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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  Collision Mitigation - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By gearhead48 - February 11 - 1:37 am

  Purchased this car because of safety technology. The collision mitigation does not work. As a race car driver, I tested the system to the max without a collision. The system does not intervene in a way that would prevent an accident. Honda will not recognize the issue at both the dealership and corporate level. Subaru does not have this problem.

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  Small on the outside, big on the inside - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By newzie - February 9 - 11:40 am

  I purchased the CR-V after looking at the BMW X3 (CPO), Subaru Outback 3.0R, Hyundai Santa Fe, and Saturn Vue. I was impressed with the build quality and simple straight forward controls. It isnt the most powerful vehicle but it handles well, and most of the features I wanted at the best price. I was also surprised that my insurance went down, even though this is a new vehicle. This is my first Honda product.

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  Disappointing Fuel Economy - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By Rosie - February 8 - 10:20 pm

  I like the car but do not love it. I am currently getting 16 miles a gallon/highway which I think it is pretty bad. Do not know where Honda got the mileage they advertise because I have been getting this mileage since I got the car brand new. I was planning to keep the car but not with this mileage. I might actually dump it early if gas price keeps going up at this rate.

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  Hondas New Car - The Honda Lemon - 1993 Honda Accord
  By awright1701 - February 7 - 2:00 am

  Bought the car in 2001 with 46,000 miles. In 1 1/2 years, I increased the mileage to 90,400. I went thru the following in a span of 3-4 mths: Radiator replaced, timing belt & water pump replaced(I can understand about timing belt & water pump) new valve-covered gasket. The transmission dropped. Yes, a Honda transmission failed. Can you believe it?! I rebuilt the transmission & replaced oil-covered gasket. I think the car just sat & sat during its first 8 yrs. without anyone changing the fluids or driving it much. 3-4 mths. & $3000 later, I think I have rebuilt a new car, but I have renamed this 1993 Honda Accord a 2002 Honda Lemon.

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  Make sure you use genuine Honda parts - 1992 Honda Accord
  By Norm1965 - February 6 - 2:00 am

  Great car. Bought it used. The prior owner took the car to a national chain muffler repair shop for his repairs. After-market parts are NOT the same as genuine Honda parts! After some breakdowns and lots of cash to diagnose an ignition problem, we found a universal after-market O2 sensor was the cause. Unless its tires or brake pads, use only Honda parts. Trust me!

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  Not a bad SUV at all! - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By gurug - February 5 - 10:43 pm

  I am not a big fan of SUVs. I test drove this after reading the rave reviews and bought it after extensive research and test driving of cars. The 4 cyl is extremely refined and has adequate power and a decent fuel economy for an SUV. The CRV is extremely athletic and very car like in its handling (felt sportier than the 07 Camry, RAV4 but not as much fun as CX-7). There is some wind noise at highway speeds but it is not very significant. Extremely well finished interior (Camry had uneven gaps in the plastic) and I love the display. Definitely sexier than the boxy 06 CRV. Wanted the Honda reliability and this car has a decent gas mileage. Overall, a great value. Will get Z4/G37 in a few years.

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  Life in an Accord - 2002 Honda Accord
  By Steven English - February 5 - 3:27 pm

  Verify basic maintenance has been maintained and this car will last! The only issue Ive ever had is having the transmission replaced at 20k miles. I have owned four Accords. This is now a hand me down for my son as I have a newer model. Drive it, maintain it and it will last forever!

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  fun car to drive - 2005 Honda S2000
  By heat2575 - February 5 - 4:16 am

  great looking car with outstanding performance: nimble, quick, responsive. cant really complain about its handling. you will be amazed how fast this car can go with just a 2.2 liter engine. however, it does require revving up the engine to 5600 rpm or else it feels much like a 2.2 accord. 161 lb/ft of torque just doesnt do the job. 20% more torque will be the perfect combinations for its 240 hp. stereo system has to be upgraded. rims are nicer with 17" on 04s and 05s but honda should replace them with more racey looking rims, the design on those stock rims looks kinda sissy. i know i am being very picky here but thats what review is all about, right?

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  97 Odyssey - 1997 Honda Odyssey
  By Family Man - February 5 - 2:00 am

  Overall a great minivan! Highly recommend as a super family vehicle with many flexible uses. Look long and hard a better vehicle would be tough to find for function and value.

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  97 Odyssey - 1997 Honda Odyssey
  By Family man - February 5 - 2:00 am

  Overall a great minivan! Highly recommend as a super family vehicle with many flexible uses. Look long and hard a better vehicle would be tough to find for function and value.