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 car, except for the rattles - 2003 Honda Accord
  By rtc - December 9 - 10:00 am

  When I bought this car it was between the Accord and the Mazda 6. The deciding factor for me was the Accords interior, it is beautiful... BUT, it has a lot of rattles. Had the car for a week and a rattle developed directly over the drivers head between the grab handle and the sunroof (very annoying). There are multiple rattles in the dash. There are rattles in the headliner in the rear, the list goes on... Other than that the car is fantastic, great power, comfortable, OK gas mileage. All that being said, it may get traded in on a new Mazda 6 hatch or wagon.

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  Think Twice - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Gil - December 9 - 5:23 am

  If you are thinking of buying a 2008 Honda Accord 6 cylinder, I would suggest you think twice and drive it more than just a test drive. The VCM is terrible. I would not buy the car again because of this "feature". The service department told me there was nothing they could do and to go back to sales. The surging (even at times on cruise) is terribly annoying. Otherwise, the car is outstanding.

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  My 4 Year old picked it out! - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By Heather - December 8 - 3:56 pm

  My 4 yr old son picked out this van-- he liked the larger screen for the DVD- the comfy headphones-- I enjoyed the quieter road noise, the 8th seat (my son didnt like sitting all the way in the back)- easier to use fold down seats-- I love everything about this van!

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  Have had a few months - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By road rat - December 8 - 2:04 am

  Have had 2005 Pilot for a few months now. I have not been able to get above 15.5 mpg around town 18-19 on hwy. I am very disappointed in the mileage and would not recommend this vehicle. We got the vehicle for the Honda reputation. My big SUV gets better mileage than this and with more creature comforts. Vehicle is peppy and gets in/out of traffic well.

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  8 months, 2 hurricanes, and 18,000 miles - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By Bigeaux - December 7 - 3:56 pm

  We live in New Orleans and evacuated for Katrina in our CR-V. Weve spent the past four months driving back and forth between NOLA and Houston in it, hauling people, pets, and stuff - bikes, plywood, food, whatever. I have to say this vehicle has done everything asked of it, and done it well. With the roof rack and the fold down seats, we can really load it up. All of the little nooks and crannies are very helpful for cell phones, walkie talkies, maps, drinks, and snacks. In all, it has exactly the right combination of space, versatility, and economy for us. Its a very practical and affordable compromise vehicle.

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  overall very good car - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By mark lehr - December 7 - 10:43 am

  This car was purchased for my daughter to take to college in 2 years. It is maneuverable and fun to drive, and was chosen over the mazda and ford models for its crash integrity. My only complaint is the noisy dueler ht tires, and their poor wear. Rear seat height and rear mounted spare tire make for poor rearward visibility, especially when backing in parking lots...proved that with a low sports car behind me waiting for my spot...

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  Solid Zippy Car - 1997 Honda Civic
  By KLynn - December 7 - 10:00 am

  I purchased this solid, zippy car when it was already 2 years old at a peak used car value! It hasnt disappointed me. Guests enjoy the roomy backseat. I like the space-making features in front for coins, maps, sunglasses, etc. Hondas modern exterior tricks some to think my car is new. However, my brother bought an identical 98 which has a few more ergonomic features worth considering. I am trading it in because *my* needs changed; Im getting rid of the 2- door, 5-speed. But the value has remained. It will be a perfect twice- used car for someone else!

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  review for a 2000 vs 2002 EX sedan - 2002 Honda Civic
  By John212 - December 7 - 10:00 am

  I am writing this review for a 2000 because I think the 2002 is way-worse. Honda modified the 2001/2002 model and cheapened the components (like replacing the double-wishbone suspension with cheap regulal one). So, if you want good deal, look for a low- mileage 2000 model. It is probably the most reliable Civic ever made.

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  What Happened to Reliable Work? - 1998 Honda Accord
  By Christy Luper - December 6 - 11:20 pm

  I love Hondas. My first car was a 89 Accord, and I drove that car all over the U.S. and it never broke down on me. That car looked great, but it was getting really old, so I went for a newer Honda, and bought a 1998 Honda Accord, I love my car. It has everything I want in it. My only disapointment is the poor paint job. The paint is fading on the top of the car from sitting in the sun all day while Im at work. Honda used to be the best quality car out there, but I am very disapointed in the cheap paint. But the car still runs great. but it will eventually look like a piece of junk, and thats really upsetting to me.

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  Almost the perfect car - 2017 Honda Accord
  By TJ Tucker - December 6 - 2:13 am

  Car and Driver had the temerity to run this car alongside the Mercedes E class, and declared the Accord the winner, hands down. And I concur. Its bigger inside, rides as well, and the V-6 engine positively blows away the coarse, pressurized 4-cyl that the E-class now sticks you with. That said, the Accord has also begun the industry-wide degradation of perfection, even if its not as far down that road as others. The electrically boosted power steering is not in the same league as the previous hydraulic systems. First, on-center feel is non-existent, when it used to be so vivid. Second, Hondas hydraulic systems used to give you a constant stream of feedback, informing you what was happening at the contact patches of the tires. Any slip angles would give you that gentle tug at the wheel, so you knew what to expect. Even textures came through. I traded in a 10 year old Accord, so the contrast is striking to me. The current one is simply numb. It transforms what should be the worlds best sports sedan into a Lexus. Agreeable, but devoid of any involvement. My other gripe is the entertainment system. If not for the steering wheel mounted buttons, it would be un-usable. It is finnicky with all the touch buttons that dont like to respond, and the menus are Byzantine. Definitely degrades the experience. But its still the best choice out there. Its just that the bar has been lowered, across the board. Nobody makes great cars anymore, and Honda has not degraded as far as former leaders like BMW. Yet.