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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  Excellent Car - 2004 Honda Accord
  By dawne512 - December 3 - 2:00 am

  I just got the car last night. I love it so far. It feels like you are driving in a Lexus. I hope the feeling last!

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  Awesome Car!!!! - 2004 Honda Accord
  By auditor - December 3 - 2:00 am

  I was test driving used Lexus and Acura when I came across the new V-6 Accord. This car easily stacks up to ES300 and the TL for thousands less. You will not be disappointed with this car.

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  Good so far but not great - 2017 Honda CR-V
  By Ted Stanfield - December 2 - 10:59 pm

  Our CRV is only three weeks old. We have put around 2000 miles on it so far. We have found much to like, the fuel economy is very good. There is a lot of cargo space and the visibility out from the drivers seat is excellent. It has decent acceleration and holds the road well. Weve not had the chance to drive it in snow yet, but that is coming soon. We also have found some things that we are not so crazy about. It is reasonably comfortable but the seats are certainly not luxurious. The worst disadvantage is the noise level in the cab. At highway speeds, the road noise drowns out the sound system . The drivers display is pretty complex and can be VERY distracting when things get busy outside the car. There is no way to turn the lights off completely, if the engine is on, the running lights stay on regardless of what the driver tries to do. When the rear seats are folded down to increase cargo area, they dont fold flat, so its not real convenient for hauling cargo. The rear hatch collects dust (we live 25 miles from town at the end of about 10 miles of gravel road) and the exterior finish is the worst Ive ever had for electrostatic attraction of road dust. The warranty is a bit anemic. 35,000 bumper to bumper and 75,000 power train, but were banking on the Honda tradition of excellent durability. Overall were satisfied with the vehicle and would recommend it as basic, utility-type transportation.

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  Very happy Honda owner! - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By Mel - December 2 - 9:49 pm

  I have had my Honda CR-V for 1 year and 9 months now and still cant say anything negative about it. I had the 2006 Civic before but, it was too small. I upgraded to the CRV and am convinced I will only buy Hondas from now on. It is roomy, fuel efficient, reliable, and comfortable. What more can you ask for. It doesnt have all the fancy bells and whistles but, who needs those? I definitely suggest the CR-V. In fact, Im searching online to pick one out for my mom.

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  Reliable commuter car - 2006 Honda Accord
  By Richard - December 2 - 1:58 am

  The car is very reliable with great fuel economy for a midsize, but the finish out is cheap. Glove compartment drawer rattles and there is rattle from trunk lid. Ive learned to live with it, instead of taking it into the shop. Driver door handle faux metal finish flaked off within the first 10,000 miles (replaced - no charge). The seat heaters only heat the seat and not the lumbar/lower back. Seats are not made for long trips (3+ hours) without a stretch break. Finish out is the biggest negative and almost enough to trading-in or sell an otherwise reliable vehicle.

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  Not for long trips - 2007 Honda Accord
  By rick - December 1 - 11:59 am

  This is my second accord. They are good cars. Never had reliability issues but I only drive hem for a couple years (lease). Only complaint with this 2007 is the seats. Im 61 225 lbs and I find the seats very uncomfortable after a couple hours on a road trip. I never mentioned this complaint to my wife. She took the car on a 5 hour road trip and when she returned she complained that the seats are uncomfortable. I had to laugh because she is 57 115 lbs. My lease is up in a couple months. I will be taking a break from Honda and looking for a bigger vehicle with more comfort.

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  One leads to another - 1998 Honda Accord
  By Nonoy - December 1 - 10:00 am

  Honda Accord 6 cylinder is very reliable. @94K miles in 4 years, it never had any problem. Never had a wheel alighnment either. Its sturdy and firm. Overall driving was enjoyable. Fast and easy to handle. I had a Civic before which I used for 10 years. Upgraded to an Accord 6th cylinder and it seems it would last forever.

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  An excellent vehicle - 2001 Honda Odyssey
  By dickins - December 1 - 10:00 am

  I am in my late 60s, so I have owned a few cars. This car is the best car I have ever owned. I also want to say that the service I have received at three different dealerships. It has been excellent.

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  Traded my Saab for a Honda... - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By jas28 - December 1 - 10:00 am

  and Ill never go back. This vehicle is great - a lot of space, good performance, big enough to be an SUV, small enough to be easy to drive. This is definitely not the "girlie" SUV that my coworkers claimed it would be. It has enough power for it not to be an issue and good enough gas mileage to handle my daily commute. I like it a lot and have no regrets.

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  fully researched - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By ohiobob - December 1 - 10:00 am

  Did extensive safety research, and the 2002 CR-V and the subaru forrester topped all lists. Test drove both (plus the Toyota offerings: Highlander and the RAV4) -- fell in love with the CR-V. Subaru drives like a station wagon. CR-V drives like a much more powerful car. Its zippy and peppy. Ordered the standard, though, since the automatic shifted a little weird between 2nd and 3rd. Gas mileage decent (high 20s). Kid and 2 big dogs have plenty of room.