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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  I love my Honda, still feels new - 1999 Honda CR-V
  By wetpawsx8 - February 13 - 1:58 pm

  I bought this car new. I had an Explorer and it was just too big for me. The CRV fit me perfectly. I have never been sorry. Usual maintenance has been done, I change oil every 3,000 miles. I now have 174,000 miles, most parts are original. Did the drive belt and water pump as preventive maintenance. original brakes, exhaust. I bought slightly oversized tires and have really been happy with that decision, they seem to wear longer. I drive in new fallen snow without a problem. Have never been stranded. Im still getting about 24 mpg. The interior is still in good condition and I haul my two dogs with me often. I hope to get another 174,000 miles before I would give it up.

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  best family car Ive ever owned - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Dave C. - February 13 - 10:44 am

  Ive had my 2003 Accord nearly 7 years and it is by far the best family car Ive ever owned (Ive had many). I have *never* had a problem with it -- just regular maintenance. The design is a good balance of power, fuel economy, comfort. A little boring to drive compared to my sports coupe, but thats because its a family sedan, no fault of its own

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  Just Purchased - 2010 Honda Odyssey
  By Jimmy - February 12 - 9:36 am

  The car is comfortable and drives well with good power. The list of bells and whistles seems to go on and on. There may be too many at times - it took two salesman and the finance guy to figure out why the remote to the RES didnt work. There is a lockout button on the dash that no one really knew about. However, were pleased with the van and look forward to years of service. My wife just wishes it came in a pearl white.

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  I LOVE MY HONDA - 1997 Honda Accord
  By jenny - February 11 - 6:12 pm

  this is the best car out there i have many cars before but this is the best... cheap to fix good in fuel and everything else.

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  Quirky - 2004 Honda Element
  By nc3e - February 11 - 4:16 pm

  I still cant say that I like the way the Element looks. Its ugly, and it hasnt really grown on me yet. However, it has more interior space than I expected. Rear seat passengers have tons of space and 2 cup holders, as well as 2 more for the front seat passengers. Great sound system. AWD is great in the snow! Acceleration isnt astounding, but it isnt slow. No carpeting means cleaning up spills is the best. Front pillars make big blind spots, and the "suicide doors" are a pain in a parking lot. The brakes took some getting used to for me, the pedal is a little soft and positioned strangely. Smooth and gentle steering and ride. AC began squeaking recently and cranks VERY slow in the cold.

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  Funtastic - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By Maryland Honda lover - February 11 - 11:15 am

  I loved my CRV EX 4X4. My teen son just totaled it. He was not injured thanks to Hondas quality built vehicle and airbags. He didnt even have a scratch! It was fun to drive, great lumbar support & comfortable, not bad 19-24 MPG. Great storage capacity for traveling. Loved the 4x4 aspect and ran like a champ in the snow. The standard Continental tires gave a rough ride which made the vehicle vibrate at highway speeds. Theyre hard to find replacement for in the metro area. I replaced them @ 28,000 miles,change in ride and handling was incredible, much quieter and smoother. I Love Hondas and plan to purchase another. con: minor-fabric on the inside door armrests. Gets dirty easy

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  Disgusted with Honda - 2009 Honda Civic
  By TPTV - February 10 - 11:12 pm

  I will never buy another Honda. Honda ought to be embarrassed to have their name on this car. Although I just bought the car last year, I have had it at the dealership to have numerous flaws repaired or replaced under the warranty: (1)windshield replaced due to distortions (2) door handles and side mirrors replaced due to the lack of quality paint job (3) front and rear bumpers painted due to lack of quality paint job (4) the regulators in the front doors had to be replaced when the windows stopped going down all the way and (5) the moldings that cover-up the front side airbags show gaps when it should be flush mounted.

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  Honda Accord EXV6 Sedan - 1998 Honda Accord
  By Honda Fan - February 10 - 9:01 pm

  Its been a great car for us. Bought the car in 2000 with 24k miles. It has 153,000 now. V6 is fun to drive. Feels like a sports car. Only trouble is intake manifold clogging causing check engine light to keep coming on. There has been Honda service bulletins on this. Front tires seem to wear fast. Michelins are expensive to replace. Plan on keeping this car till it is to expensive to fix. I heard 1998-2002 Honda Accords had problems with their transmissions. Weve had good luck here.

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  good quality suv - 2007 Honda Pilot
  By nj dan - February 10 - 3:39 pm

  I leased this 07 pilot and have had no major issues other then new front rotors at 28000 miles. Great ride and very comfortable like all the cargo space. Could be better on gas, and strains a little when towing. But over all reliable and very safe love the heated seats and sun roof

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  Fits Our Family of 6 - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By KeriAnn - February 10 - 2:54 pm

  We were not looking for a Honda. We test drove Town & Country & Grand Caravan. They were too small. We have 2 teens, a preteen & a 5 year old. When looking at vans, I happen to see an Odyssey sitting by a Town & Country. We took it for a spin & loved it. With leather,navi,dvd & more it had all we wanted plus extra storage room. The feel of this van is great and it drives like a dream. This is a 4 year old van, however, it rides and looks like a new van. We love it!