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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  Great Car - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By Honda Owner - January 4 - 3:50 am

  After 8 months the SUV is the best thing that could have happened to us. We had some problems with the tail gate but once it was fixed it has been perfect. Its big and spacious for my family of four and has so much space in the trunk for anything I could throw in it. Something my BMW X3 could never hold. Drives well with good pickup. The "infotainment system" needs work and I wish they didnt get rid of a physical volume knob. MPG is 21-22 with mostly highway driving.

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  Outstanding car for most part - 2013 Honda Accord
  By tluab - January 3 - 6:48 pm

  I had previous to this 2013 Accord Sport a 2006 BMW 525. There is no comparison between the two cars as the Accord handles much better and of course the build quality is incredible. Not to mention mileage and the superb 8" screen with bluetooth, etc. The value for the money is absolutely amazing. There are two complaints that are relatively minor given the overall package, but potential buyers should be aware of. First, the seats are hard and have poor lumbar support (no matter what you do with the lumbar adjustment). Second the CVT is peaky when you drive it in the standard mode. In eco mode it lugs but actually feels better. In sport the rpms wont come down when cruising.

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  Needs POWER - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By Bob Venner - January 3 - 10:00 am

  My CRV has performed well in city driving and on the super highways. I like the storage room in it and it is a good size for my needs. The AC works well and it gets good mileage when travelling on the interstates. There is however a loud humm that comes at about 37 MPH-40 MPH. The dealer does not seem to be able to figure out the problem. I also would like more leg room for the driver. My major concern is merging into traffic on the interstate. The car does not have enough power so that I feel like I am going to create an accident or be in one myself.

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  Consistant and Conservative - 2002 Honda Accord
  By Binky - January 3 - 10:00 am

  It may be plain but the Accord is consistant and reliable. You would be developing a meaningful relationship with you local dealerships due to repairs and breakdowns. This was the best value I could find at $18799.

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  Lack of Hole in Steering Wheel equals comfort issu - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By HondaLove - January 3 - 2:21 am

  I did not notice when test driving, and I drive the SE CRV over 100 a miles a day. I do not like that the CRV does not have a hole in the bottom of the steering wheel, it creates a very uncomfortable ride for me because that is where I am use to grabbing the wheel. The CRV drives nice, and really offers alot for the price. I just the believe the hole would add so much to the comfort of the drive and handling. The steering wheel is really hard too. So far I am averaging around 25 MPG mostly country side driving/ HWY. Great Visibility too

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  what a relief - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By Lisa Jensen - January 2 - 4:00 am

  After driving an Expedition for the past 4 years, the Odyssey is like a luxury car!!---What a relief to not have to CLIMB in and out, to not go to the gas station every 3-4 days, to have solid feel when it hugs the road--My only complaint so far is how noisy the air conditioning system is-Living in the south its used 10-11months out of the year and the volume of the AC is way to loud

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  Economy Car - 2008 Honda Civic
  By Shawn - December 31 - 4:46 pm

  Im a little let down by this car. Its the first Honda Ive owned. I bought it for its fuel efficiency to replace my F-150. I really expected more. It gets the same mileage as my old 2003 Camry 4cyl which had 150,000 km. This isnt bad, but I expected better even when new. I really hope it improves with time. However I dont think I will ever see those EPA numbers. The car rattles so much it is embarrassing - especially when cold, this car was not made for Canadian winters! The plastics scratch really easily. The door where your finger nails sometimes touch is the worst!!! The car does drive very well. I constantly have to remind myself this is not a luxury car by any means.

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  AWSOME CAR - 2004 Honda Accord
  By h2DUDENH - December 31 - 10:00 am

  ITS PROBALT THE BEST CAR SINCE I HAVE HAD SINCE 1985.

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  Look out Clark W Grizwald - 2016 Honda Odyssey
  By Chris - December 30 - 7:10 am

  Overall this van provides the extra room and comfort that we were looking for versus our 2012 Honda CR-V boy biggest gripe is that the second row seats do not go back far enough to keep the kids from kicking the front drivers and passengers seats. And if you move one of those forward the area feels cramped.

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  Nice car - 2008 Honda Civic
  By Ken - December 29 - 4:40 pm

  Auto trans would downshift out of 3rd and 5th gears under light acceleration. Turns out transmission "adapts" to driver and I had babied it during break in period. Reset computer by holding pos and neg cables together for 2 minutes and then reconnect and let car idle for 10 minutes. Then I drove the car with a heavier foot for about 100 miles and now the shift points are much improved. Am a little wary of maintenance minder. There is no set maintenance schedule and the dealer will nickel and dime you at relatively short intervals. Otherwise, fun to drive and looks great at 30 mpg in mostly city driving.