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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  Functional but DAUM this car is loud - 2014 Honda CR-V
  By Dapetva Houston - November 15 - 2:06 pm

  This SUV has a lot of space inside. Very comfortable for four adults...back seat is plenty big for average adult men. And there is a lot of cargo room with the seats up. I put a 16 foot ladder inside with the seats down. Just fit. The stereo is totally lackluster, the sound quality is really not good. I wish at EX-L trim you got a better stereo. Engine has enough power when not in Eco mode, but the driving dynamics are nothing special, though a fairly comfortable ride. Tested the Mazda CX-5 and that is much better driving. The mpgs on CRV are okay, especially when in Eco mode. Ive gotten 31-32 on the highway doing 70 with flat terrain and high twenties mixed driving around town. Least favorite par to of this car, considering how boring it is otherwise, is the road noise. I am looking to sell a car I bought new 2.5 years ago because I cant stand driving on the open road. And like I said, the stereo doesnt do a good job covering that up. Dont buy this car if you want a quiet ride. Unless you drive 30 mph everywhere you go.

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  JDs CR-V Review - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By littlering22 - November 15 - 1:56 pm

  I just have one thing to say about MDs review. If you wanted a Buick, why did you by a Honda? What one driver interprets as a lousy ride another will call a great ride. Its called vehicle feedback and its the one thing a driver requires to interact with the vehicle while driving. The best example is a race car driver and his race car.

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  Has been a great van - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By TW - November 15 - 9:19 am

  Initially had obnoxious whistle which went away by itself after 30k?! Weird. Steering pump went out. Other than that it still drives like new at 80k. Outstanding quality. Only downside is EPA overestimated mileage when this first came out. Never came close to 20/28. We get 19/24 at best.

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  Check Engine Light on every 750miles. - 2014 Honda Accord
  By Matt Odermann - November 15 - 7:08 am

  First I should say my wife and I are pretty happy with the car. The fuel economy, standard features, overall performance are great for the price range. However the check engine light comes on about every 750 miles for a "evap canister" that is plugged. The dealership always says it is because I drive gravel roads. Well my house is 1.25 miles off of pavement. So I drive 2.5 miles of gravel each day. That in my opinion is a design flaw. So if you lived more rural than me...become friends with your honda service manager.

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  Great Small Car! - 2005 Honda Civic
  By Acme858 - November 15 - 2:00 am

  This is a fantastic car. Beautiful inside and outside: clean, simple, and effective. The control is nice and tight and the transmission, even for an automatic, is very smooth--both typical of Hondas. The EX model comes very well equipped with sunroof, 127 hp, alloy wheels, 6 speakers, CD player, ABS and a myriad of little things that make the entire car worthwhile. Gas mileage is great: 31 City, 37 Highway. I got the car perfectly content without any of the dealer installed options like foglights and interior trims. The foglights would be nice but the installation fees are absurdly high.

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  Good Car with a Few Flaws - 2007 Honda Civic
  By Bill - November 15 - 2:00 am

  Ive had this car for thirteen months and drive mostly on the Interstate. The car has been very reliable, has more than adequate power and is generally a fun car to drive. It maneuvers easy into tight parking spaces and the fuel mileage averages about 34 MPG regardless of how I drive. The only complaint I have about Honda and these Civics are the lousy tires that put on the car. The factory Bridgestone tires are poor quality tires and despite regular balancing and rotating, these tires didnt make it 20,000 miles. Also, the XM "Ready" status of the car is useless, you still have to buy an expensive kit if you want to have XM radio in your car.

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  Barbs Hybrid - 2008 Honda Civic
  By bwright1970 - November 14 - 8:16 pm

  Chose over Saturn Green Line for mpg although same price. Although I usually choose GM cars, I am highly satisfied with the overall appearance and performance of this Honda.

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  Great SUV - 2007 Honda Pilot
  By Eric - November 14 - 1:43 pm

  I picked ours up CPO with 18k on it. Gas mileage is good for its size, 18 around town 22-23 if you stay at 65 on the highway. Much quieter than the Odyssey we had previously but not a quiet car by any stretch. Mostly tire noise so a different set may solve that. Great ride, decent pickup.

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  Great car, just not that big - 2000 Honda Civic
  By samiam11 - November 14 - 11:07 am

  I bought this car as an upgrade from my 1996 hatch and it was a definite change. There is definitely more power and throwing in power steering doesnt hurt the situation. The power in the car wont put you pack in your seat (maybe at the higher end of first gear), but its a nice change from the paltry 106 hp of the lower end models. The car has done nothing but run great for me. The only problems Ive had are that the alignment of my drivers side window motor turned bad, but I fix all things myself and it was quite easy. The other problem was that the exhaust pipe rusted through, which was also a problem on my other Honda. Again, not much of a problem and an easy fix.

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  All Around Solid Car - 2000 Honda Accord
  By Dave - November 14 - 10:47 am

  We purchased this car with 79,000 miles after our 93 Camry was totaled in an accident. Now have 90,000 on it. This has been a great car for us overall. It has sufficient power and is very comfortable. It just has a solid feeling and quality in all aspects. The interior has the look of a more expensive car, conservative but tasteful. Our gas mileage with this v-6 has averaged about 23-25 in mixed driving and 30 mpg on the highway.