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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  second home - 2001 Honda Odyssey
  By maui303 - May 15 - 2:00 am

  van rides well, great for kids, video works well,

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  crv EXCELLENT! - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By littlesquamlake - May 15 - 2:00 am

  If anyone is looking for a fun, safe, reliable small suv, the crv is IT! I love my 2002 EX 5spd.....living in NH, its definitely put to the test!

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  Great Car - 2002 Honda Civic
  By Dustin_Samuel - May 15 - 2:00 am

  Ive had my 2002 Civic for 3,000 miles and absolutely love it. I went from a 96 minivan to this and wow what a difference. Obvious improvements in gas mileage and reliability; I dont why I stuck with the van for so long. 5 speeds got plenty of kick. A little problem with misc. rattles on right door and windshield visor. Plenty of room for transportation in back seat and a surprisingly large trunk.

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  Long Term Report - 2007 Honda Civic
  By hondajeff - May 14 - 10:23 pm

  Kids are teenagers? Dont need a "sensible car"? Dont need to spend mass bucks on BMW but love to drive - drive fun? I needed a commute car and a fun sporty car. This is it. This car has been fantastic. The VTEC, shifter, limited slip differential, sport suspension, interior and exterior just meld together in a great "bang for the buck" package. All this with Honda quality and race bred experience clearly projected into the car. I have fun every day and totally agree with some of the other reviews. You get in this car and it wants to go fast - it has an aggressive personality for sure! In a bind or want a rush? Drop down a gear kick in Mr. VTEC the sound and pull is great.

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  Love it after all these years!!!!!! - 1994 Honda Accord
  By tom - May 14 - 5:07 pm

  I keep my Honda mostly in the garage, as I am a commuter to a large city on a train that is walking distance. But my Accord, now 15 years old with 83K miles, still looks new, and runs new as well. I love it!! So much so that my wife thinks Im a little crazy. But I still think that it is a good looking car, and has just enough options that it is simple, not complicated like newer models today. I will grow old with this one, and let my wife have the new SUV every four years.

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  This one is a keeper! - 2016 Honda Civic
  By Josh - May 14 - 10:12 am

  Ive had my 2016 civic EX-T for about 2 months now and havent had a single regret about my purchase! I traded in a 2014 accord coupe that I never could make myself like. The new civic is so good! Its comfortable, quiet, roomy, and has plenty of power. It just hit 4,000 miles and I love it more every time I get in it. The cvt transmission is great, my accord had it so I was already use to it when I bought this car. I will never go back to a traditional automatic because the cvt is just sooo smooth. My mom has a 2017 accord v6 with the 6-speed auto and every time I drive it I think something is wrong with it because its always shifting! You get so much bang for your buck with the civic. Push button start, rear and side cameras, automatic lights, large LCD screen for the tach/speedometer with many different settings, LED running lights, LED tail lights and tag lights, remote start, etc. It drives like a much more expensive car and handles the road so well. I love this car and I see myself keeping it for many years to come!

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  !!Caution!! not as good as it sounds - 2007 Honda Accord
  By Adoc - May 14 - 9:36 am

  I bought my Accord as a certified pre owned from a dealership and have put 15000 miles on it (30000 total on car). Rotors are really useless, had to resurface them even with gentle use. Seats are very stiff and start hurting after couple of hours. There are multiple rattles and noises from within the car and road noise is awfully loud!! I have to turn up the volume to listen to the stereo. Fuel economy is average, I get 26 highway and city combined. Also, there is no easy /cheap way to connect iPod/MP3 player to the stereo, have to buy expensive adapter. Overall, driving is pleasurable (better than Camry), feels responsive & agile but definitely not the best.

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  Very Good Value for the price. - 2010 Honda CR-V
  By Imran - May 14 - 9:30 am

  I was debating between a RAV-4 and CR- V. I choose CR-V because it looks better outside, and the interior is nicer. I also stuck with Honda because my previous Hondas gave me excellent service. CR-V is comfortable, handles well, and has a nice feel of a bigger vehicle. It is averaging at 24 MPG. To me, addition of extra horsepower for 2010 is good but still meager. Honda needs to put a bigger powerplant to make this vehicle stand-out above the rest. A 2.7 liter four cylinder will do the CR- V right. I also gave thought to the new Chevy Equinox but it costs more than the comparable CR-V. All in all, I feel that I made a good choice even though CR-V can use more power.

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  Excellent car - 1997 Honda Civic
  By Driver - May 14 - 9:22 am

  I have been driving this car for 12 years and its still performing with no problems. Ive mostly kept up with the maintenance schedule, but not to the T. My goal is to drive it for 10 more years!

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  Not so great for carpooling! - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By Debbie - May 14 - 2:50 am

  I have three kids and carpool with two other children. You cannot easily, comfortably fit 3 children in car seats in the back row. I am very disappointed in the fact that the cup holders take up room in the third row and I cant fit three kids back there. When I called Honda to inquire they were not at all helpful. Overall disappointed by the minivan.