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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  Good car but shouldve not chosen it! - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By albanyfamily31 - July 16 - 9:26 pm

  the driver side seating is very uncomfortable and tight compared to other minivans, especially the Sienna; also the loud vibration i feel beneath the car as i am driving which you can also hear from the engine and the brakes make a weird sound as youre turning; really annoying that theres no coin holder in a car costing close to $30,000;

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  TPMS Light will not go off - 2008 Honda Odyssey
  By DeeBee - July 16 - 8:13 pm

  We resisted a minivan for a while, but after another baby, took the plunge. The Ody test drove better than Sienna and my older son liked the look, so we traded in our Toyota Avalon. So far, we have returned to the dealer twice (a long drive and missing work) due to the TPMS light coming on. Each time they reset it/initialized it and then an hour later as I drove it home, it popped on again. VERY annoying and the stability control wont work when its on, so also a safety issue. I do like how it drives and the looks of it, but didnt expect to be annoyed by Honda already.

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  So far only one issue with my 08 civic - 2008 Honda Civic
  By gemini29nc - July 16 - 6:10 pm

  I love my civic. I have used my heated leather seats many times and they sure do take the chill off on a cold morning. I have been getting 32- 37 MPG with most of my driving being highway. The stereo is awesome and the MP3 hookup is very handy.

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  Beware of Air Compressor - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By fored - July 16 - 4:56 pm

  Yes, the air conditioning unit will fail abruptly. Just my luck it blew out in mid-July in CA. I took it to the family mechanic who said this was the 4th CR-V hes seen recently with this exact problem. Bottom line-you can get a new compressor for $250-$800 (depending where you get it), but its the WHOLE UNIT that needs to be repaired. After so many complaints, Honda still does not have a recall on it. I can go with mechanic who will charge me $1,300. Others that have gone to dealer pay about $3,000. I called my dealer and was told theyd try their best "to take care of it" for me with "no additional cost." Well see after I take it in. Brakes have also been repaired a couple times.

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  Never a problem - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By kate - July 16 - 4:52 pm

  I bought this car coming from owning a Toyota Sienna Van. I had owned Toyotas for years and years and was nervous to switch, but the third row seat sold me. I have never had a problem with this car in 5 years. I have replaced the tires and the battery, and probably need brakes, but nothing has ever broken down on it. It is roomy, even in the third row. I have had 8 adults in this car several times and everyone survived. The interior was well thought out. Id own another Honda. (I only wish it had rear camera or sensors. - My Honda has a dent in the back hatch.)

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  Great car - 2017 Honda Accord
  By Randy Black - July 16 - 12:19 pm

  Drive it.

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  Another Outstanding Honda - 2009 Honda CR-V
  By John Allen Albree - July 16 - 11:03 am

  CR-V is Alabaster Silver with gray leather. The ride is very quiet and much better then my 2008 Honda Accord EX-L which I traded in. My wife loves the seats and the vehicle tracks beautifully on the interstate. The first tank of gas only local driving was an acceptable 20 mpg.The XM sound system is better than before. Transmission is smooth and quiet. We love this car.

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  Great car! - 2008 Honda Accord
  By David - July 16 - 8:20 am

  Started looking at sedans after a Pilot Ive had for 3 years. Wanted something with better handling and gas mileage. I also drove the Camry but they did not offer a higher-output 4 cylinder than the Accord. The EX has a tighter suspension and handling feel than the Camry. Overall a terrific car, one I hope to keep for 5+ years.

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  Well put together and easy to live with. - 2007 Honda Civic
  By Dave Dugan - July 16 - 7:03 am

  Had this car two years and it has been easy and cheap to live with. The only downside to this car is the braking performance, which you will notice the first time you drive it. Also, dont expect typical handling and performance, this model is tuned for economy. Still, I love the build quality and the design is great too.

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  Perfect Car for Me - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By Saab Girls hubby - July 16 - 3:10 am

  I wanted to add to the family fleet a car that is designed for utility, reliable, weather worthy, economical, comfy enough for a 300+ mile trip with females aboard, yet can also serve as my mobile man cave. Gas prices scared me off pick up trucks and full size SUVs. Besides, I dont tow, haul or off road. It looked like it was hard to make a really bad choice among compact SUVs, but for my purposes the CR-V is the pick of the litter. I enjoy driving this car. In hilly areas, its interesting to keep an eye on the tach to check out what the smart 5-speed auto is up to. Sometimes I enjoy just examining the clever design solutions and overall quality.