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:

• 

  My first and last Honda - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By Hondas no more - May 11 - 5:45 am

  This Honda is a lemon! Sensors failing, defective parts, high maintenance requirements (rear differential fluid often needs changed), defectively designed A/C system. I will never buy a Honda again. I had a Ford Ranger for 10 years and apart from routine maintenance never had to replace anything. Im going back to Ford.

• 

  Smooth Operator - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By arthor - May 11 - 3:39 am

  Some people complain about the steering feel. True; there is slight vibration felt in the steering wheel at times during low CVT ratios, such as idling and slow acceleration. If Honda engineers isolated the driver from the steering feel, some people would complain about the lack of feedback. As the automobile evolves, and safety, reliability, economy and performance (CVT) are improved, the experience of driving necessarily changes. Until I have a self-driving car, I expect some steering feel and other feedback that engages me in the driving experience. The 2015 Honda CR-V hits the sweet spot of the current generation of the CR-V.

• 

  The Blue Duece - 2017 Honda CR V
  By Cindy Kaiser - May 10 - 10:18 pm

  This car is perfect for a single person, a couple or small family!! I can not find anything wrong with this vehicle. I waited a long time for this car and couldnt be happier! The dealership Kastner Honda was and is awesome!! Very patient with me. Thank you Honda for the perfect car for me!! Acquired 3/31/2017

• 

  Poor plastic choice for interior - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By Bear - May 10 - 4:44 pm

  The plastic used in the interior is easily scratched. The luxury model lacks many common feature such as automatic headlights or lumbar support for the passenger. The sun visor does not keep the sun out very well. My wife hates this vehicle. I do not recommend this model.

• 

  ENGINE CHECK LIGHT - 2000 Honda Odyssey
  By RICVEGAS - May 10 - 2:00 am

  I HAD A PROBLEM WITH THIS CAR ABOUT THE ENGINE LIGHT ALWAYS COMES ON. I BROUGHT IT TO THE SERVICE TO FIX IT. THE CORRECTION THAT THEY MADE WAS TO REPLACE A PIPE INSIDE THE GAS TANK OR WHATEVER. AFTER TWO MONTHS THE LIGHT COMES ON AGAIN, THEN BROUGHT IT BACK TO THE SERVICE TO FIX THE SAME PROBLEM. NOW EVERY ONE OR TWO MONTHS THE ENGINE LIGHT IS ALWAYS COMING ON. IM TIRED ALREADY BRINGING THIS CAR TO THE SERVICE.

• 

  Great Now, Greatest w/Improvements - 2000 Honda Odyssey
  By DDH - May 10 - 2:00 am

  First 4 months were the pits doors continueously had problems. The contineous returns to the dealer eventually fixed the door problem. Then a low grinding noise when backing up, the transmission was replaced Dealer had vehicle more than we did. Even with being put out over the period of problems, I love my Odyssey. It is roomy, it is great for the kids, my elderly Mother who is handicapped finds little difficulty getting in and out of the Odyssey. Lastly the knobs for the driver side are in a bad place, I have had to have the knobs replaced due to the children stepping on the knobs.

• 

  Finally somethings different. - 2003 Honda Element
  By NKGA - May 10 - 2:00 am

  This car is a great car because its very practical and unique in many ways. Unlike V6, this car has only Inline-4 with 160 hps,which gives a decent fuel economy and proformance. One more thing, every where I go, I always get the attention from people, and all my friends love it when I drive it to school.

• 

  SI = fun!! - 2000 Honda Civic
  By No-Si - May 10 - 2:00 am

  This is the best car all around in its class for the price! It has performance, reliability, and fun! I love this car, but thieves love it more.

• 

  corey - 2000 Honda Civic
  By luvlikextc61685 - May 10 - 2:00 am

  this car rocks. i own one. it is a very smooth ride.it is also very quick.

• 

  Much worse than expected - 2000 Honda Civic
  By Lomompopizde - May 10 - 2:00 am

  When I bought Civic I expected it to be as or more reliable than my previous Mazda Protege and Nissan Altima. I was proven wrong again and again. During the first week I had problems getting the ignition key out. It was a rather typical problem for auto LX sedans. Many times the rubber ceiling on the windows detached and Honda could not fix it. The paint is plainly bad, normal driving results in one paint chip a month. I also did not like at all how doors deform by half an inch when you open a window. Engine is so noisy that only loud music can save you from it sound. I was really happy to get rid of this car.