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:

• 

  Japanese Land Rover - 2006 Honda Element
  By Steve Burgess - September 2 - 1:24 pm

  Having owned Honda Civics, Accords and a 99 CR-V (still going strong), I did not hesitate to buy another Honda. My experience with the dealership and all models has been excellent. Only two complaints with interior: no dead pedal for left foot and the seats do not breathe when wearing shorts -- sweaty legs. To quote an old R&R song: "She may not be pretty but she sure can cook." It can go anywhere and haul just about anything.

• 

  Great Van - 2001 Honda Odyssey
  By Ody Mom - September 2 - 10:00 am

  I have had a wonderful time owning the Honda Odyssey. Everything about it is great. LOTS of room for everyone and everything.

• 

  Great Value - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By bkrell - September 2 - 10:00 am

  Its a great value and those of you looking into the Explorer or comparable sized vehicles should check out the CR-V. It has a ton of space and is much better on gas than an Explorer. About the only reason I could think to opt for something bigger would be towing. You dont get a good towing capacity with the CR-V, although its load capacity is equal to or greater than some larger SUVs.

• 

  Solid car - 2002 Honda Accord
  By Paolo - September 2 - 10:00 am

  Excellent car. Brakes and engine are well balanced compared to most competing vehicles. The car feels solid but not heavy and moves nibly and smoothly. A better value than the Camry and without the arrogance of Toyota dealerships.

• 

  Just bought a HONDA LOVE IT! - 2002 Honda Accord
  By pilot781 - September 2 - 10:00 am

  We just bought a Accord Value Package. I orginally wanted the Accord DX, but no dealers had any, one dealer had the value package which is a DX model with a lot of options. I paid 16,300. It only comes in 2 colors silver and blue. You need to take a look at what comes standard, there is chrome trim around the windows, I thought so what until I saw the cars that had the black rubber around the windows. The automatic stick shift has a nice wood grain, of course its imitation, around it. Has a CD player and cassatte, standard. I think they forgot I have a few 8 tracks in the garage. Back seat flips down and locks so the kids can fool with it.

• 

  Good car, good price - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By Gary in Central Virginia - September 1 - 9:15 pm

  Bought an LX FWD for $21,687.82, not counting tax and license fees. I bought at the end of the month and bid it out to six dealers. Although this is the most basic CR-V, the features are quite good -- the only one I miss is hands-free entry, which is available on higher-trim models. One month in Im pleased with the car in all respects except one -- that being that I find the steering feel to be rather heavy. Otherwise, everything seems fine. Gas mileage is amazing for a vehicle this size. Performance is quite good -- the CVT is quite peppy at low speed or from a start, though it still has that CVT high rpm response when accelerating from higher speed. The space in this car makes it practical for long trips or hauling stuff. Performance is good, and the 2.4L engine puts out very adequate power while getting good gas mileage. All things considered, this is an amazing value for a vehicle, especially the LX FWD.

• 

  Superb Design in a minivan! - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By Ali - September 1 - 1:20 pm

  I chose the Ex over touring because I didnt like the price of a new set of pax tires, and I wanted the optional seat in the middle on 2nd row. Granddaughter loves to sit in front of the DVD player. DVD is a must from now on! Van handles well on the road, and cruise control never fluctuates on hills. Seats fold very easily for more cargo space. The nav. system is awsomely amazing! Its capabilities seem endless. It was well worth the money. Standard roof rails are nice, but almost senseless without the cross bars. The sunroof is refreshing at times, although I would opt for other features instead, like fog lights, automat lights, or auto tailgate closing. Auto side doors are great too!

• 

  Outstanding - 2008 Honda Odyssey
  By Dave&Ruth - September 1 - 10:58 am

  This is my first Honda that Ive purchased. My wife and I are very happy campers to say the least. Weve already made 2 road trips. One to the beach and one up to the country. No problems. Needless to say...its look like were going to stick with the Honda Odyssey. Handles like a car.

• 

  Civic Hybrid is a Solid Saver! - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Dave - September 1 - 8:57 am

  I put my deposit down the week after Katrina seeing the price of gas escalate. I traded my smaller SUV because Im just more of a frugle type of person. The CivicH (like all hybrids) rewards those that will adapt their driving style to the strengths of the car. It always has power to pass reasonably, you just will pay in average gas mileage if you using the power a lot. No big surprise there. Even in the Northeast my lifetime average mileage is ~50 flat. In winter, its 42-46 (short drive to work) and in summer its about 56-58. It has been totally reliable and handles my family of 4 with ease. Just plain an excellent Honda with a gas mileage advantage.

• 

  Love it - 2008 Honda Civic
  By Alan - September 1 - 3:26 am

  We went to test drive the Accord because we wanted a bigger family vehicle. We decided to try the Civic as it appeared bigger than I remembered. It was. The Civic has plenty of room and feels solid and safe. Drives silky smooth, quiet, and is the best looking Civic yet. Gas mileage and cost also won us over. Great car.