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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  none - 2000 Honda CR-V
  By kllariv - August 18 - 2:00 am

  looking to buy, read all reviews and sounds like a champ!

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  Hey, its a minivan - 2001 Honda Odyssey
  By mitchedo - August 18 - 2:00 am

  Its been 2.5 years, and 24,000 miles. We have not had a single problem with this van. This is the first vehicle weve ever owned that has not had to go to the dealer for warranty work. The ride is firm, but I like it. The acceleration is good, plenty of power. The air conditioning works great. We really love this van. We havent had any problem with the power doors. There has been a little rattle in the right side of the dash, but nothing enough to make us take it in for adjustment. I really hate the climate control. Its a totally unnecessary option that will be very expensive to fix when it breaks.

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  This is My Dream Car - 2001 Honda Accord
  By Mikkos Slappey - August 18 - 2:00 am

  Even though I havent had it long, I have enjoyed it very much. I love the 6 disc CD changer and sunroof. The keyless entry comes in handy.

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  2003 Honda Civic EX 4-dr. - 2003 Honda Civic
  By Triskit - August 18 - 2:00 am

  I love my civic. Like all others it lacks its "get up and go". But I know that it is very reliable and dependable and its a great value. Its an overall winner.

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  Buy an HX Coupe - 2003 Honda Civic
  By Cat Man - August 18 - 2:00 am

  It was hard to find this car, but it was worth the hunt. The HX gets 44 mpg on the road and comes standard with alloy wheels, CD player and more, so in my opinion its the best Civic and really looks good in the blue metallic color with a spoiler. I got the 5 spd and its pretty peppy and like all Hondas, its very solid (no rattles at all). Probably the best thing however is still the gas mileage. If you want a fun, solid, economical coupe, consider the Honda Civic HX coupe, if you can find one.

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  Honda CRV (CVT) transmission problems - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By john802 - August 15 - 7:13 pm

  So I am not the only one complaining to Honda about their new CRV transmission!!! Just bought a new "Touring" model - not able to test drive before as none available but owned CRV before. On way home after picking up new car identified "Steady State" speed vibration and drumming in the car. happens at steady state speed between 20 to 40 MPH. Took it back to dealership - Service Tech came out with me for test drive and confirmed problem and suggested we take another newer 15 CRV out for a run - the vibration and drumming sound in the Cabin was even worse than mine!! Contacted Honda Canada to be told my car was performing as designed - so fault was "Designed" into car by Honda?

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  First car - 1995 Honda Civic
  By Matt Gr. - August 14 - 2:00 am

  My parents bought me this car just one month ago, and Im already thrilled with it. The ride is excellent, the engine zippy, and the fuel economy is perfect for a teenager without a job, like me. The power windows are a little creaky, but no problems so far. Also, two hubcaps fell off, but thats most likely because CarMax didnt fasten them on well when they put on new tires.

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  How common is this? - 2007 Honda Civic
  By Kat - August 13 - 11:06 am

  I just had to get my front brakes replaced on my 2007 Honda Civic with only 20,000 miles. This is way too early I think. Has anyone had any similar problems? I am not hard on the brakes and I just drive it from work back home with little traffic!

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  Great van for its price. - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By bvan - August 13 - 10:00 am

  Great van to haul a bunch of people and plenty of power to do it with. The interior could have function better if it has more useful items such as a storage console instead of a tray, external thermostat, compass, etc. The power outlet in the front is too low to access while driving.

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  Good Van EX/L Nav Entr. - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By Gramps - August 12 - 12:53 pm

  Overall it is a nice car, with a lot going for it. The handling is very good, it has plenty of power, and one feels well protected. I enjoy driving it. The NAV system has some really good features, I particularly like being able to put in the destination (businesses only) as the telephone number, and the system looks up the address very quickly, assuming the business has not moved recently. The backup camera that comes with the system is also very usefull. The XM capable radio is also nice, and the 6 CD changer and rear DVD player and seperate audio via wireless headphones for rear passingers. Gas mileage is less than expected. Power sliding doors are nice too. Voice commands are good.