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! - 2013 Honda Accord
  By Jill - November 17 - 10:15 am

  Buyer Beware!....always. Some People will do or say just about anything to sell you a car!

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  Fourth Honda - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Bluesky - November 17 - 2:46 am

  See my previous review 3-17-08. Only update is after about 5k miles the fuel mileage is less than I had anticipated. It is about 5 mpg less than the 2003 Honda V6 (previously owned)and about 8 mpg less than the 2006 Honda V6 (still own). Had I known what gas prices were going to do I might have opted for a more fuel efficient car.

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  Honda 05 S2000 - 2005 Honda S2000
  By Simon - November 16 - 10:51 am

  From car fanatic and previous owner of numerous sports cars, nothing comes close to the thrill ride of the S2000, unless youre willing and able to spend 50k or more. This is a car you must learn how to drive to appreciate its performance ability. It will stir your power-pursuing soul and defy gravity with every crooked country road. Audio is poor, but I would rather listen to the engine and exhaust note of this formula 1 bred sibling, depending on how hard you want to push it. And it likes to be pushed. Lack of low end torque is not an issue, once you become one with Vtech. I have owned 5 new Honda products over the last 10 yrs, all have been great. Im always being asked, what is this?

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  Clunker Trade for a Tall Person - 2009 Honda Civic
  By Bob - November 16 - 4:43 am

  We were lured into a new car thanks to the CARS programs. We looked at many small cars, and found stock shortages at most big three dealerships. I am 64 and this car has lots of headroom, but not quite as much leg room as desired. My right leg rests uncomfortably on the hand brake. But not enough of an issue to not go for it. Was more comfortable in the Fit, but the discounts on the civic were greater.

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  Best all around SUV - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By Hondaman - November 15 - 5:04 pm

  Own my CRV for 18 months now and it is all that I expected and more. Extremely user friendly interior with plenty of cargo space. Front seat should slide back an inch or two more for extra driver legroom. Rear seats are very comfortable and roomy. Road noise can be quite intrusive and the poor standard tires dont help. Very happy with the gas mileage average of 22 MPG. AWD activates smoothly on slippery road surfaces. Handling is good but a bit tippy in hard cornering. Would highly recommend this vehicle because of its excellent versatility, build quality, value and reliability.

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  Transmission Woes - 1998 Honda Civic
  By sat - November 14 - 10:00 am

  Watch out for transmission problems of Civic. The automatic transmission started to upshift very harshly. It seems to be a common issue for Civics. I did not bother about this until it happened to my car (well maintained, cared-for, less than 50K miles and of course out of warranty).

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  CRV: Nice Car - with unexpected issues! - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By CRV Driver - November 14 - 2:20 am

  It has a few drawbacks: a) Fuel Inefficient (15 in the city, 20 highway) for last two months. b) The folding table broke without anything on it! Tip for using it: never use handle to lift it up. Just slowly pop it up, from the middle. c) Paint crack: I just saw it on the hood last night.... covered under the warranty? d) Front foot room - already mentioned: exhausting during long drives. BTW Angelica; the noise experienced is due to gear selector being blocked/released, at higher speeds.

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  Honda Accord, why drive a Bimmer? - 2008 Honda Accord
  By volvo hater - November 13 - 4:23 am

  I previously owned a Volvo and I was tempted to buy a 5 series BMW, but like my Volvo, I put on the brakes because I am still recovering from poor, costly and unnecessary repairs by three separate Volvo dealer service departments). Then, one day, I saw the new Accord on a parking lot and I said wow. Past Honda Accords have never appealed to me. I went to a dealer, sat in a bold beige leather EXL and bought it. I did not even test drive the car. So, I got a good looking car, Honda reliability at half a BMW price. I know a lot of people that are on second and third Hondas, so I am hoping that my car ownership experience leads me to become a loyal Honda owner too.

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  A blessing, but a mixed one. - 2004 Honda Civic
  By BMS - November 13 - 12:16 am

  This car is roomy and comfortable, and drives and handles well. However, there are a few bad points. The dashboard materials creak and rattle when the temp. is below about 40 (indicating poor workmanship to me). There is a slight vibration in the steering wheel ataround 68-70MPH. The car has a slight hesitation until it warms up fully, inexcusable in a fuel-injected car. And the engine is not quiet during acceleration, including a low-level high-pitched whine (though idle is smooth). The dealer says these are all "characteristics of the car" and will not "fix" them. But reliability, fuel economy, overall comfort and driveability are typical Honda. More plusses than minuses here.

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  A little disappointed in my Honda - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By Ty - November 12 - 7:29 pm

  After putting up with my Olds Alero for 3 years I wanted to move into a Honda for reliability/refinement reasons. Im quite disappointed overall. My CR-V drives pretty nicely for a small SUV and meets most expectations, but Ive come away very sorry I bought it for a couple of reasons. Most importantly is ride quality, which is just terrible. Im amazed nobody mentions this, as my CR-V is the worst riding vehicle Iv ever owned. With correct tire pressure this vehicle is brutally stiff over expansion joints and road irregularites. Typical interstate travel feels like driving on braile. Also, Ive found the build quality to be un-Honda like. At only 5K miles I have 4 loud/constant rattles.