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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  Better than Mercedes GLA - 2016 Honda HR-V
  By Dick Head - January 27 - 9:13 am

  I think we should all buy this car. I was going to buy Mercedes GLA but Honda... is going to save me $10,000. As always reliable and good resale value. There is no downside. Alternatives? None.

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  Well, I love the damn thing... - 2017 Honda Ridgeline
  By Tom - January 27 - 8:53 am

  The only downside thus far is the infotainment system. As others have noted, it is so ancient. I had a 10 year old Prius which was better and a 2013 VW which was legions ahead of this clunky mess. Really, Honda, who the hell is working for you and worse, signing off on this mess of a system? Otherwise, a great car. Oh, one further nitpick, the outboard mirroruare so bloody old school. Really, idiots.

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  Great Car - 2006 Honda Accord
  By Pedrooch - January 27 - 2:32 am

  Ive had my Accord EX V-6 3 years now, and Ive never had an ounce of trouble with it. This is my 3rd Honda and loved all of them. Ive driven cross country with it twice, and loved every mile. The car runs as good now as day I bought it. Except for routine maintenance, the only problems Ive had with it was a flat tire (I blame NYC streets) and burned out headlight. Tires are expensive for this car, the Michelin tires coast $270.00 a tire. If you are looking for a used car, you can never go wrong with a Honda.

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  Commuter car - 2007 Honda Civic
  By Bill - January 26 - 9:33 pm

  I bought the Civic for my 80 mile round trip commute every day. It does the job very well but there have been a few issues that I didnt expect from a Honda (this is my first). The air conditioning failed (due to road debris?). Not covered by warranty for some reason. The tires wore out very fast and unevenly (upper rear control arms were replaced per tsb but not the tires). There were two recalls, one for rear bearings and the other for water pump pulley cracking. A rattle in the rear deck I fixed myself with foam rubber. Overall not bad, but more problems than I would expect from a new car. Still it is a competent commuter car and hasnt ever left me stranded.

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  Improvement from 2005 model - 2009 Honda Odyssey
  By volchic - January 26 - 8:56 pm

  We owned a 2005 Odyssey and loved many of its features. It was fun and easy to drive, although the mileage was a little below advertised. We were very pleased with the vehicle overall and it met all of familys needs but we started having several of the problems that other owners of the 2005 model reported (rattles, power steering pump, brakes so we decided to trade in for a 2009 model. So far we have been delighted with the new vehicle and Honda seems to have upgrades in several of these areas . We cant wait to see how this Honda holds up.

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  Ill buy another if this one ever dies - 1998 Honda CR-V
  By crvfan - January 26 - 8:52 pm

  Purchased new in July 1998. Its not the most luxurious vehicle on the road, but this is far and away the most reliable. 10+ years and 242000 miles later I am still happy with this purchase. It is just now starting to have surface rust, but mechanically it is great. The air conditioner still works as well today as it did ten years ago. It still has the original clutch! I just cant justify getting rid of a vehicle that runs this well.

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  Love it!!!!!!! - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By Mary - January 26 - 4:56 pm

  I traded in my 2006 Town & Country for the Honda EX-L. I paid $27,358 for the car and am very happy with the price. The sticker price was $31,390.00. There were only 3 new 2006 left and the dealer was running a special (can you believe a special on a Honda!) All 3 were sold that weekend! The car is very comfortable (I have had 8 people in it twice now). Very quite, a lot of pick up. No comparison to the town & country. Will keep this car for a long time.

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  Take it to the lake! - 2008 Honda Element
  By gmartin - January 26 - 1:12 pm

  On our first trip north, I had two dogs, a kid, a 10 horse outboard motor, a plug in cooler and 260 miles to drive to our lake. 24 mpg on two lanes with hills. Great utility vehicle and have gotten 28 mpg on the two lanes. 24 on the freeway. We live in MN and it does a great job in the snow also. I may want a more aggressive snow tread though for the back roads.

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  Great SUV good gas and comfy - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By music2me2 - January 26 - 12:36 pm

  This is the 3rd Honda CR-V I have had. It is a great vehicle dependable and a miser on gas. I have gone from Arizona to San Diego in just about a tank of gas. Mine came with 6-disc changer moonroof and all wheel drive. I have taken mine skiing and the 4wheel drive was a nice feature. I didnt get stuck and I was impressed.

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  Good advice from original owner of 94 - 1994 Honda Prelude
  By tru&onlytru - January 26 - 11:28 am

  And my advice to other 94 Prelude owners is to never give up this car. My advice to potential buyers is if you are lucky enough to find a Prelude for sale, buy it, fast, and on the first contact. I am looking at purchasing a Honda Element, but I am keeping my Prelude, currently with only 60K miles. This sounds low, but almost all miles are city driving instead of highway driving. Needless to say, I dont drive much except to and from work and a few errands weekly. My Prelude has let me down only once, and the mechanics warned me of the potential problem, before it happened. I repaired the car quickly.