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 minivan - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By jd1isa2 - October 19 - 4:43 pm

  I bought this van about 4 years ago as a CPO. It has been a great family car for us. No problems really except for the expected wear and tear of certain parts (nothing unusual). This van is very comfortable especially on long drives. The Econo feature is great when you are cruising. Captains chair provide adequate support. Have decent leg room even for the 3rd row seat. Im 6 foot tall and surprising able to fit adequately in the third row without difficulty. Highly recommended vehicle

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  Really good... but - 2006 Honda Accord
  By gringoviejo - October 18 - 1:14 pm

  I bought this car for my wife 5 years ago. Attractive, well put together, sporty, economical, reliable, and still turns head after all this time. The car is pretty good, too! It reminds me a lot of the old Prelude, but a lot bigger.

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  Honda Accord SE12 - 2012 Honda Accord
  By n_k - October 10 - 9:49 pm

  Super Smooth engine, refined ride quality. Respectable fuel economy from a 5 speed trans. Surprising that both 177HP and 190HP 4cyl share same fuel economy. Leather trim looks/feels sharp. Torque on up-hill start tends to kick-in at higher RPMs.

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  Happy Cowboy - 2012 Honda Civic
  By makerwright - October 10 - 3:29 pm

  Im a recreational shooter, and I do alot of highway driving on the weekends to participate in various shooting events. For many years Ive made these trips in 4X4 trucks and have wasted alot of gas in the process. I wanted a vehicle that gets great mpg, would effectively haul myself and my equipment, and has the comforts of A/C, cruise, auto, CD, power locks and windows. I also wanted to buy from a manufacturer with a lengendary rep for longevity and reliability. The Civic LX sedan fits my needs wonderfully. My trips regularly take me over the high mountain passes of Colorado, and even with the automatic transmission the civic has no problem doing the speed limit over the hills.

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  2012 SI Sedan - LOVE IT - 2012 Honda Civic
  By prelude2015 - October 8 - 12:56 pm

  I ordered this bad boy back in July and drove it home in mid-September. Extremely fun to drive. - Im not going to race any Mazdaspeed3 turbod rockets, but this thing has a lot of pep. - The 6-speed is smooth and sweet, on par with a much more expensive BMW or Audi, but without the electrical and high maintenance issues that come with the German cars. - Sport suspension makes the road noise more pronounced but its all worth it. It handles nicely. Anyone that complains about the road noise should buy a Buick and leave the pocket rockets to the car guys. Higher mpg than advertised - With more low-end torque, I avg 37 mpg by using 6th gear at 45 mph, even with revving up the hiway ramp.

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  One great little SUV! - 1999 Honda CR-V
  By j1powell - October 7 - 5:51 pm

  I purchased this car used with only 7000 miles on it. I now have 126,500 miles on the odometer and have towed it at least 25,000 miles behind a motorhome. It has been serviced every 3000 to 4000 miles including all of the Manufacturers recommended services. Other than a few door dings from several unconscious sloppy people, it looks great and drives great. What a workhorse it has been for us. Great to own!!

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  Will not crank - 2011 Honda CR-Z
  By kpair - October 5 - 9:43 am

  I am wondering if we just bought a lemon? I have looked at all the other reviews and must say I wish we had that experience. The only problem is our CRZ often leaves us stranded. It just will not crank every time, we have had it less than a month and been stranded somewhere at least 12 times. The dealer has replace a battery and clutch mechanism and today it is being towed back to see why it still will not crank...If it ran properly we would love the car but as of now it just isnt reliable which takes all of the fun out of it...

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  Interior issues - 2010 Honda Ridgeline
  By wadehampton - October 3 - 8:47 pm

  Overall I really like this truck. It rides smooth and handles great. The storage space is remarkable. The trunk is excellent to travel with. The inside storage space is great. I have however had some interior issues. These include a drivers seat squeak, leaking wind shield, CD stuck in the player, squeaking back glass, and a dash rattle that honda cannot find or fix. I really want these problems to be corrected and if or when they are this would be the perfect vehicle for my family.

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  Its just OK. - 2009 Honda Civic
  By inmassandri - October 1 - 4:54 pm

  I bought my silver LX-S sedan in June 10 with about 8k miles and a clean Carfax for less than $15k, which I thought was a great deal. I was coming out of a very big car (Dodge Magnum) and was considering this Civic model, as well as the Mazda3 hatchback. This is my 9th Honda or Acura product and I was expecting great things. I drive a lot...and 15 months later, this car now has 50k miles. Im not as happy with it as I thought Id be...mostly because I should have opted for a slightly larger car (like an Accord, Fusion, or Malibu). The reliability, however, has been perfect.

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  Nice ride...love the manual! - 2012 Honda Accord
  By pmm21 - September 30 - 9:15 am

  I wish they would offer more manual transmission....I settled with the LX model and am very pleased. I would prefer alloy wheels and that would be about it. 2012 model has UBS port for my iPOD! It is a little slow in acceleration from first to second gear but other than that it performs great and feels sporty. Its no speed racer butI am okay with that since it is a 4 cyl Accord. Get a Mustang or coupe V6 if you are looking for performance. I love Honda quality and it rides smooth. The road noise doesnt seem to be an issue for me but I test drove a used 2009 LX-P that was really noisey. Best deal out there for leases...looked at Fusion, Altima, and VW Jetta...Honda won in my book!