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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  Loving new car - 2010 Honda Accord Crosstour
  By joanne b - December 13 - 10:00 am

  We love our accord crosstour. We have had it just over one week. We purchased the Ex-l(all wheel) We added mud guards. We realized once we got home we would also like the bumper protector due to scratching near trunk area.View out back takes some adjusting.Nothing in owners manual pertaining to all wheel drive. This is a car we look forward to driving in snow

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  Wow - The Crosstour is Impressive! - 2010 Honda Accord Crosstour
  By Ed - December 13 - 10:00 am

  I previously owned a Toyota Venza (all of 13 months)and stepped into a Honda dealership on a whim. The mistake (or good fortune) was test driving the Crosstour. What a difference when compared to the Venza. The Crosstour has better ride quality, better built and well appointed. I liked the Venza, but my concern with Toyota has been its lack of attention to detail. The Venza felt cheap when compared to the Crosstour. The best things Venza had going was the remote tailgate,push button start and more cargo room. However, the trade offs were worth jumping to the Crosstour. Its just a far superior vehicle in terms of overall quality.

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  Love My CRV - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By TNcheryl - December 13 - 12:46 am

  I recently purchased a 2005 SE version of the CRV and I love it. It is comfortable, fun to drive, and it gets great gas milege for an SUV. I had a 1999 CRV and I loved it, so when it came time to buy a new car I knew I had to have an upgraded version. I have not been disappointed. The added horsepower is wonderful and I love the leather interior on the SE version. The back seat is roomy even with a child seat and the back cargo area provide lots of storage. I recommend the CRV if you are looking for a practical, sporty, and fun to drive SUV.

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  Best Family Vehicle - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By Family Man - December 11 - 6:41 pm

  We bought this new. Its been the best vehicle weve ever owned. Great on road trips with us getting 28mpg. Room for all 4 of us, luggage and dogs. Weve done all required service and never had a problem. Drives like a car with more room than a large SUV. I really cant think of anything that we dont like about it.

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  This is the one! - 2015 Honda Accord
  By Wimberleygirl - December 11 - 5:31 pm

  Love it so much more than my Toyota Camry. Just an outstanding vehicle in every respect. Wont drive anything else in the future.

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  Fun to drive, great car - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By fred717 - December 11 - 4:20 pm

  Traded a 1999 Olds Bravada for the CRV. Wanted a car with better mileage and better reliability. I found it in the CRV. I was afraid that going from a loaded luxurious SUV to the CRV might be a mistake, but after driving it for the last 3 months, I am far from disappointed. The CRV handles better than the Bravada, feels much more secure at highway speeds, and is simply a joy to drive. ItÂ’s handling in city driving is excellent. It feels tight in turns and starts and stops quickly. The ride is not as soft as the Bravada, but then again, I didnÂ’t expect it to be as soft. IÂ’m very happy with this car. I intend to keep it for several years.

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  Love my Honda Accord - 2008 Honda Accord
  By hondagal - December 11 - 9:53 am

  Third Honda Accord. Very happy with 2008 changes. Front seats much more comfortable. Like exterior touches that makes it look classier. Rides great as all Hondas. Enjoying the pearl white instead of the chalk white. Comfortable, good in snow, easy to drive... great.

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  Best car for the price - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By Dan - December 11 - 7:36 am

  This is a real wonderful SUV, very comfortable for 5 people, the rear additional bench its just for kids. Fuel economy is very good and after 15 months I really didnt went to any kind of repair, except oil and filter. Highly recommended.

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  Superior Vehicle - 2009 Honda Accord
  By TJC - December 10 - 9:16 pm

  I spent months researching cars before purchasing my Accord EX-L V6. If you want something reliable, sporty, stylish, fuel efficient and comfortable, you should definitely look at the Accord. For the money, and for somebody who doesnt require a bigger vehicle (no kids, etc.), this car is worth looking at. The top of the line trim comes at a great price for all of the features and the quality (and it looks better than the cheaper trims, too). Lastly, for a coupe, its large enough that youre comfortable. I just ask anyone considering this car to test drive it. If its for you, youll know it.

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  The BEST Fit in Class - 2008 Honda Fit
  By Barry - December 10 - 1:49 pm

  I have owned the Fit for a year now and LOVE IT!! The gas mileage has been very good 30.1 in town and 47 highway. It is high quality - both in the interior and exterior. No rattles in interior and the fit and finish is very high quality.After looking at Yaris this was the best value for the bucks. I love the folding seats!! This is a fun car to drive, love the paddle shifters. Love the stereo - enjoy the jazz. After working many years for Toyota in service I was impressed by the quality of this car as it far surpassed Toyota. For the Fit nay sayers you really are missing out on the high quality of this car. I recommend this car to all my friends!!