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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  Make an EX EXtra Special - 2005 Honda Civic
  By Kenneth Lichtig - July 8 - 3:46 am

  My wife and I will be purchasing a 2005 Civic Hybrid 3Q05. This is the most refined Civic in the history of the Civics. It is not a perfect car by no means. The SI 160 hp should be offered as an option because 127 hp is too anemic climbing the passes in Los Angeles.Acura sells a version in Canada called the EL. The EL has accord style taillights. You can get leather interior,fog lamps,heated seats and wood trimed as standard equipment on the Touring Model.The EX buyer should also have these choices of factory leather, fog lamps or wood trimed dash.We have a 02 Civic EX which will be my wifes car when we purchase the hybrid model later this year.

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  Frustratingly close to great - 2014 Honda Civic
  By J.B. Morris - July 7 - 12:19 am

  Wife purchased a used 2014 Civic with 40k miles from a rental company over a year ago. The ride comfort is almost as smooth as a mid size car. It is by far the best CVT car Ive driven and still has good power and passing ability while getting insane fuel economy on the highway. Weve averaged 40 mpg on vacations and it gets nearly 50 mph in ideal highway driving conditions (it has real time mpg data). No reliability issues so far, which isnt surprising for a Honda. Two main complaints are the utter lack of cup holders - only two for the entire vehicle - and its the hardest car Ive had to get in and out of, a combination of its low sitting position plus a slanting roof line. Also not much rear passenger room and no rear cup holders. Its a nice car for a single commuter but not if you often have more than 2 passengers.

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  Better than I thought! - 1999 Honda Accord
  By chorobe - July 4 - 2:00 am

  I never thought I would find myself in an Accord because there were so many of them on the road already and I did not want to be like everybody else. But when I test drove this car, I understood why it was so popular. And for $13,000 for a used one with 38000 miles, it was perfect. The car is quiet, comfortable, and has plenty of power coming from the 200HP Vtec engine. And I definitely like the exterior styling on this generation compared to the new 2003 models.

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  After 6 weeks of Ownership - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By Ed C. - July 4 - 2:00 am

  This is the first vehicle I have owned that my teenager wants to go for a ride in. The DVD/CD Rear Entertainment System is great. The kids can listen to their own music or watch a movie using the wireless headphones/DVD screen and not be complaining about the length of the trip. I have had the opportunity to drive in snow/ice and it handled great. The big difference between this and truck like SUVs is the smooth ride. While it does not handle like the sports sedan it replaced, it is a very smooth, quite and capable vehicle.

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  A great choice - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By MissPiggy - July 4 - 2:00 am

  I think the Honda CR-V is a great little SUV, it drives comfortable, with a hip sporty look, not to mention plenty of room for family and cargo. I am enjoying it tremendously.

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  A great small SUV - 2010 Honda CR-V
  By inde2010 - July 1 - 9:20 am

  A great SUV. It is new so I cannot say how it will perform or maintain its character. The engine sounds great and powerful maybe slightly like a diesel engine. Road noise is an issue but not a big issue as they make it seem. Similar to other SUVs. Of course my BMW x5 is a lot quieter but unfair to compare to higher class. Interior is well appointed but need a center console between seats. I have black seats -a mistake. Honda should scrap its cheap black interior. It is so cheap black cloth interior. Shows tiny specks of dirt and looks ugly and cheap. Honda can provide better quality black interior. Do not choose black interior. Great storage space. Ex or ex- l is a good choice.

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  Issues with Transmission - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By Varicci1@yahoo.com - June 29 - 10:09 am

  When driving down hill and braking the car excellerates. From 2200 rpm to 3000 rpm . It is scary I will bring mine in for service but from what Ive heard at other websites the dealers adjustments do little or nothing and the gas consumption goes up. Honda must address this issue with possible replacement of all these transmissions. Can be dangerous

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  interior is lacking - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By nitsirk - June 29 - 2:00 am

  I find the interior uncomfortable. The seats, front and rear, have little to no cushion. The rear seats are roomy, but not comfortable. This is truly the only thing I dislike about my CR-V. Also, the roof rack covers (4) where the rack connects, keep falling off but the AutoWest dealership in Roseville replaces them.

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  My new (used) 2000 - 2000 Honda Accord
  By JIB - June 29 - 2:00 am

  Just picked up a 2000 EX V6 from a private party. It is great to drive. I love the interior. It is functional and good looking. The car currently has the original Michelin MXV4s. I will be replacing them with Bridgestone Turanza LS-Hs this week.

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  very good overall except for the seats - 2017 Honda CR V
  By Doug Burkhart - June 27 - 6:26 pm

  I test drove a 2016 CRV and thought the driver seat was very comfortable but the ride wasnt so comfortable. Then I drove a 2017 CRV and thought the ride and quietness were better and I didnt really notice the seat. Driving around town the driver seat is ok, but when I drive out of town I get a low backache. Ive tried adjusting the seat several times, but it is too soft and non-supportive. I called Honda and told them. They said to get a seat cushion but didnt recommend any. It is a shame they put a lot of good stuff in this car but skimped on the seats. Also, there is no cd player but Im told that is the trend now. 11/12/17 It is still a very good car. Ive had no problems with it. My only complaints are the drivers seat is too soft and no cd player.