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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  Great for its class - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By medcat77 - November 18 - 12:13 pm

  Excellent vehicle! It truly drives better than many cars I test drove. It gets good gas mileage for a 4wd, and its interior is above the class level that its in.

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  still love this car after 17 years - 1990 Honda Accord
  By Jean H - November 18 - 10:55 am

  great car.I bought a 2007 Honda Accord yesterday and it breaks my heart to part with this car. I might keep it on the road for the winter. This car is a one owner and it still has most original parts.

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  The exact car I wanted! - 2016 Honda Accord
  By Wally P - November 18 - 4:04 am

  This is my 5th product by Honda. I had Transmission problems with 2 of them. One was covered under a recall, and the recent one was covered under the 60K powertrain warranty. This is my first V6 manual by Honda and I have to say it is very powerful. It does get away from you at times because it is front wheel drive, but it’s cool once you get the hang of it. The interior is very nice I lover the perforated leather seats. As for the exterior, I love the updated tail lights, daytime running lights and foggers. I wish I had the LED headlights though. Everyone compliments me on the rims. I wish there was more exterior distinction between the 4cyl and the V6 though. I love the throaty sound of the engine while shifting gears (it can get load inside at about 4 rpm’s though). All the tech is new for me and I love it… I wish it offered the DVD playback and the steel looking pedals. Overall I LOVE the car. I’d give it 4.5 out of 5 stars.

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  Great Car + (Mileage Tip) - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Tom - November 18 - 1:26 am

  Really nice car to drive. My second Accord , and very happy with it. I was a bit disappointed with the 4 Cyl mileage as I drive over a 100 miles a day round trip to work. I did find something very interesting: On the EX- L Navi the vehicle comes with "Auto- Climate Control" and the air conditioning compressor cycles all the time; winter or summer. There seems to be no way to shut it off and mileage is about 26/27 highway. It can be shut- off in cold or cool weather with the voice command "air conditioning off". Mileage jumps on the highway to 31/32 at normal speeds. MUCH BETTER!!! In the summer turn it back on with "air- conditioning on" Other than that - very nice car and great build quality.

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  A Van for all Seasons - 1999 Honda Odyssey
  By Jim - November 17 - 10:45 pm

  We have taken our Odyssey from Pennsylvania to Allagash, Maine (loaded with canoes and people) to West Virginia (again loaded... with people and canoes, that is) to Florida, the Adirondacks and out to Michigan. This has been a great vehicle to own and has made me a minivan enthusiast - something I would not have thought possible.

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  Excellent vehicle - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By Verne - November 17 - 6:21 pm

  I drove a 1997 honda CR-V for 160,000 miles and had absolutely no problems and traded it in for the 2005 I now own. The new car is definitely far superior to the 1997 in all ways except gas mileage which is about 20% lower than the 97.

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  MY ELEMENT - 2006 Honda Element
  By XM subscriber - November 17 - 3:41 pm

  Its been 13 years since my last new car..also a Honda..which I am still driving with over 200k.. The Element is very eye appealing, and quite fun to drive, and it always gets very nice comments and stares (atomic blue). I like the all painted body.. The clam shell is great to load kids in and out of and the flexibility of moving seats up is great for large items..however, have not tried removing yet..edge of front tires seem to wearing out..dont know if hard driving or not..also the sunroof is tricky to close once you open it..it should have been designed like the rear side flip outs..

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  I love this car! - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By Larry Reed - November 17 - 1:13 pm

  I too did a whole lot of research before I bought this car. I bought a 1996 Honda Accord brand new and I have always been very happy with it. I would have bought the CR-V sooner but I wasnt that fond of the color selections. I have never wanted a red car but purchased the Tango Red Pearl. It is gorgeous! I love the way it rides and handles. The short turning radius, the back up camera! I just cant say enough good things about this car. So far the gas mileage just around town is in the high 20s I wasnt even expecting that.

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  Great car in any price range. - 2007 Honda Civic
  By JJ - November 17 - 5:16 am

  This car is for my wife, she wanted an automatic 2 door that was fun and easy to drive. After test driving MazdaÂ’s 3, it was obvious to us that the Civic was a better product, we put our order in for an Atomic Blue EX with Navi and got it 2.5 months later. This car is very nice, the short wheelbase is noticeable, but not annoying. The suspension and steering is tight and precise. It is very easy to drive, and backup, blind spots are minimal. The blue lights of the split dash are easy on the eyes, and the navigation system is simple to use and operate. This car has made me consider a Si for myself.

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  Great Vehicle - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By Joseph - November 16 - 1:31 pm

  Overall a great vehicle, lots of room. But lacking in better gas mileage, however I did know that I was buying a SUV. Lacks body style, wheel are boring. Vehicle looks much better with 20" rims and chrome grill. However I would not pass this vehicle buy if you have a family and still what to be a bit sporty.