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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  First car - 2007 Honda Civic
  By larseeri - June 17 - 3:45 pm

  This car is a sweet ride. This is my first car and I love it. Imagine running in 3rd at 4500rpm and then you decided you want to pass someone slam the peddle down and let it rev up to 7500rpm getting thrown back into the seat and hearing a high revving 4cyl sounding like a Ferrari V8. Slam into 4th and let the V-tech scheme. What an experience. Going into coroners without any worry about how slow you need to go.

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  Love my element - 2007 Honda Element
  By element10 - June 17 - 1:05 pm

  This is one incredible vehicle. Perfect for my needs and one monster beast in the snow and ice. Great interior room, looks great from outside and I can easily haul just about anything. Love the fact no carpet to contend with, sweep and wipe and its clean. Outstanding reliability. I have over 35,000 miles and have had no issues whatsoever. But then it is a Honda, I expected nothing less.

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  2006 Honda CR-V - 2006 Honda CR-V
  By Honda owner - June 17 - 12:28 pm

  Overall the 2006 CR-V is a wonderful SUV, viewpoints very similar to all that have been said previously. Fuel economy could be better, I fill up sometimes 2 times per week, but the gas prices dont help either. I love the gated rear as opposed to my RX300 I "wrecked" last year..the CR-V was the replacement. The SUV is a little boring, miss my electric everything I will say. Radio is average, road noise is loud, comfort not bad.

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  Reliable Brand at a Great Value - 2017 Honda Accord
  By Justin V - June 17 - 10:47 am

  About the car buying process: It had been 14 years since I last purchased a new car and so I was bracing for the exhausting price haggling process and drama. However, this time around, I took the advice of a friend and utilized a few different sites to see what the best available price was for my car, printed out the certificate and went to the dealership that had the car I was interested in stock. After test driving the car, I told the salesman I was interested in purchasing the car and handed him the certificate. From there, he simply added the required sales tax, title and tag fees. Hondas 0.9% financing made the deal even sweeter. Done! Now, about the car itself: Ive only had this car for almost a month and have driven 300 miles, but I am very impressed with this Honda Accord Sedan Sport. While I wish that certain amenities were standardly available in the Sport trim (Auto-dimming rear view mirror, Homelink, Apple Carplay/Android Auto, Heated front seats), I still believe that this car is priced very well and provides a great value. Moreover, there are not many mid-size, family sedans that are fun to drive, priced well below $30,000 AND offer a 6-speed manual transmission. The 19" OEM wheels on this Sport model definitely caught my attention--one of the best-looking wheels in my opinion--which is why I was not interested in the EX model. I was concerned that this choice would result in a harsher ride quality than one of my other cars (Infiniti G35 Coupe riding on 18" wheels), but to my surprise, the suspension on the Accord has made it rather comfortable! And, with Hondas reputation of being a reliable, trouble-free car (of course when proper and timely maintenance is being performed), I think the decision is clear for anyone in the market for a family sedan.

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  2nd CRV I have owned! Love it! - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By Kristin Stephenson - June 17 - 4:20 am

  Love everything about this car from the sleek styling to the overall comfort and reliability of a Honda. Wouldnt buy anything else but a Honda. We have a black on black interior. The cabin is spacious, lots of leg room, great gas mileage, beautiful interior screens, back up camera, side view camera.... Its loaded for the EX.

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  Love my Honda EX Manual! - 2016 Honda HR-V
  By clayton_casey@twc.com - June 16 - 9:06 pm

  I was looking for another Crossover that was manual since my Nissan Juke cant hold an adult around my height in the back seat. Plus I wanted a Crossover that got as good if not better gas mileage then my Nissan. Looked at the CX-5 but just wasnt feeling it in the manual 6 speed so I went with the HRV Ex. I got plenty of room for the family now and the luggage . Been gettin great gas mileage so far 34 avg and love the ac system no one complains its not cold in the car...lol

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  Accord Rules - 2007 Honda Accord
  By Dan - June 16 - 7:16 pm

  This is the best car I have ever owned. The climate control system is perfect. My wife sets her side at 78 and I set mine at 70 which makes for a comfortable ride. The engine is a masterpiece and mileage is great. Handling and ride is quick, responsive, smooth and quite. All controls are within easy reach and the lighted controls on the steering are a plus.

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  Good car - 2003 Honda Accord
  By hoinda owner - June 16 - 7:03 pm

  I purchased this car brand new in 2002 with 7 miles on it. When I traded it in 7/06 I had 100,348 miles. Overall the car is good. The brakes are a little difficult to determine if they need replacing, I had a problem with my A/C making a noise when I was driving. I took it to the dealer 3 times and it never made the noise. At 100K A/C stopped working. Only the passenger side would get cold. Very reliable car, fun to drive, low maintence. The only thing I did was change brakes, tires and oil, and the car was fine for the first 100k. Watch out for the AC. Just because the dealer says theres no problem it may come back to haunt you or the next owner 90k miles later

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  Made in Japan for a reason. They nailed this one. - 2017 Honda Accord Hybrid
  By Bill - June 16 - 4:18 pm

  Looking back on previous years I dont think Honda met their own expectations. They took a year, moved production back to Japan, increased the HP, refined the car and brought a winner to the states. Know that Honda is discounting this as they desperately want to sell 30K units. In the spring of 2017 I got about 4500.00 off the 30,440 sticker before taxes and fees. I suspect I could have gotten 5200.00 off with a tad more dickering. A fine car, tight and sound. I am making my numbers on mpg and only wish Honda had a 150K warranty on the battery pack.

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  Love it - 2009 Honda CR-V
  By Lisa - June 16 - 4:10 pm

  I have had different types and styles of vehicles, and this one is my favorite. I have only had it a week, but love it. I think it has a better quality interior than the Rav4. I like that the center folds down and becomes a walk through. I also like that with the stick on the dash and parking brake by the pedals, you have floor space up front and can even switch seats up front if you had to, without getting out. I read that some people complain about noise, I have not noticed any so far.