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 hate that screen! Where are the knobs? - 2016 Honda Civic
  By Newly disappointed Honda driver - October 29 - 8:25 pm

  The lease on my 13 Civic EX-L w/nav expired this week and I debated whether to buy it or lease the 16 that got good reviews. I loved everything about the 13 and after driving the 16 for just one round trip to/from work, I knew I made the wrong decision. I guess I should have done better research, but I never would have thought they would *remove* basic features I relied on often -- a valet key?? A knob(!) to control the a/c fan?? A knob to turn the radio off/on and adjust the volume?? All gone. That nav screen is also positioned too low -- the 13 was higher so I could glance at it without taking my eyes off the road. And does the steering wheel not adjust up/down?

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  If only there were room for longer legs - 2012 Honda CR-V
  By EzVz - October 28 - 12:40 pm

  Wed give it a five star rating if the front had longer leg room. Driving position is a bit cramped. When we got the car, we considered out to be like a cockpit. But after time, the cockpit kinda closed in on us. Im six feet, my wife is 5-10 (But her legs are as long as mine). Or maybe, if the steering wheel would extend a bit further, out would be better. Otherwise, except for road noise at 70 plus on the highway, and a sometimes sort of screaming noise thru the Bluetooth on the phone, its perfect!

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  If only there were room for longer legs - 2012 Honda CR-V
  By EzVz - October 28 - 12:40 pm

  Wed give it a five star rating if the front had longer leg room. Driving position is a bit cramped. When we got the car, we considered out to be like a cockpit. But after time, the cockpit kinda closed in on us. Im six feet, my wife is 5-10 (But her legs are as long as mine). Or maybe, if the steering wheel would extend a bit further, out would be better. Otherwise, except for road noise at 70 plus on the highway, and a sometimes sort of screaming noise thru the Bluetooth on the phone, its perfect!

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  Way better than a Venza - 2010 Honda Accord Crosstour
  By Rick Brewster - October 28 - 3:16 am

  I never considered owning a Honda until I found the Crosstour. It is one FINE automobile. I has hip arthritis and the Crosstour offers ample leg room to stretch my legs. I like the instrument layout on the dashboard and it has plenty of bells and whistles for me. Passengers say the rear seating is comfortable and spacious. This is more a couple, or grandparents, car because of the limited storage space. Unless your looking to carry a sofa or a refrigerator home from the store, there is plenty of room Drawbacks are: rear visibility is restricted with the split glass on the hatchback and the EX-L is only available with leather seating, which is a hazard on hot, sunny days.

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  Awful Seats...buyers beware!!! - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Nick - October 28 - 1:13 am

  Recently i made couple of big trips of 700 miles or so, and after that I had terrible back pain. Even for the 1-2 hours ride I had the back pain, must say that seat design is horrible. Overall performance is good but comfort level is poor.

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  Do NOT buy a CRV made in UK - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By jbohio - October 27 - 2:00 am

  Be forewarned. If you are looking for a CRV, do not buy one manufactured in the UK. Have had numerous recalls and 8 warranty claims within 30K miles. Very poor quality control. Honda generally builds good vehicles, just avoid those built in the UK.

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  Its alright - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By No more Hondas - October 27 - 2:00 am

  My Chrysler T&C LXi was refusing to start at random intervals, so I decided to get the gold standard Honda Odyssey. I paid full retail and got a van that had a mystery groan. I owned it for three months. After 3 weeks in the shop, theyd found and welded a body joint that never got made in the factory. I refused to keep it Honda refused to replace until we were on the verge of a BBB arbitration meeting. The replacement (which still cost me $1000 more) had a rattle in the A-pillar, a noisy front seat tray, and some buggy dome light switches. This is not the great van that I expected. Its only okay. Detroit can unpucker a little. I guess Hondas are designed and built by humans, after all.

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  CRV ok but is no Pilot! - 2014 Honda CR-V
  By Sebastian Rodriguez - October 26 - 7:51 am

  Needs a little more leg room, arm rest on passenger side, better horn and better acceleration.

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  2008 Accord - 2nd owner - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Haroon Jamshed - October 25 - 10:02 am

  I love Accords...wait, I used to love Accords. This is my 5th Accord and never again. Ive tried so hard to love it but I will never buy another. Im the second owner and driven it to 108,000 miles and will drive another 100K. Problems are: oil consumption, power steering pump noise, oil consumption, VTC actuator noise (severe) and did I mentioned oil consumption. Im mad tired of the oil consumption. Have to refill every 500 miles even though I have cleaned throttle body, changed spark plugs, air filter, PCV valve...Ive tried Lucas, STP, full synthetic, semi synthetic, nothing works (except Lucas helped but that thing is not oil, its freaking grease and dont use it)! Tired of oil consumption! Call Honda headquarters, called local Honda...nothing will work.

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  2008 Accord - 2nd owner - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Haroon Jamshed - October 25 - 10:02 am

  I love Accords...wait, I used to love Accords. This is my 5th Accord and never again. Ive tried so hard to love it but I will never buy another. Im the second owner and driven it to 108,000 miles and will drive another 100K. Problems are: oil consumption, power steering pump noise, oil consumption, VTC actuator noise (severe) and did I mentioned oil consumption. Im mad tired of the oil consumption. Have to refill every 500 miles even though I have cleaned throttle body, changed spark plugs, air filter, PCV valve...Ive tried Lucas, STP, full synthetic, semi synthetic, nothing works (except Lucas helped but that thing is not oil, its freaking grease and dont use it)! Tired of oil consumption! Call Honda headquarters, called local Honda...nothing will work.