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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  Practical and Utilitarian - 2009 Honda Odyssey
  By DR. KARL - February 19 - 10:09 am

  Just traded in a 2007 MB CLS550 for a more practical vehicle... no regrets! This minivan is more useful and spacious than our MB GL450. Touring model wonderful in that no options apply (comes fully loaded) avoid the PAX system however - expensive to replace the tires. Sound system/DVD player/navigation system are user friendly. Cylinder deactivation of 3.5L V6 is great, enabling 26 mpg on highway. Amount of storage space (without folding 3rd row seats flat) is astonishing. I highly recommend this vehicle to anyone with kids and dogs (we have one child and 2 dogs).

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  No better car for the money - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By Richard - February 19 - 3:20 am

  Just purchased our EX-L with Nav in Whistler Silver. Got it for $500 over invoice with 1.9% financing. The dealer had several on the lot and didnt even balk at my offer. Even had them throw in a couple of chrome CR-V license plates to boot. Ive owned several Hondas over the years, and there is NO better car for the money. Fantastic interior, great exterior styling, and Honda reliability. The CR-V is hands down the best value for the money. Looked at a RAV4, and it wasnt even close. The interior wasnt near as nice, and I hate the spare tire on the back.

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  Practical and Dependable - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By Switched - February 18 - 11:37 pm

  I owned this vehicle for a short period of time. I was impressed for what it is, but finally came to terms with what it isnt. It IS a thoughtful design that is very practical and reliable. It was NOT a bachelor car. And Im a bachelor. Almost every other CR-V driver I saw was a middle-aged or elderly lady. I got odd comments and reactions when picking up a date - none of the ego stroking I have gotten from even moderately priced sport sedans. Found myself constantly sinking money into accessories to make it into something it wasnt. After 7 months I traded it for a Bimmer. With mild redesign, CR-V could appeal to a broader demographic, but apparently Honda is not concerned about it.

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  Great, refined car - 2006 Honda Accord
  By Mr.Cars - February 18 - 7:08 pm

  The 2006 Honda Accord features a more refined interior than previous years. When ever I ride in a car that goes for about the same price range, I get back into my Accord and appreciate how nice it is. The seats are perfect for a long trip, and the car features a good amount of room in the rear and up front. I love how smooth the car transitions between acceleration ( which is quite good ) and braking. The car handles very well and the breaks are also impressive. The stereo system in the car is also great.

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  Best One Yet - 2009 Honda Odyssey
  By itsjustme - February 18 - 5:17 pm

  Our van is used for both in town grocery getting, and long road trips. We typically get 18 mpg in suburban driving and 25+ mpg on the interstate. Once you get over the "Im driving a mini van" syndrome, it is highly functional and drives like a car. We just went to the Chicago Auto Show to look for alternatives. Many smaller vehicles get less mileage, have greater depreciation, and cannot do all of the things a minivan can. Cant wait to take our tandem bike to Florida and escape from the Chicago winter.

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  Value - 2014 Honda CR-V
  By john bartle - February 18 - 5:05 pm

  Great traction, simple features, good milage, holds its value.

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  Value - 2014 Honda CR-V
  By john bartle - February 18 - 5:05 pm

  Great traction, simple features, good milage, holds its value.

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  Prepare for many trips to the dealership service - 2017 Honda Pilot
  By Ali - February 18 - 3:11 pm

  2017 Pilot ,Elite , tailgate water leak, losing radio sound with freezing screen,blank navigation screen ,auto high beam feature multifunction......etc .I am so close to file it as a lemon .

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  Great car - 1998 Honda Prelude
  By I like toys - February 18 - 1:32 pm

  I bought my Prelude with around 124000 miles and in close to half a year it now has 133000 on it. Honda did a great job with this car, it looks good has good performance, good fuel economy and its reliable. I had a timing belt put on it right after I got the car because I knew it was going to be driven hard. It has a lot of miles on it now and I can tell she is getting tired. It burns a quart of oil every 2500 miles but the H series engines are known to burn oil from the factory so I check it often and dont have any problems. I gave tortured the thing hitting vtec constantly, speed shifts, speeds above 120 mph and hard braking and turns. It can take abuse. I love my Prelude!

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  YES! - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By BunnyBombs - February 18 - 12:37 pm

  I spent months reading reviews and comparing ratings on all the SUVs on the market. I was willing to spend as much as I had to in order to get a good quality vehicle. Honda ended up to be the winner. Ive had my CR-V for about 5 months. Rain, snow, sleet, hail, etc., drives great. Its the right amount of space and it fits my busy lifestyle perfectly.