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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  ALMOST THERE!!! - 2013 Honda Accord
  By Experienced DRIVER!!! - March 21 - 8:09 pm

  The 2013 Honda Accord is almost there if Honda would improve in areas that customers have complained about for almost 20 years. The 4cyl engine in my Accord is efficient for the most part but it has a loud cheap clattering sound when idle. Honda should also make navigation standard in the EX and above models especially for the asking price. There is no need to have two large screens in the middle of the dash just to make the interior look more technologically advanced. My brakes which are new and just installed by a Honda dealership need more work because sometimes they will brake as expected and other times the braking distance is almost doubled which has scared us several times. It is a good car overall but Honda has to pay more attention to the small details.

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  Climate control condensation - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By Paul Tanaka - March 21 - 5:56 pm

  Although we are satisfied with the vehicle overall, we are troubled by the puddle of water on the garage floor each time we drive in. The dealer told us that this is quite normal, however, we have owned a Subaru Forester and other vehicles with AC in the past and have never had this problem. We do not believe that this is normal as the temperature here has not been over 20 and the climate contr0ol is always set at 22 or higher.

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  Awesome w/ Two Major Exceptions - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By Travis - March 19 - 9:36 pm

  This van is awesome!!! Handling, interior & options for the money. There are two major exceptions. There is significant vibration from 6 cylinder to 3 cylinder and the paint job is very lacking (unacceptable). The plastic injection molded pieces (front bumper, rear bumper, spoiler) are not completely painted and you can see the plastic through the paint. In summary the paint did not take to the plastic. You can only see this on the white vans. Other than that it is a GREAT VAN!!

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  This car is a gem! - 2016 Honda HR-V
  By Bec Levy - March 19 - 4:22 pm

  This car is great but would be perfect with automatic rear hatch, better stereo system and HYBRID.

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  Minie Hummer ?? - 2003 Honda Element
  By canvasdesign - March 19 - 10:00 am

  A very practical all around vehicle. Outstanding price to value ratio.

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  Not a van person - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By Bob R - March 19 - 10:00 am

  I am not a van person, in the past if it had more than two doors it was just too big. Now, with 4 children the mini van is a must. I must say I was very surprised at the drive of the Odyssey. Much to my suprise the feel was very similar to that of my Acura CL. I am not sure how Honda got so much of the truck out and the car feel in but, thanks from a non van person.

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  door seals - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Arnette - March 19 - 10:00 am

  We have noticed that the door seals allow water to seep into the door frames on all four doors, but the front ones are the worst. When the door is opened, the collected water drips onto the leather seat. I have taken it back to the dealer once, and they insist that everything is in order. I said, "then Honda should issue a towel with the car". Even if there isnt enough water to drip, it still accumulates inside the door well and stays there for days. This will eventually cause corrosion. Has anyone else had this problem? Am wondering if it is a design flaw or if it is my car in particular.

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  safety features let me down - 2003 Honda Accord
  By melwelsh - March 19 - 10:00 am

  I rear ended another vehicle- and all of the safety feature for which I actually bought the car for really let me down. My seat belt malfunctioned and pulled all the way out and never even restrained me. My driver side air bag did not even open, but the passanger side airbag did open (it opened up- not out and completely shattered the windshield), even though there was no passanger. My whole body slammed into my steering wheel. If either of these features had worked properly I would have been ok- but they both failed. I am upset about this b/c I am pregnant and really rely on those safety features of a airbag and seat belt

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  A car with two personalities - 1999 Honda Civic
  By m_manalac - March 19 - 2:00 am

  I got my 99 Si in mid 1999 and never regret the purchase. It has been very reliable and fun to drive. After 4+ years of owning it, I still get $10000+ offers for it!

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  2003-EX CRV-Almost There! - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By Coudie - March 19 - 2:00 am

  I too looked around and narrowed it down to the Tribute and the CR-V. Since I had owned previous Hondas, I went with the known entity. The 4 cylinder is very peppy, more so than most V-6s I have driven. Its pretty economical, though I felt gas mileage would be better, averaging about 21-22 mpg local. Interior design needs work, the gear shift needs to be on the floor as one can knockout of gear by trying to change radio stations! Heated exterior mirrors would also be beneficial as well as intermittent wipers. All in all, for the price, its a very tidy package. Service needs to be more responsive...