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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  Very Reliable - 1998 Honda CR-V
  By Pleased Customer - April 24 - 2:00 am

  I am very happy with this vehicle. It is my first Honda and my first SUV after having a very sporty car. It is extremely reliable. Ive only had to change the oil regularly and replaced the tires and brakes once in the 3 years Ive had it. My SUV has manual transmission which is still reliable after 60,000 miles so far...

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  Honda makes a great car - 1992 Honda Civic
  By Saleem Chaudhary - April 23 - 2:00 am

  I have driven this car over 200,000 miles with no problems... I think I am going to keep it around for another 100,000 or so miles...

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  Your Best Choice! - 2006 Honda Accord
  By Dave Furman - April 22 - 9:16 am

  The car is the best value for under $30,000. Its fast, and handles great! Quiet interior. Lots of soft touch everywhere. Leather seats are comfortable and made with soft high quality leather. Standard sound system with built in XM doesnt drop signal anywhere and sounds great. Holds its value for years and is one of the most reliable cars ever made. Get yours too and dont skimp, Get the EX V-6.

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  Reliable CRV - 1998 Honda CR-V
  By sbatters - April 21 - 2:00 am

  Ive owned my CRV for over 4 years and have not had a sinlge problem. It runs and drives great. The only problem Ive had is I ran over a nail and had to get it plugged. Other than that no problems.

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  Best CRV since 2004 - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By Bill - April 20 - 2:43 pm

  I had to sell my 2004 CRV AWD with less than 20k miles, since health issues made it difficult to use the clutch in the 5-speed. That car was one of the best Ive ever owned - virtually nothing went wrong with it, aside from a few recalled, all it needed was oil and gas, and you were good to go. I truly enjoy the 2015 CRV Touring replacement - the electronics, the audio sound, noise suppression, the ride - everything except the rumble at 1200 rpm, and the fact that they got rid of the flip up back window. Luckily the way I drive I dont dwell at this rpm, so the vibration is just a minor annoyance. Without the flip back window, I cant carry long stuff in the back - like long boards, garden tools, my lawn mower, and stuff the wife buys that comes in long boxes. Cant say it too much, I really enjoy this car.

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  30K and going strong! - 1999 Honda Odyssey
  By afilatov - April 20 - 2:00 am

  We have Ody since it just appeared on the market, bought at the end of 1998, at MSRP. 30k miles and so far no major complains. Solved the problem with power outlet location by purchasing after-market triple strip that plugs into the outlet and fastens to the dash. Also added 6-disk in-dash cd changer without replacing the tape player (available at about $300 on Internet) and planning to upgrade the speakers as well. Glad we did not get EX with power doors (heard about problems from many people). It is almost perfect (see list of suggested improvements) and has been a workhorse for us, carrying full load of 7 200# adults (a rowing crew) and luggage with ease.

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  If a Ford F150 and a Honda Accord had a baby.... - 2018 Honda Ridgeline
  By Jeff Behm - April 19 - 11:28 am

  ...it would be like this. Overall, the 2018 Ridgeline is an excellent utility vehicle. Lets say you need something more versatile than a typical SUV, but you dont really need a full-on, full-size pickup truck. The Ridgeline may be your perfect choice, as it was for me. I can carry sheets of plywood in the bed, my dog in the crew cab area (comfortably & safely) and the front seat area is very roomy and comfortable. Plus, this "truck" rides and handles way better than any full size pickup Ive driven. It handles & drives pretty much like a larger Accord -- which is to say -- really well. So far I am averaging about 22 mpg on regular gas, but my previous experience with Hondas ( 6 of them) tells me that after break-in, the gas mileage should rise about 10 to 15 %. On the highway, Ive gotten 24.5 with the Eco button on. I just LOVE the lockable, HUGE trunk in the rear of the bed. Its so useful! Gripes? Although the engine has plenty of power, you really have to boot the accelerator to access that power. Not much down low. The lack of a volume knob on the infotainment system is just plain dumb. The touchscreen does not react fast enough, and can be distracting while driving. Honda needs to bring back the volume knob and tuning knob. The infotainment set up on current Mazdas (like my 2017 CX-5) is much better & easier to use. Also the paint job on the vehicle is very mediocre, and not what it should be on a $40K vehicle. Doesnt really have too much shine or depth to it. Paint on current Mazdas & Nissans is MUCH nicer. Finally, I had a serious airbag safety system failure, just ninety minutes into owning the vehicle. Luckily, my originating Honda dealer and my local Honda dealer were wonderful in helping me, but it took a week to fix the vehicle and in the meantime Honda of America was no help at all. Very disappointing. Finally, they came through, but it was really my two dealers that I worked with who saved the day.

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  Made right choice - 1997 Honda CR-V
  By austincrv - April 19 - 2:00 am

  Bought a used 97 CRV to replace our 94 Civic that got totaled. The Civic had no problems after 125k miles, and we expected no less from our next car. Bought the CRV with 60K last week, and took it in today for 60K service. Car only needs normal 60k maintenance - is in excellent condition!!! Try buying a used Ford or Chevy with absolutely no problems!!

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  My 05 Odyssey - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By Cubin - April 18 - 7:46 pm

  Having my 05 Odyssey EXL DVD & NAV for 8 month without a major complaint. Longest trip so far is Lake Tahoe, we all loved it, especially both of my kids enjoys much on DVD, and myself loved that path finder NAVI, never get lost. Need better insulation on the sunroof, I feel heat wave coming from my head on during these hot days even with the AC on.

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  review - 2002 Honda Accord
  By shell - April 18 - 10:00 am

  So far the car runs like a champ but it does not take off like a sports car.