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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  My Black Roadster - 2004 Honda S2000
  By Pete - October 7 - 2:58 am

  At 60-years young Ive been a car nut most of my adult life. I have to admit the S2 is the most fun machine Ive driven. Value?... you would have to pay thousands more to get a roadster with the handling, performance, & styling of the S2. Id like to know the process or the nut who figured the S2 @ 20 mpg! Im on my 2nd S2 the very worst Ive gotten, driving hard in the mountains, was 22 mpg, Ill average 24 mpg on the highway 27 mpg.

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  Motor mount change not true - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By jake - October 6 - 10:58 pm

  Van is very reliable and useful whether youre hauling people or building materials. MPG is very poor though maybe needs a new tire. I read about motor mount issue on odyssey. I experienced the same thing when I brought to dealer for maintenance. The associate told me, I need to replace motor mount. I said no because it was expensive then brought van to a mechanic, turns out my motor mount is okay.

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  Honda is the best! Simply not true. - 2002 Honda Accord
  By alpha - October 6 - 9:05 pm

  I purchased this car in 2004 with 38,000 miles. I was told that Honda is the best. I replaced the transmission twice at 48,000 miles and again at 92,000 miles. I do all the recommended maintenance using quality parts. I start experiencing loss of power, so I did a full tune up, used super gas, but still the car wont pick up speed and can be dangerous merging into the highway with poor acceleration. Mechanic said nothing else can be done to solve this problem. Some of the interior is cheap plastic easy to break or crack. Im just stuck with it for now. But will never buy a Honda again, I learned my lesson .

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  Quality and Style - 2017 Honda CR V
  By John - October 6 - 7:49 pm

  Its only been a month but so far I think it is well built. My grandfather used to tell me the quality of a car can be noticed in the way the doors close and it has a really nice solid feel when you close the doors. It is getting great gas mileage and when you feel like you need some pep all you have to do is shift into the sport mode otherwise leaving it in drive with the economy mode on is sufficient. I love the color blue on it! I hope the new turbo engine and the redesigned body will be reliable for many miles to come if so I will be a very happy camper!

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  62,000+ miles and no problems! - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By bvf925 - October 6 - 7:35 pm

  I purchased my CR-V in 2005 after trading in a 98 Subaru Forester that was starting to give me some headaches. Immediately, I realized I was in a much better, high-end vehicle. I have not had any problems at all with it. Just replaced the battery earlier this year, and Im looking for my 3rd set of tires (current set of Tiger Paws are lousy in snow). I will need rear rotors & pads soon, but thats it so far! The gas mileage is fantastic, theres plenty of room for 3 adults in the backseat, tons of cargo room, the exterior looks great - no paint chipping or fade like my old Subaru. Looked at a new 10 Forester just for fun & the interior looks cheap. My CR-V is a Lexus in comparison.

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  A Keeper - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By DDP - October 6 - 4:04 pm

  Bought brand new. Always follow recommended maintenance and have had zero problems. None at all, still going strong at 105k. Mileage has stayed between 25-28 mpg, very good interior room for its size. Drives nicely for a SUV. Original tires only lasted for 27k, but not the CR- Vs fault. Plan on putting a lot more miles on it.

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  Fun to drive! - 2009 Honda CR-V
  By Happy Honda Owner - October 6 - 12:55 pm

  With over 10,000 miles, most cross-country with A.C. blasting, the CRV has averaged 30 mpg highway and 25 city! Love the interior lighting. The headrest is a bit uncomfortable on long drives, and for me, there is a "blind side" in the right rear. The steering wheel has a nice form, and I have grown to love the stereos volume control located on it. The car has a tight seal and I feel safe it it. Wish there were some console and not just fold down...seems a bit of a waste of space. A.C. and heater work quickly. Handles well in the rain and has small turning radius. In cruise control, up hills, it doesnt skip a beat! Test drove Subaru, Saturn, Toyota, and Volvo (+$20,000!). Loved the CRV!

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  Poor Air Conditioning - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By RS - October 6 - 11:44 am

  Only 4 and a half years old. A/C stopped working. Clutch and coil needs to be replaced.

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  Only a couple hundred miles in, but loving it! - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By LoveMyHondas! - October 6 - 11:26 am

  So far, so great with the new car! Its incredibly comfortable inside and we feel safe and secure driving it. We love it so far (after couple hundred miles)! Its the nicest car we have ever owned and our second Honda. We love Hondas!

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  Cant lose with this one - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Happy - October 6 - 9:11 am

  Ive only spent money on maintenance: oil changes, new tires, filters, windshield wipers, breaks.