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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  Transmission died after only 33,200... - 1999 Honda CR-V
  By Oregon_CRV - September 19 - 2:00 am

  I have been a huge Honda/Acura fan. In fact my family has owned four Honda/Acuras. We loved our 1999 CRV until two weeks ago when the automatic transmission died. The car is out of warranty it is over three years old, but we only have 33,200 miles on it. The dealer said it will cost $4900 to replace the trany. I have called Honda and am waiting to hear if they will offer a goodwill warranty extension. Has anyone else seen this problem?

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  Comparing 06 Accord to 07 Camry - 2006 Honda Accord
  By Shane - September 18 - 1:10 pm

  First Honda purchase with a 06 LX SE. Looked extensively at 07 Camry and decided on Honda primarily due to interior and cost. Driven for 1k miles so far and really like the car; however, ride comfort and road noise are less than acceptable and no comparison to Camry. I am quite shocked at the ride quality. Good value for the money, but would encourage Camry if the ride quality is important.

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  VXs before Insights - 1994 Honda Civic
  By moranec - September 18 - 2:00 am

  In the aftermath of Desert Storm, Honda came out with the V-tec engine, a marvel of automotive precision and efficiency. Putting it in the little Civic proved to be a winner for fuel efficiency. Boasting 45-48 MPG, these engines were turning out specs the new gas/electric Insights and VW TDI technology are only now surpassing. If zippy performance is a key to car enjoyment, forget the VX. Its mainstrength comes at the pump when years after year of ownership will be favored by stingy fuel bills. In an era of gas-guzzling SUVs, look for the VX model for a find that will reward you with reliability and incredible fuel efficiency.

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  My Drive to Florida - 2010 Honda CR-V
  By Henry Johnson - September 17 - 4:50 am

  Two days after purchasing mr CR-V EX 4wd I set out at 5.30 a.m. for Florida from just north of Montreal QC. It was a nice sunny day calm wind, by the time I arrived at the border on Interstate 81 my wife said to me that she was disappointed with the windshield noise and I had to agree with her, it was very noisy. Later on during the day she mentioned that the seats were very stiff and not very forgiving and although I had put a gel cushion on my side I again had to agree with her. Other than that the view from the cabin is wonderful after driving Camrys for the last 12 years and I found that not using cruise control gave me better mileage.

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  Solid car/very functional! - 2001 Honda CR-V
  By ZMan - September 17 - 2:00 am

  This car has been great to drive. The only problem Ive has is drivers side power mirror stopped working in 20 below weather in Upper Michigan last winter. It magically started working again.. I recommend this car to everyone.. I usually get 22.5mpg highway @ 70-75mph

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  Nice car - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By Roger Larsen - September 15 - 5:40 pm

  Would have bought it, but the seats were terribly uncomfortable.

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  Good Deal, but marginal gas mileage - 2009 Honda Pilot
  By Damon - September 14 - 2:06 pm

  I enjoy the versatility of the Honda Pilot with its 3rd row seat as we have four children. Ride is comfortable and the integrated MP3 for my iPod is incredible. The navigation system is average.

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  New 2016 Honda Pilot - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By R Price - September 13 - 8:00 am

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  Hey look, everyone has your car :( - 2001 Honda Accord
  By Ido - September 10 - 2:00 am

  If you want a good, average car that will not let you down then buy the car. If, however, you dont want to drive something that everyone else is driving or want a little excitement in your daily commute, do not opt for the accord. The interior is extremely comfortable. Very spacious (I am 60 210 and fit very comfortbaly) Rear seat is surprisingly spacious as well as the trunk. Suspension is a bit taut makes for a bit of a rough ride. Also, the 4cyl. just aint gonna cut it, at least go for the 6cyl. for increased performance.

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  2016 touring crv - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By sherry gold - September 9 - 11:01 am

  Navigation is very poor. Dissapointed in it. It wont allow you to put specific addresses in at times... It picks what it thinks you want and then you loose control of it... Its very frustrating an d unreliable. More, just looks pretty than it is functional. Otherwise though, it handles great and love the drivers assist and acc.