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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  Whats with all the vibration complaints - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By Alex K - December 22 - 1:37 pm

  i guess all the people complaining about vibration are expecting this vehicle to act and sound just like their older cars. I have owned 3 other CR-Vs, 1999, 2004, 2011. I now have a 2015 2wd Touring. Yes, it vibrates a little. It has a different transmission than the old type, and it kind of works like a bicycle derailler. its gonna have some different noises then you are used to. Ive had this one since October 2015 (yes, I did get a great price, the 2016s were out already) Hasnt needed any service, the first oil change will be due soon. None of my CRVs had any major problems and I will stay with CR-Vs in the future. I have had several because the previous job I had required the use of my car and I regularly put between 25000 to 35000 per year on all of them. My current job doesnt require as much driving, so this one should last a lot longer. One last note to all the whiners and boycotters, LEARN ABOUT YOUR VEHICLE the controls, the differences from previous models, the cameras, (I like the rt side cam, use it when changing lanes, exiting tricky ramps from freeways) Great car, will never buy anything else.

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  Great to drive - 2003 Honda S2000
  By TC MAP - December 22 - 10:00 am

  Fun to accelerate into curves, tight, as responsive a vehicle as I have ever driven. Third gear is almost sexual. Roads that are great for motorcycles are perfect for this vehicle. Great fitting seats.

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  Honda review - 1997 Honda Accord
  By Thomas73 - December 22 - 10:00 am

  By far, this has been the best vehicle I have ever purchased. Fuel economy is great, highway comfort is excellent (I travel quite often), and interior features/amenities are in "the right place...at 117,000 miles, no squeaks or rattles and the engine is still just as smooth and peppy as the day it was purchased, I would definitely recommend a Honda product to my friends. Simple routine maintenance is all any car requires, but this is my 6th car and it is the easiest to maintain, virtually worry-free.

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  A Buy - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By max_virginia - December 22 - 10:00 am

  This is a great minivan and well worth the price. I am impressed with its handling, powerful engine and the navigation system is a must have. The naviagation system has already saved me a few times. I looked at the new Sienna too, but it is a few grand more, and doesnt yet offer the navigation.

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  the car that almost was - 2001 Honda Civic
  By paulincreek - December 22 - 10:00 am

  I was currently driving a 1999 Civiv EX and loved it. I figured I could trade up. Boy did I make a mistake! I had tranny problems at first. It would not shift out of third gear (auto). It somehow worked itself out. The suspension is not great. I took it in and they replaced the rear bushings under warrantee. It seems to have fixed the problem. The seats are uncomfortable and it needs an arm rest like the 03 has. The gas milage, as with most Hondas, never quite lives up to the sticker. I get 26 avarage and dont have a lead foot. When new, the tank had no seal and leaked when topping off tank.

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  Great car! - 2003 Honda Civic
  By Wanda - December 22 - 10:00 am

  The car has been really great - good gas mileage if you drive it correctly and its comfortable to drive once youre in it. I am rather short and have to have the seat close to the steering wheel, so its difficult getting in and out of the car without banging my knees on the steering column. That is the only problem that I have with the car. It drives in the mountains very well, even passes some of the SUVs on the way up! The seats are very comfortable and provide good back support. Its fun to drive and I enjoy getting 40- 55 mpg. It would be nice to have a remote trunk opener, though.

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  Best car for money - 2003 Honda Accord
  By arinaldo - December 22 - 10:00 am

  Accord has good accelaration,great mpgs. Interior customized around driver.The car handles well,outise noise is minimally.Test drove several other cars and this was best by far.Drove to Ny and back averages 33mpg. Only car that came close was Sonata butr resale value and road handling/acceleration werent even close.

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  First new car in thirteen years. - 2017 Honda Civic
  By Jim Miller - December 22 - 5:37 am

  I highly recommend a Honda Civic. My first tank averaged 29 mpg and the second and third were both 35 mpg. Maybe I fill it more than the dealer did the first tank. My suggestion is to shop around. I contacted 12 Honda Dealers with in a couple hundred miles and came up with 12 different prices. There was almost $2000 difference between the high offer and the best offer. Dont be afraid to shop around. I was a little put off by the factory incentives. If your not a recent college graduate or served in the Military, your not eligible. If they are going to offer an incentive it should be offered to other groups.

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  First new car in thirteen years. - 2017 Honda Civic
  By Jim Miller - December 22 - 5:37 am

  I highly recommend a Honda Civic. My first tank averaged 29 mpg and the second and third were both 35 mpg. Maybe I fill it more than the dealer did the first tank. My suggestion is to shop around. I contacted 12 Honda Dealers with in a couple hundred miles and came up with 12 different prices. There was almost $2000 difference between the high offer and the best offer. Dont be afraid to shop around. I was a little put off by the factory incentives. If your not a recent college graduate or served in the Military, your not eligible. If they are going to offer an incentive it should be offered to other groups.

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  First new car in thirteen years. - 2017 Honda Civic
  By Jim Miller - December 22 - 5:37 am

  I highly recommend a Honda Civic. My first tank averaged 29 mpg and the second and third were both 35 mpg. Maybe I fill it more than the dealer did the first tank. My suggestion is to shop around. I contacted 12 Honda Dealers with in a couple hundred miles and came up with 12 different prices. There was almost $2000 difference between the high offer and the best offer. Dont be afraid to shop around. I was a little put off by the factory incentives. If your not a recent college graduate or served in the Military, your not eligible. If they are going to offer an incentive it should be offered to other groups.