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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  My Honda experience. - 1998 Honda Accord
  By Tonisia - February 25 - 10:00 am

  The car has been great for me. Its good on fuel and it rides nice on the road. In additon, because the car is roomy inside, all 5 passages can fit comfortable and there are cup holders in the back for the passengers.

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  reliable - 1995 Honda Accord
  By mike123456 - February 25 - 10:00 am

  most reliable car in the world!! has 145,000 miles and still runs like new. car could drive for another million miles. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!!!

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  Outstanding Vehicle! - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By Summerlin - February 25 - 10:00 am

  I love my new Honda Crv so much...I have not found one thing wrong with it. It has a lot of power, the design is beautiful inside and out. I looked at the Ford Escape, Mazda Tribute, and the Toyota Rav 4...and the CRV beat them all. I did have to pay sticker price though, they wouldnt come off even $10...and basically said, if I didnt want to pay that, someone else would so they didt care much. They are being sold before they are even on the lot! The wait is about 3 weeks. I think the Crvs are well worth the msrp price. I highly recommend this vehicle!

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  After 10,400 miles - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By David Elswick - February 25 - 10:00 am

  Weve waited until after 10,400 miles in about 4 months. The thrill of buying a new vehicle has worn off, and reality has set in. Overall, we still think we got a great vehicle. We had the dealer to install: 1. window visors 2. mudflaps 3. a hard spare wheel cover (This was a major disappointment. The new hard cover for 2002 is nothing more than a "trash can lid". Save your money and go with the standard fabric cover - its not only cheaper - but it looks nicer. Small dings are in the hard plastic used to cover the columns near the doors - caused by unbuckling the seat belt and just letting it fly back on its own speed.

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  Life is one compromise after another - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By Crotalus - February 25 - 10:00 am

  I agree with many of the other reviews. After much research, mostly at edmunds.com, I felt the CR-V (LX) was the best vehicle on paper. Finding one for sale at a decent price was almost impossible (I had to pay MSRP, and felt lucky at that). Great ride; very car-like, not as "busy" or choppy as the RAV-4. Engine is quiet, smooth and NO TIMING BELT! Great leg room, especially in back. Plenty of room with fold-up seats

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  Happy Mountain Man - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By rock doctor - February 25 - 10:00 am

  The vehicle handles extremely well. Plenty of zip and amazingly quiet. Controls are well placed. Obviously a lot of thought to the interior which is roomy. Styling and color makes you proud to be driving it.

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  Hondas reputation comes through - 2001 Honda Civic
  By Nate - February 25 - 9:11 am

  Good reliable car. With regular maintenance and responsible ownership, Ive never had any major problems. Great gas mileage! Seems to be built well, and is easy to fix and modify if necessary, both internally and externally. I hope to continue driving this car for years to come.

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  VERY SATISFIED - 2013 Honda Accord
  By jagger2 - February 25 - 8:47 am

  Had a Nissan Altima 2013 S which was problematic from the start. Everything about that vehicle was a big disappointment. Saw the newly redesigned Honda and fell in love with it. Went to the dealeship and test drove a sport and that was it. Although, I was a bit hesitant from losing money from trading in my new Altima, I couldnt have been happier to do so. The Honda is just a terrific car all around. No complaints whatsoever.

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  2DR EX-L V6 - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Gucci Boi - February 25 - 12:23 am

  I purchased the car used new with 60k miles. I love to drive it, its very fast, reliable, comfortable and stylish. Its a great value for the money. The only draw back is the CD unit after only 6 months of having the car @ 68k miles the CD player and circuit board went out. The Honda dealer replaced the circuit board for free, and i had to pay an outrageous $600 dollars for the CD player to be repaired.

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  European look with Honda quality - 2016 Honda Accord
  By Dave Caufman - February 24 - 3:28 pm

  I recently migrated from a 2002 Accord Coupe EX V6 and so far I could not be happier with this new car. I was concerned about moving to a 4-cylinder but it has enough pep to get the job done. The sporty look, inside and out, along with the paddle shifters for manual mode add enough juice to it I am not missing the V6. All the chrome trim inside with the aluminum peddles really make it feel like a more pricy European vehicle. Im was pleasantly surprised at how roomy the back seat is. I expect the same quality I have come to appreciate from Honda.