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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  Lowered SUV - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By OdySC - February 28 - 11:33 am

  I was finally able to convince my wife to upgrade our 03 4Runner with an 07 Sienna LE-8 Pkg 4 for the added convenience, space, and comfort. But before heading to the Toyota dealer, we thought to give the Pilot and Odyssey a final look. We ultimately left the Honda dealer a couple hours later in an Ody EX-L w/RES/NAV because of the trim levels standard features and equipment. Aside from the significant gap between actual fuel economy we have experienced over 2K of mixed city/hwy driving versus. EPA ratings, our other main issue is that access to the 3rd row requires folding, or completely removing, the PlusOne seat in the 2nd row when our girls carseats are installed on the outer seats.

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  CRV Interior Poorly Built - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By BEWARE CRV INTERIOR - February 26 - 4:03 pm

  I bought my CRV brand new in July, 2005. It was in the shop 3 times for the first month for an alignement problem. In addition, the interior of the car seems to be poorly built. I hear noises from the panel and the door, like there is something loose, or the whole thing is just made of cheap plastic. I took it to the dealership and first I was told there was something loose in the transmission. The noise remained. Then Honda told me there was something loose inside the door. The noise remained. Now I hear another rattling noise coming from the other side. Where are they building these cars???

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  Good, but mundane transportation - 2007 Honda Accord
  By Maynard - February 26 - 6:30 am

  Ive owned this car about 2 months now. Overall I would say the car is OK , but nothing really stands out about it. I would recommend it since its not a bad car, but this review is basically to point things out that I wish Honda had done differently. I wanted a 2 door car, but nothing really caught my attention while car shopping, and I basically settled on this car (I will drive it until something more interesting comes on the market). I will say that it gets good gas mileage. On straight highway driving, it gets the 34 MPG that the window sticker says, and in mixed city driving I get 26. I think the 4 cylinder engine has enough performance for my taste. I havent owned it long eno

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  5 speed auto zaps fun to drive factor - 2011 Honda CR-V
  By Randy - February 26 - 5:39 am

  If you mainly highway commute, this CRV is near perfect. City driving with steep hills, speed bumps, and tight curves causes undesirable engine luging and lack of power. The transmission does not let the engine work in its comfortable RPM range. A design flaw not present in the fun to drive 2015 Kia Soul. Since this review we have sold the CRV due to the poorly mapped transmission and overly tight torque converter. Driving the hills and curves in Hawaii was like whipping a lazy mule to keep the engine from lugging. The engine is a fine piece of equipment but the bean counters killed the transmission/torque converter to the detriment of the vehicle driving dynamics.

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  5 speed auto zaps fun to drive factor - 2011 Honda CR-V
  By Randy - February 26 - 5:39 am

  If you mainly highway commute, this CRV is near perfect. City driving with steep hills, speed bumps, and tight curves causes undesirable engine luging and lack of power. The transmission does not let the engine work in its comfortable RPM range. A design flaw not present in the fun to drive 2015 Kia Soul. Since this review we have sold the CRV due to the poorly mapped transmission and overly tight torque converter. Driving the hills and curves in Hawaii was like whipping a lazy mule to keep the engine from lugging. The engine is a fine piece of equipment but the bean counters killed the transmission/torque converter to the detriment of the vehicle driving dynamics.

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  5 speed auto zaps fun to drive factor - 2011 Honda CR-V
  By Randy - February 26 - 5:39 am

  If you mainly highway commute, this CRV is near perfect. City driving with steep hills, speed bumps, and tight curves causes undesirable engine luging and lack of power. The transmission does not let the engine work in its comfortable RPM range. A design flaw not present in the fun to drive 2015 Kia Soul. Since this review we have sold the CRV due to the poorly mapped transmission and overly tight torque converter. Driving the hills and curves in Hawaii was like whipping a lazy mule to keep the engine from lugging. The engine is a fine piece of equipment but the bean counters killed the transmission/torque converter to the detriment of the vehicle driving dynamics.

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  No spare tire - 2005 Honda Accord
  By jill - February 26 - 3:33 am

  I also was surprised to learn that this car does not come w/ a spare tire. I went to a used tire place and purchased a full size spare /used rim for $85. I am wondering if this heavy tire will affect my gas mileage. I plan on only using it for long distance trips. Also was disappointed that I had to purchase the compass/ auto diming rear view mirror...think it should have been standard on a $30K car! Love the satellite radio and the car drives really smooth. So far the mileage indicator has been 32 at the highest number, 28 lowest. Fun to drive, really quiet. Very comfortable.

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  Not all that I expected - 2004 Honda Accord
  By Accord Coupe - February 24 - 9:33 pm

  When I graduated from college I could not wait to get my Accord Coupe, now I am looking forward to my next vehicle. I had very high expectations which have not been met. Every time I have a rattle fixed a new one develops. Luckily, my dealer doesnt mind me bringing the car is every other month. The breaks are still good; however, they make noises all the time. Honda needs to re-focus on build quality.

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  honda accord 2002 - 2002 Honda Accord
  By kaiser tarafdar - February 24 - 10:00 am

  excellent engine. fuel capacity is good. great fun to drive. interior capacity deserves more though.

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  Shopping for mid sized SUV gave the CRV a look. - 2017 Honda CR V
  By Jlbutler - February 23 - 11:54 pm

  There are several problems this car has in our view and a big part is value and over all performance. Almost pulled the trigger on another SUV but little lady saw this car and wanted to check it out. Aside from the fact the dealer apprised our car for $2000 less the anyone else the vehicle just could not compare to the mid size SUVs we were considering. Hated the CVT transmission and the engine made cheap 4 cyclinder sounds. Too much road noise and the worst sound system we had sampled and yes I adjusted it every way possible. Not a bad car and probably the best compact SUV out there but with the incentives and deep discounting going on in the mid sized market suggest you look around at what you can buy up market from this vehicle. Little to no discount or incentives makes this thing look over priced to us.