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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  Will run Forever. - 1991 Honda Civic
  By Ben Frink - March 1 - 10:39 pm

  Have had this car for years and its still in good shape. With only a few major repairs (brakes, exhaust) it hasnt missed a beat and it gets great gas mileage too. Coming on 160k miles now and it looks like Ill be able to keep this for years to come.

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  55,000 mile review - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Overall gret car! - March 1 - 8:49 pm

  The V6 has plenty of power and is fun to drive. There is problem with the transmission slipping that the dealers dont seem to be able to figure out. I have had the exterior window trim replaced 4 times since new and it needs to be done again. There are lot of interior squeaks that seem to be getting worse. The quality in finish work seems to be lacking. The metal and paint is very thin and chips/dings easy.

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  So far so good.... - 2009 Honda Odyssey
  By sid - March 1 - 8:29 pm

  After months of flipping between Odyssey and Sienna, I am a very happy owner of a Honda. Its fun to drive and turns like a normal car. Doesnt feel when you are driving a van, only when you see the space, it feels like a spaceship.

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  not what I expected - 2008 Honda Accord
  By disappointed - March 1 - 3:06 pm

  After six months and 8500 miles this is my impression. Yes, the Accord looks nice and has been reliable. Has lots of features, is comfortable, everything works. The downside: Although the engine is quiet, there are quite noticeable surges from the transmission even with cruise control on. The surges are very noticeable also in heavy stop and go traffic. My old Buicks had far smoother shifts at far higher mileage. Bumpy roads have too much of an effect on the steering and braking. I am surprised they would design the exterior so that rain always comes in the windows unless they are completely shut. Sometimes I need to activate the remote more than once to open the doors.

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  65k miles and Im still lovin it! - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By Jack - March 1 - 2:17 pm

  Im reading that people have had issues with their A/C but mine works as good now as it did when I first bought it. The engine still purrs and the transmission is as smooth as silk. I put a heavy-duty hitch on it and haul approx. 1700lbs on occasion without any hesitation from the engine. Routine maintenance, good mpg and decent fit and finish continues to make my CR-V a winner for me. Just to add, mine was assembled in England and the engine/transmission were manufactured in Japan. Maybe this makes a difference.

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  09 EX-L w/RES Just off Assembly Line - 2009 Honda Odyssey
  By raechris - March 1 - 12:08 pm

  Just purchased my first Honda and first minivan. It just came off the assembly line two weeks ago and the family could not be more excited. Having driven sports cars, sedans and wagons up until this point, I can honestly say after a short adjustment to the driving dynamic of a van, it is just wonderful. Having the unusual ability to detect even the smallest fault, there is a slight rattle/buzz above drivers head area, but the radio easily compensates. It is a living room on wheels, the kids have plenty of room and love all the options/variations, space. Insanely comfortable, amazing visibility, plenty of power and a VCM system that is nearly imperceptible. On the first half tank 19 mpg city.

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  Solid Sedan - 2004 Honda Accord
  By adam0311 - March 1 - 12:00 pm

  I have owned it for 2 years. It is 5 years old now. The leather on the driver seat has a small crack, and in a door, there is a ringing noise from a loose screw. Other than that, Im impressed, I have had to veer out of trouble once and it handled superbly. Mileage is great, it is maintenance friendly. The cockpit is set up well and stylish, which will add to its longevity. The lumbar support is great. Leather is the way to go for ease of cleaning. The rims are stylish, and easy to clean without being flashy. The stereo is great with the 6 disc changer. For this particular year, I think the Accord beats out most of its competitors. Camry I think is good too, just preference.

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  A fun car to drive - 2010 Honda Accord
  By memphisguy1967 - March 1 - 6:03 am

  this is a great car. I have owned Hondas in the past and this has to be the best one. My only gripe is the lack of horsepower from the basic 4 cyl..but on the other hand I went from a truck getting 15 mpg to this car getting 23 mpg..so not complaining. the ride is great and very comfortable. Love the features this car has for a base model. Steering is light and cornering is fantastic. the back seat is large. My son who is over 6 ft was very comfortable and had plenty of knee/leg room. Everything within reach behind the wheel. the radio controls are different.

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  The Hump Back Honda Delivers - 2013 Honda Crosstour
  By Kent Stannard - March 1 - 1:23 am

  I knew the vehicle I wanted when I walked into the dealership and the dealership in its own right is a whole different ball of wax nor do I wish to elaborate. The Crosstour has better handling than I expected from other reviewers though not as good as the 2011 accord which I also own. Four wheel drive I learned by the way does not mean you can go over 60 on ice and snow and not expect to spin out. The car did manage to right itself again when in a 200 yard skid over ice and snow as I realized the safe alternative would have been to travel at like 40 give or take in the first place. I didnt hit anyone or anything fortunately as the thoughts were going through my head, "please not the mail box, and I dont see anyone in front or behind me!" I have had it off road and it can get frustrating in thicker mud as it seems to clump and traction seems a little less (with no dents or scratches). It seems to have good cargo space as I am able to fit my string bass in the back and the seats all to easily come down. I also like the cabin as it reminds me of my old 1979 toyota celica supra with a lot more comfort. The ride is very good with little or no distortion over bumps or rough road. As with any car I recommend Sea Foam gas and oil treatment every 3 - 6 months.

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  Best car yet - 2006 Honda Accord
  By DickCheney - February 28 - 9:40 pm

  This is the best car I have driven or purchased yet. Volvo cant even come close. The navigation is awesome and very accurate (with little goofs, very rare though). Interior is way better than most ~$30k cars. In short, this is the best investment for your money.