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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  Decent Car - 2010 Honda Accord
  By PLambert - September 2 - 4:04 am

  This car looks great inside and out. The interior is quite spacious with good trunk space. Gets about 32 mpg on freeway and about 23 mpg around town. Bought the car used about 7 months ago and currently has about 92K miles. We have the 4-cyl engine and doesnt require any additional oil between oil changes. This is certainly not a luxury vehicle. Theres a fair amount of road noise and the ride is not as smooth as youd expect. Acceleration and handling is decent, although there is some body roll when making sharp turns. It also has a wide turn radius and rear visibility isnt great. If you want a smooth, quiet, luxurious ride, dont buy this car. If you want a car with a decent driving experience thats spacious, safe, reliable, and looks great, then consider getting the 4-cyl Accord.

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  Crv - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By ivis erazo - August 30 - 9:49 am

  Recall for door locks and airbags

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  Love Hondas - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By Wittyone - August 30 - 2:00 am

  I did a great deal of research before buying my 2004 Honda Pilot. My first Honda was an 1989 Accord and I never owned a better more reliable vehicle. I always said when Honda made a Mid- size SUV, Id be all over it. They made one and I bought it. Im very happy with the car and feel secure and safe when driving alone or with my family of 5.

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  all around good SUV - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By SC01 - August 30 - 2:00 am

  Just bought a brand new 04 CRV EX. Did a lot of comparisons b/w CRV, RAV4, Mazda 3 and Subaru. wanted a long term keeper of a car with great gas mileage. So I chose the CRV. I love everything about the car except for the low gas mileage. Highest so far was 200 miles on a full tank.

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  I m happy - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By Smileyone - August 30 - 2:00 am

  This is my first suv. I am very happy. Just big enough, yet not too big. Plenty of interior space. Gas mileage just ok.

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  Rogers Ride - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By Issy - August 30 - 2:00 am

  I love my CRV! Its my 3rd one.

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  5 mos of Odyssey - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By Gary - August 29 - 8:30 pm

  After 6 Chrysler vans we switched to our first Honda. The bad quality of the Chrysler vans and the good reputation of Honda caused the move. The extras are well done and the overall quality matched our expectations. But, the steering wheel is two inches closer to the dash than any other making seat adjustments difficult. I consider this an irritation not a major flaw. However, the real big problem is the PAX tire system. I would love to meet the engineers and management that approved it. The ride is hard due to extra thick sidewalls, you cannot replace the tires or rims with anything but the PAX type, and the cost is $250+ each just for the tire. This is going to kill the resale value.

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  Nice Ride, until its COLD outside! - 2016 Honda HR-V
  By Marty03 - August 28 - 2:16 pm

  You cant have everything you want in any new vehicle, however, our HR-V is a nice ride, comfortable, quiet, handles smooth, acceleration is good (have not tried mountains and steep hills), Great gas mileage (leave in ECO mode and D) Back seats are very easy to move into position needed, style is nice. CONS: Charging area is hard to get too, Touch screen and climate control is frustrating, center console could have a bigger compartment for CDs (instead of the two small ones), back headrest need to be redesigned, Rear tailgate latch need to be automatic or redesigned (one small latch in the middle, not easy to open and have to slam the door to close it - cheap strip above the latch if not knowing how to open the latch, you would pull the cheap strip off - happened 3 times now by someone getting into the back to get something). As far using android phones - ours doesnt work well. Are we sorry in buying the HR-V....not yet - we like it so far, but its only been 2 months - time will tell. Update: Gettin more use to this HR-V however; cold air comes in both front doors. Had this vehicle since Oct. 2015 now. Still have cold air in doors, dealers wont do anything. Says they all are like that. Reported it to Honda, they took down my information, Vin # and all then said its up to the dealer, called other dealers and they say you have to go where you bought it at. I know I wont be keeping this one like I did my Blazer, Dodge, and Chevy for over 12 years! Wont buy another Honda, they dont seem to care!

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  Great except for road/wind noise - 1999 Honda Accord
  By mgarida - August 28 - 10:00 am

  This is my second Honda Accord and I have generally been pleased with performance & reliability. After purchasing this one I noticed very loud road / wind noise when traveling on the highway. Talking quite loud is necessary for conversation on the highway. The vehicle has a sunroof with bug shield, which may have some culpability but the noise does not seem to be localized in that area. Thats my only complaint, but its a very annoying problem.

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  Great mileage, poor performance - 2008 Honda Civic
  By Chad Olsen - August 27 - 11:06 am

  This is a great all-around commuter car. I have gotten 36.4 MPG calculated by my own consumption figures (not the built-in computer) for the first 11,000 miles. I drive 50% freeway and 50% very slow Los Angeles stop-n-go. The car is very comfortable for a small car and the ergonomics and controls are the best I have experienced. Fuel economy suffers significantly with a/c, slow traffic, and hills. Put any two of those together and MPG drops to the teens. This car cannot climb Baxter street in Echo Park, one of LAs steepest streets. It literally stops half way up the hill and will not move further even with full throttle.