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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  Hondas are super-reliable! - 1998 Honda CR-V
  By JP9000 - September 9 - 2:00 am

  Excellent handling and comfort. I wish the interior were quieter at highway speeds (mostly wind noise from side mirrors and roof-rack, some engine noise). Next model year (1999) has 20 more horsepower than 1998, so mines not as peppy as it could be. 20-24mpg seems low - even for an SUV. Much more passenger elbow-room and leg-room than Toyota RAV4 and Subaru Outback. In general, a quality, fun, roomy vehicle.

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  Carefree - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By William Ray - September 8 - 7:40 pm

  This van has been so carefree that after 11,000 miles, I have had no glitches at all. The switch from 6 to 3 cylinders is not at all evident. Overall - one great machine.

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  Brakes and VCM - 2008 Honda Accord
  By TT - September 8 - 10:30 am

  I am very disappointed in this car. I am disappointed in the ride. The VCM is very rough. It lunges when shifting. The brakes have squeaked since purchase and the dealer cant hear the noise so say they cant fix it. I was told that the reason they squeak is because Honda uses hard disc pads so they will last longer and problem with brake pads is a reasonable swap for longevity. Not to me.There are more rattles than I would like but this isnt too bad. I had SAABs for 16 years, one a 4 cylinder and the other a V6 Turbo and wish that I had bought another one even though they cost more to fix and maintain. The SAAB dealership has treated me far better than the Honda dealer.

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  Ride and drive is cute- dash technology is weird - 2016 Honda Odyssey
  By Ragan Goff - September 7 - 9:46 pm

  The versatility of the interior is great. The seats are awesome and I enjoy the sound system. Drives like a car but drivers view is elevated like an SUV. Love those things. The double screens (one a touch screen, one isnt) are really confusing to work with. One screen controls the other screen and sometimes you have to use a series of buttons and a knob to control that same screen. I can plug my iPhone into it or even connect the Bluetooth, but unless I have the setting on ipod I cant use the phones navigation. Not through the speakers in car and not through the phone itself. As if the car is literally controlling the speakers on the phone. Sometimes my phone calls come through the system automatically and sometimes it doesnt. The owners manual is lacking on how to use the entertainment system and the hands free features. I love this van for its drive and convenience of seating and the dvd player. I just have to ignore the dashboard technology so it doesnt make me slowly start to dislike it. Ill just use the radio and be happy.

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  Problems - 2005 Honda Accord
  By Dale Ransdell - September 5 - 4:13 pm

  The vehicle was purchased and we immediately went on a 10000 mile trip. Car performed well with gas mileage of 27-35+ depending on wind and terrain. The problem with the shift to drive 3 was occasional and I would prefer to have the auto headlight feature. One problem was the short visor, with the sun coming from the drivers side the short visor was inadequate to block the sun. Needs a visor extender to cover the window width. After the trip the car suddenly lost the good gas mileage and dropped to 22-25. We took it in for a checkup and they said they did nothing but the mileage is now 26-30 with over 12000 miles on the vehicle. There is vibration at low gear from the elect/gas shift

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  sportshift transmission problems - 1997 Honda Prelude
  By brown_r - September 4 - 2:00 am

  Reliability has been very good up until the last 6 months. Suddenly the transmission starts shifting hard. I took it into the dealership and the only option they offer is transmission replacement ($4K). Two AAMCOs have failed to identify the problem. $4K is a pretty high repair bill for a 1997 car with 54K miles.

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  Not happy with new CRV - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By CG - September 3 - 5:13 am

  As an expectant mother I wanted a mini SUV and wanted the "reliability" of the Japanese cars. I went with the top of the line SE edition. Within 3 months of buying the car, a strange clicking sound began from the steerting wheel area. It became unbearable and so I took it to the dealer. They needed an entire day to take the entire steering wheel apart. I had meetings in the afternoon and since Honda has no loaner program even for situations like this where a new car is performing so poorly, I was unable to leave it. I planned on taking it back, but the noise has become inconsistent and they wont be able to work on it if they cant duplicate it. I am very unhappy with the CRV and Honda.

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  Tom on the CRV - 1998 Honda CR-V
  By Tom from Kirkland - September 3 - 2:00 am

  The CRV was our first SUV and Honda experience. As far as this class goes, the CRV is exemplary in that it combines much of the best of both world: car-like manners and comfort with enough off-road capabilities for most camping and hiking trips. (Note that it emphatically will not do the Paris to Dakkar rally...) Reliability and build quality are wonderful. With 60k miles, the car has required two non-routine maintainence repairs: a loose gasket on the rear license plate holder and a rear diff oil change. The car still has the original brakes and needed only one set of tires. Not a rattle or squeak to be heard.

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  Good choice - 2000 Honda CR-V
  By walsh03 - September 3 - 2:00 am

  Excellent car. Very versatile. Excellent room inside for a small suv. Handled well.Two minor compaints, no power in regards to the engine and the exterior design was a little boxy. Overall I was very pleased with this car.

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  Reliable 4 wd commuter with fun to boot! - 2001 Honda CR-V
  By Brian_B - September 3 - 2:00 am

  I bought my 2001 LX in May, 2001 and its ran great as of this writing (August 2002). My purchase criteria were: 4 ddors, 4wd, PS, PB, AC, CD player, Good MPG (>25 hwy), good looks, Comfort, Safety, and Strong V6. I got all of these but two: Comfort and a strong V6. I decided to go ahead and buy after driving the 4 cyl. Its not as strong as a V6, but it moves the vehicle just fine and gets good MPG. The seats arent too comfortable though. And lack of front passenger armrest is a mystery? Its needed!