06 pm

  Our Pilot has been a dream machine. It drives more like a car than SUV, corners beautifully and drives smoothly. It is incredible in slush, rain and snow, firmly gripping the road. Its very roomy inside and because the floor is flat, the dog no longer insists on lying on the seats, and stays comfortably on the floor, affording us even more space. The only drawback is the gearshift midway back on the steering column. Nothings perfect, but this comes close!

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  2008 Accord headlight Issue - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Gerry - April 4 - 10:56 am

  The 2008 Honda Accord Sedan EXL Navi is a great daytime driving car. You can relax and drive for hours and still feel refreshed at the end of the trip. Night driving can be dangerous though. The headlights flicker every 16 seconds, making the drive stressful and tiresome. This flickering makes it harder to focus on the obstacle head. Its important to note that this problem is common on all 2008 Honda Accords. The instrumentation is not user friendly at first but once you learn how to use the basic voice commands it becomes acceptable. Its also a good conversation subject. The Accords interior look and feel great. Lots of room and very comfortable.

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  Great car - 1999 Honda Civic
  By Nixxer - April 3 - 11:19 pm

  Ive had this car for awhile now and I put anyhere from 40 to 50 thousand Miles a year on it and it has never given me trouble.

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  2001 Honda Odyssey - 2001 Honda Odyssey
  By Lynda - April 3 - 11:30 am

  This is a limo for the two cars two kids set - tons of room for your stuff, reliable, solid, excellent for highway driving, lots of power, a total comfort machine. Weve towed camper trailers, loaded kayaks and bikes on the roof. Weve stuffed the vehicle with people and luggage with no noticable decrease in performance. This vehicle has not given us one day of grief. We are replacing our old 1990 Tercel with a Honda Fit - to anyone who reads this, go the extra bucks and buy a Honda - there really is no comparison, and believe me, Ive driven them all. It doesnt score high in driving fun - but who buys a minivan for fun anyway. My 16 year old Tercel is more fun to drive, but you cant take it out of the driveway right now without something dropping off it.