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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  This is my first and last Honda - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Summer - June 22 - 9:10 am

  Dealer was ok. I bought the 2008 Accord 4 DR EXL-V6. Wind noise on the road. Gas mileage is the pits. I do not do jack rabbit starts and I use the cruise on the highway. The interior and exterior are nice. I miss my keyless numbers to open the door when locked. It has everything but good gas mileage. It has some blind spots and the front sets so low you have to be care when you park in the parking lot it will drag on the curb.

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  Vibrates but much improved - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By kcrv2015 - June 21 - 10:48 pm

  Weve had this car for over a month and I can relate to what people say about the vibration at low speeds and when stopped with engine running. I noticed the vibration when I test drove the car and didnt think much of it then and I still dont. Its worse when the car is in ECO mode. Turn ECO off and drive in Sport mode (higher RPM) and the vibration becomes minimal to non-existent. This CRV drives better than the 2014 model (More responsive in Sport mode, less lean when taking corners) and has better standard features. Its good value too. Averaging about 30 mpg in low traffic city (80%) and highway (20%) driving. Overall we are pleased with it and hope its as reliable as my 2001 Accord

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  Great Car - 1990 Honda Civic
  By dylan1100 - June 21 - 2:00 am

  I purchased this car with 120,000 miles and one and a half years later it is still going strong at 170,000. Very trouble free, my Civic just gets up and goes every day no matter what punishment I throw at it.

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  Cant expect more for this price - 2001 Honda Passport
  By bham_driver - June 20 - 2:00 am

  I had this vehicle for over a year.This is my first SUV experience.Gas mileage is very less(14 city,20 highway). Hearing a cluncking noice when break is released.Dealer said its because of the break system,never heard for any other vehicles.Less comfort while driving.

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  Honda quality? - 2000 Honda Accord
  By AKD - June 19 - 10:00 am

  This is my 1st Honda, bought used with 24k mi, 7 mos ago. Must now replace rear main seal & front axle shaft for $1265. Tranny is weak. Factory radio quit 2 wks ago, 1 window motor about to go. More rattles & whistles than my 89 Corolla w/ 273k mi. Front seats uncomfortable if youre tall. Fuzzy fabric grabs clothing. One seat doesnt lock down readily after adjusting. Fit & finish sloppy vs. Toyota. Cabin air filter buried behind glove box, expensive to replace per schedule. A/C not cold enough & makes brakes mushy. Fuel light only when you hit fumes. Trading for another Toyota ASAP.

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  2005 Honda Odyssey - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By James Duckens - June 16 - 7:56 am

  Good family transportation. I recently took my family of 5 on a 3,500 trip and can only log a few complaints. I am 64 and could use a bit more leg room. The steering wheel block my view of the speedometer at highway speeds. The van does not offer integrated 3rd row sun shades like the Toyota van; the optional curtains looked so out of place, I decided not to have them installed.

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  2008 Civic Hybrid - 2008 Honda Civic
  By Leon Gonnering - June 15 - 5:16 pm

  15,000 miles and no problem what so ever. Gas mileage is very good, at $4.00 per gallon its worth it. Handling is crisp but steering is a little too sensitive at highway speeds. Performance is all I expected, now if the front seats werent so hard and the road noise as loud I couldnt find anything to fault.

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  Love the 6-speed ! Try one. - 2013 Honda Accord
  By dougn4 - June 15 - 11:39 am

  Locating a 6-spd LX was a frustrating experience. If you want one, be persistent, and check dealer inventories on line. I love the smooth manual and engine combination. Our Accord offers a nice balance of comfort, quiet, MPG, performance, and modest cost. The ride is jittery, but it might be a price we pay for its truly crisp handling. Such things as adjustable lumber support should not be held hostage to another 2 grand for a "package", such things as power seats, moonroofs, and a silly useless spoiler. A few ergonomic glitches, detailed below

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  Great disapointment - 2007 Honda Civic
  By great disapointment - June 14 - 4:13 am

  I didnt do much research on this car before I purchased it, however I wish I had. I have had my radio serviced 3 times! It just shuts off, or doesnt start when I start my car. I would have to restart my engine at red lights to try and turn it on again. Another serious issue is BLIND SPOTS!!! In both the front, and the back. Horrible vision, must always readjust passenger seat after passengers get out so I can see. Car slide out a lot, and forget about trying to keep it on the road in the wind. Very disappointed, called Honda yesterday about a trade in!

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  "SEE OUR V" - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By SW - June 13 - 11:06 pm

  This is my second Honda, (still have my first one--10 years old and still going strong). Wanted a larger vehicle, but nothing too big. Extensively researched the Equinox, RAV-4, Vue, Sorrento, Escape, Tribute, Highlander and Liberty, but options, fuel economy, reliability and price kept me coming back to the CRV. The vehicle comes fully loaded in the base price of the SE model. Most other companies charge extra for, "packages," that can be added to the vehicle. Fuel economy is much better than most other SUV models. Very fun to drive. Lots of pickup for a 4 cylinder and tackles hills without a problem.