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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  Happy Honda Owner - 2009 Honda CR-V
  By klaut - October 26 - 6:52 pm

  Just bought my CRV last week and so far so good, I am thrilled with it! Downsized from a Dodge Caravan and not missing the extra room at all. Drives great, looks great (Tango Red) and best of all Im loving the better gas mileage. Handles so well and the moon roof and GPS are added bonuses!

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  Burnt Valves / Defective Head - 2000 Honda CR-V
  By qcar - October 26 - 4:00 pm

  My CRV burned a valve at around 65,000 miles. Not what I expected from a Honda! Manual lists 90,000 for valve adjustment. I called the dealer and they offered a high price to repair but no goodwill and no acknowledgment of a defect or revised maintenance schedule. Now at 125,000 miles I have stalling and surging problems due to a defective head design - leading to valve problems. I visited the dealer ($3800 estimate to fix) and called American Honda and got no satisfaction. Almost every CRV driver I talk to has had some valve or head problem. Why no recall? Google Honda CRV burnt valve - this is no rare occurance.

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  First Import Car - 1992 Honda Accord
  By Pittsburgh Pa - October 26 - 1:27 pm

  I love my 1992 Honda Accord EX . I just purchased it, and had all fluids and tires changed. The ride is soft but firm, and the acceleration is outstanding. I am the second owner and it has been well cared for. I am sure I will have it for another 200 thousand miles as I see these cars never die. I parked next to a brand new car, and mine looked every bit as nice as the new car did. I am proud to have purchased a Honda.

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  Good Transition - 2009 Honda CR-V
  By TomJ - October 26 - 9:19 am

  We had VWs for 42 years. When our local dealer closed without any notice we looked for something closer but still reliable. Reviews of the CR-v mentioned a stiff ride but we always appreciated the firmness of the VWs. Reviews mentioned the lack of massive horsepower. We were used to that. We test drove one and bought the same day. The transition from auto to SUV (CUV) was seamless.

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  Great Machine - 2007 Honda Civic
  By greenroom1988 - October 26 - 9:13 am

  Honda has kept with their roots and made the most impressive car in its class. there are a few cars that may go faster becasue of larger engines and/or turbos. this 2.0 dohc i-vtec engine screams all the way to 8000 rpms and will smoke the competion that hasnt cheated by adding v6 or forced induction motors. The torgue is low for a performace car, but nontheless the car is zippy and the speed sneaks up on you. The 6 speed has short gears and pulls in all of them. The interior is very unique and some may not like it, but I feel right at home. Its a performance car, not meant for the average driver. Obviously I just got this car, so I cant say how the reliablitly is, but its a Honda..enough said.

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  best honda ive ever owned - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By tom aiello - October 25 - 5:53 pm

  the crv is just fun to drive, look good drives great. no problems what so ever

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  Honda is poor quality - 2007 Honda Civic
  By Mike Aron - October 25 - 2:50 pm

  I have taken my car to dealer to replace the following since I leased it: 1. The battery. 2. The stereo, 3. Transmission torque converter. 4. Steering wheel peeling off. As you can see HONDA HAS DECLINED QUALITY lately and reliability is 0%. Plus dealer doesnt supply you with loan car.

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  Do your research! Wouldnt recommend the new Civic - 2016 Honda Civic
  By Shea Ellington - October 25 - 11:48 am

  Let me tell you a story of a man who bought a brand new 2016 Honda Civic Touring on 12/15/16. Since they day I have had nothing but issues with this car. Out of the past 80+ days, my car has been in the shop 50 of those days. My bluetooth does not work, my infotainment screen goes in and out, the emergency breaking goes off randomly, etc. I have 29 issues all together with my new car. The first 2 Honda dealerships told me they have seen these issues before and did not want to get wrapped up in legal issues so they would not try and repair my car. Honda corporate will not even talk to me about taking my car back and have been completely disrespectful. Honda truly is NOT the company they used to be and I WILL NEVER buy another Honda again. Dont just take my word for it, DO YOUR RESEARCH! You will find thousands of other Civic owners with similar issues.

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  Do your research! Wouldnt recommend the new Civic - 2016 Honda Civic
  By Shea Ellington - October 25 - 11:48 am

  Let me tell you a story of a man who bought a brand new 2016 Honda Civic Touring on 12/15/16. Since they day I have had nothing but issues with this car. Out of the past 80+ days, my car has been in the shop 50 of those days. My bluetooth does not work, my infotainment screen goes in and out, the emergency breaking goes off randomly, etc. I have 29 issues all together with my new car. The first 2 Honda dealerships told me they have seen these issues before and did not want to get wrapped up in legal issues so they would not try and repair my car. Honda corporate will not even talk to me about taking my car back and have been completely disrespectful. Honda truly is NOT the company they used to be and I WILL NEVER buy another Honda again. Dont just take my word for it, DO YOUR RESEARCH! You will find thousands of other Civic owners with similar issues.

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  It performs as as advertised - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Kirk - October 25 - 11:43 am

  40+ MPG on trips, 30+ MPG in city, as advertised, great performance, good styling, responsive handling, and reliable.