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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  Disappointed in safety features. - 2017 Honda CR-V
  By Used to Love Hondas, now just LIKE them - December 13 - 10:06 am

  This is our third CR-V in a row. Traded in our 2015 model on a 2017 CR-V Touring with every option on it. The 2015 had only 25,00 miles but I wanted the new safety features since my wife drives it withe the grandkids frequently in it. We have driven it 4,000 mile including one vacation trip which I drove. Despite the new turbo powered engine, it still feels underpowered to me, like our 2015 model did. It seems like you have to push too hard to make it get up and go, but admittedly I have been spoiled by my Toyota Tundra with a big V-8. The safety features are a big disappointment, since I bought this just for them. The front brake assist only works if the cruise control is on. If it is not on, you get only a big orange warning light on the dashboard that you are too close to the car in front of you. The Stay in You Own Lane assist, as I call it, will fight you if you use it (you can turn it off). It actually steers the car for you which is very annoying since you will be holding the wheel doing your own steering while the car wants to steel slightly differently. Lord help you if you want to change lanes without signalling. Then the wheel will vibrate to let you know what a law-breaker you are. My last complaint is the memory seat. If I run around doing errands, the seat memory button has to be pushed every time I get into the car, even if I was the last one to drive it. Most memory seats I know stay set until changed by another driver. Summary, we really like our CR-V, the cargo space, the reliability but hate the safety features. We should have kept our 2015 model and saved money.

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  Loving new car - 2010 Honda Accord Crosstour
  By joanne b - December 13 - 10:00 am

  We love our accord crosstour. We have had it just over one week. We purchased the Ex-l(all wheel) We added mud guards. We realized once we got home we would also like the bumper protector due to scratching near trunk area.View out back takes some adjusting.Nothing in owners manual pertaining to all wheel drive. This is a car we look forward to driving in snow

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  Wow - The Crosstour is Impressive! - 2010 Honda Accord Crosstour
  By Ed - December 13 - 10:00 am

  I previously owned a Toyota Venza (all of 13 months)and stepped into a Honda dealership on a whim. The mistake (or good fortune) was test driving the Crosstour. What a difference when compared to the Venza. The Crosstour has better ride quality, better built and well appointed. I liked the Venza, but my concern with Toyota has been its lack of attention to detail. The Venza felt cheap when compared to the Crosstour. The best things Venza had going was the remote tailgate,push button start and more cargo room. However, the trade offs were worth jumping to the Crosstour. Its just a far superior vehicle in terms of overall quality.

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  Love My CRV - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By TNcheryl - December 13 - 12:46 am

  I recently purchased a 2005 SE version of the CRV and I love it. It is comfortable, fun to drive, and it gets great gas milege for an SUV. I had a 1999 CRV and I loved it, so when it came time to buy a new car I knew I had to have an upgraded version. I have not been disappointed. The added horsepower is wonderful and I love the leather interior on the SE version. The back seat is roomy even with a child seat and the back cargo area provide lots of storage. I recommend the CRV if you are looking for a practical, sporty, and fun to drive SUV.

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  Good vehicle with some issues - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By Phil - December 12 - 11:37 pm

  Drives well but sometimes your head bounces on the headrest. Interior layout is well thought out. Check gas cap light came on once but I could not find anything wrong. Glob of sealant on rear door rubbed the finish off the hinge. Averaging 24.5 mpg.

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  Decent Value - 1994 Honda Prelude
  By SevenBizzos - December 12 - 11:37 am

  I may have overpaid a bit for a mint, garage kept Si, but I definitely feel it was worth it. Even with the mileage in the 150k range, the maintenance for me has been minimal. For my daily vehicle, the power is adequate for passing and accelerating out of sight from annoying drivers. The handling is excellent. Car is light and easily maneuverable. MPG (with 10% ethanol fuel) have been from 26 with "spirited driving" to > 30 when gas was $4.50/gal and I was trying to drive efficiently.

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  Best Family Vehicle - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By Family Man - December 11 - 6:41 pm

  We bought this new. Its been the best vehicle weve ever owned. Great on road trips with us getting 28mpg. Room for all 4 of us, luggage and dogs. Weve done all required service and never had a problem. Drives like a car with more room than a large SUV. I really cant think of anything that we dont like about it.

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  This is the one! - 2015 Honda Accord
  By Wimberleygirl - December 11 - 5:31 pm

  Love it so much more than my Toyota Camry. Just an outstanding vehicle in every respect. Wont drive anything else in the future.

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  Fun to drive, great car - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By fred717 - December 11 - 4:20 pm

  Traded a 1999 Olds Bravada for the CRV. Wanted a car with better mileage and better reliability. I found it in the CRV. I was afraid that going from a loaded luxurious SUV to the CRV might be a mistake, but after driving it for the last 3 months, I am far from disappointed. The CRV handles better than the Bravada, feels much more secure at highway speeds, and is simply a joy to drive. It’s handling in city driving is excellent. It feels tight in turns and starts and stops quickly. The ride is not as soft as the Bravada, but then again, I didn’t expect it to be as soft. I’m very happy with this car. I intend to keep it for several years.

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  Love my Honda Accord - 2008 Honda Accord
  By hondagal - December 11 - 9:53 am

  Third Honda Accord. Very happy with 2008 changes. Front seats much more comfortable. Like exterior touches that makes it look classier. Rides great as all Hondas. Enjoying the pearl white instead of the chalk white. Comfortable, good in snow, easy to drive... great.