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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  Accord issues - 2007 Honda Accord
  By CS - September 11 - 7:10 pm

  This is the 6th Honda Ive owned, and the 2nd new accord. I have everything from mechanical problems to RUST in a 4 year old car! Very disappointed, Toyota next buy!

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  Your average car, nothing special - 2005 Honda Civic
  By TheMike - September 11 - 3:38 pm

  Yawn is the feeling I get when I drive this car, as a younger driver this car is boring. I bought I needed a cheap reliable car and I thought this would be one. After 3+ years of ownership I wish I opted for another Chevy, it would have been cheaper and I think just as reliable. Some interior trim pieces do not stay in place, the suspension creaks, recently the car has had a problem going in reverse, the road noise is pronounced, you feel every bump, the stock bridgestone tires are rubbish, the cloth seats have faded. Its a good car to get you around town and the gas mileage is decent, those are the only high points. The sunroof switch is also REALLY annoying.

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  Lovin my Pilot - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By LASHAE - September 11 - 1:33 pm

  I purchased a Honda CR-V in October of 1998. I purchased the Honda because of its reputation and I needed more room for my 2 growing children. Well this year I decided to make a new purchase, I wanted to keep my CR-V because it was paid for but decided against it for personal reasons. So... I traded it in for my 2005 Honda Pilot. Best decision I have made thus far this year. I am totally satisfied with the Pilot and I plan to make Honda a family tradition for myself and my children. I never had a day of trouble from my CR-V, change the oil , brakes and tires and that was it, I was and am truely satisfied with Honda. Next time I am going to get fully loaded, leather seats, and navigation.!

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  Great car - 2004 Honda Civic
  By Ashtray77 - September 11 - 12:47 pm

  I bought it new and its been very reliable, fuel efficient, fun to drive (5 spd) and looks great too. I expect to keep it for at least another 5-6 years. I have read other reviews saying that there is a troublesome blind spot, but I havent noticed it. Just adjust your mirrors people. google search "12 Steps to Rid Yourself of the Blindspot in Your Sideview Mirrors"

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  Overrated Odyssey - 2009 Honda Odyssey
  By Mike Jones - September 11 - 9:18 am

  Look the its a good van, but way too much for the price. I should gone with my gut instincts and bought the Toyota Sienna. I listened too much to Model Review experts and not my heart. The Sienna rode like a dream, much better in my opinion than the reviews. The Honda makes a louder noise when accelerating on the highway than the Sienna. Toyota also offered a lot more standard features than Honda did. I listened to my wife and I should have changed her mind. Honda is good, but the Sienna s Style, performance and overall quiet powerfully safe "star rating" is superb. I am probably going to trade in my Honda for the Sienna.

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  wagon power, custom LOVE IT - 1991 Honda Accord
  By Tabitha - September 10 - 8:13 pm

  Love my car, totally custom, but a daily driver. I bought it almost 10 years ago w/ 63k on it, only major thing was the distributor replaced. Id say this car costs me $200 annually w/ inspection and oil changes, maybe not even. It now has 168k on it and I know it will start, never left me down. Main relay goes often enough to keep a spare one in my glove box, but $2 at a junk yard who cares! LOVE IT, but wish the a/c would work, I guess this is a faulty design, but hey I can live with it.

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  Euro styling & performance - 2017 Honda Civic
  By Parker - September 10 - 2:18 pm

  The Civic Hatch is a great option if you want good fuel economy, power, eye-catching styling, and the versatility of an SUV in a compact package. My EX-L w/nav averages 39 mpg and has plenty of power. My only complaint, after owning several SUVs, is getting in and out of it isnt as easy, but if youre used to a car, it isnt an issue. The interior quality is excellent--great finishes, but I would recommend either getting the leather (EX-L) or getting an after-market kit with leather for the door inserts and the center console; the EX I test drove was already showing smudges on the cloth in those areas. I think the cloth seats would hold up fine, though. The leather package is the same as the CR-V Touring package and looks great. Interior ride is quiet and comfortable. The car handles great and is fun to drive.

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  Mobile Party - 2007 Honda Ridgeline
  By Cleve - September 10 - 12:04 pm

  First off, I would have to disagree with the editors on two points. First, the comfort of the backseat. It can fit four 20 year old guys comfortably with no complaints. Also, its offroad capabilities (though not up to rock crawling standards) seem to be vastly better than the Ridge is given credit for. Ive taken my RTS all over Gods green earth, through dirt, mud, snow, creeks and have yet to feel a noticeable slip. Now, moving on. I am absolutely in love with this truck. Its as big as a house inside, it rides as smoothly as a town car, the bed will fit anything from pallets, to tree trunks, to drywall etc. And when I take the time to wash off the filth, its a beautiful design.

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  Great value for money, amazing CUV! - 2010 Honda Accord Crosstour
  By Iyoob - September 10 - 11:16 am

  I was the first few who bought this vehicle (dec 09), when the media was kicking off dust over its styling. Myself and my wife actually fell in love with styling of this car with the first look. Build quality is true to Honda and is very good. Rear visibility felt little compromised in the beginning, but then you will quickly get over that, especially once you start noticing the view below the spoiler. Turning radius is little less compared to accord which I was used to, but its matter of few days time by which you will get over it. Other than these, it is fantastic. Smooth and excellent ride, adequate power, quiet interiors and adequate space. The vehicle gives very sturdy and sporty feel

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  Second One - 2008 Honda Odyssey
  By KrisB - September 10 - 9:06 am

  Overall, a great van. I had a 2005 Touring, which performed excellently in a roll over - not a scratch or bruise on me. That was reason enough to get a second. This time we opted for the EX-L w/ R&N. There are a few things I miss, like the memory seats (Im 61", my wife 52"), auto headlights, rear sensors and the rear power door, some of which should be standard. We compared the new Chrysler van (a relative has comparable one), and they are by far more feature intensive at the same price, but they just didnt have the same level of comfort and the gas mileage isnt as good. Would like to see some of the options at a lesser cost, like Bluetooth. $800 - a joke!