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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  An awesome vehicle - 2004 Honda Accord
  By Rob49 - August 29 - 2:00 am

  Traded in a 2001 Accord EX 4cyl for the 04 EX V6, and can only say that the new Accord is awesome. Ride is a bit stiffer and more sports like. Leather interior is great and XM satelite radio is an excellent system and a good alternative to CDs. Am 64" and there is ample leg room and seats are very supportive. Best feature is the 240 hp V6. It is very smooth, quiet and really responsive. Veh is an excellent value overall.

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  Poor Materials and Build Quality - 2004 Honda Accord
  By grizzleybear98 - August 29 - 2:00 am

  Got 800 miles on it. Been to dealer to correct issues. Interior headliner improperly fit and of inferior material; rattles and squeaks in dashboard corrected at least temporarily. Odd noise in steering on return to center (sounds like a plastic tube is untwisting) yet to be corrected. Build quality far below my previous 5 Hondas, particularly on the interior. Strange exhaust noise that dealer says is not a leak; sure sounds like a leak. Several paint flaws in front bumper -- paint budbble became pock marks. Dealer is being helpful as possible, but problems remain. Not like the Honda quality from days of old.

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  Nice van, can be improved - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By vandude - August 28 - 9:43 pm

  Rides nice. Lots of room. Sufficiently agile. Backup camera is nice, though can be distracting. The console is nicely laid out, all controls are placed within comfortable reach.

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  HOT under the collar without A/C - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By yogamom86 - August 28 - 8:37 pm

  The car was fine until the warranty ended. After that it was one repair and the other. The final straw is the estimated $2500 to replace the entire AC System since the compressor blew pieces of metal all in the system. This is clearly a manufacturer defect. The dealer said that Honda will not pay because of the age of the car.

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  Best SUV for ME - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By BluesdaddyBill - August 28 - 7:05 pm

  We love Hondas and the CR-V is the best 4 cylinder 5 speed SUV. Almost everything about this vehicle is great. Overall MPG is 25 for mostly city driving. The ride is "car like" and I know it will last for years with proven reliability. You really do get what you pay for with Honda.

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  good car, good price.......cant beat - 2001 Honda Accord
  By happydriver - August 28 - 3:53 pm

  I have a V6 accord, and for the price, you cant really beat the reliability, comfort and ergonomics. It is pretty spacious for its size too.

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  Extremely Uncomfortable - 2017 Honda CR-V
  By A R - August 27 - 11:13 pm

  I loved everything about this car during the test drive. The interior and exterior are amazing. The tech is the best in class and it seemed overall great. Then I took it home and my opinion changed. I tried every seating position and even used cushions, but could not get comfortable. Even worse than that, after 15 minutes in the car my entire foot and leg started to go numb. I made myself take it for a long drive and by the time I got to my destination my entire foot and leg ere completely numb. It took a while to get the feeling completely back and then the pain took over. I was limping the entire next day. So on the way back I tried cushions and other positions and nothing changed. The seats press on my static nerve and cause all of this to happen. I recommend this car for all of its features, but do not recommend it for comfort. If comfort is important to you look at different cars like the Subaru Forester or Mazda CX-5. I will be selling this back to the dealer for a big loss because I refuse to keep a car that will hurt me. Just beware before buying.

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  The Ultimate Family Truckster! - 2010 Honda Odyssey
  By TRC - August 27 - 8:13 pm

  Familys expanding so we traded the 4runner and debated between Sequoia/AWD Sienna/Odyssey. Sequoia is just TOO big & not practical. Didnt like runflats & styling of Sienna. Fell in love with the Odyssey and have no regrets. Its literally like flying in a first class jet. Opted for leather & rear DVD, totally worth it. Averaging 25 MPG on HW and 19 for combined city/HW. Took this on a summer vacation with rear seat folded down and had WAY more cargo room than our old SUV with plenty of seating. Overall, we really like this vehicle. MPG in city could be better, but the room and comfort is totally worth it. This ride is truly the ultimate family truckster!

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  A Space Odyssey - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By Family Man - August 27 - 8:06 pm

  Traded in my Caravan for the Odyssey because of high Consumer Reports on the Honda. Car has had numerous small problems such as SRS light twice, heater didnt work twice, Stabilizer ends, power doors. Lock the car when you leave or the remote in your pocket will open the power doors. Alarm goes off unprovoked. Wont buy another Odyssey but will consider the Caravan again.

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  Pretty peppy - 2007 Honda Fit
  By cando - August 27 - 2:43 pm

  i just purchased the Fit. WOW this car has some pep to it. From 0-40 its pretty quick but then after that it slow down a little. Can feel the bumps in the car a LOT. Car feels really light, no dead pedal and even when you leave your leg up there is a little bump right in front of the seat it feels a little uncomfortable. Other that that the car is great. Love the inside and out.