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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  From Accord to Odyssey - 2008 Honda Odyssey
  By Andrew.M.Tillcock - June 21 - 7:17 pm

  Just traded in my 2008 Honda Accord EXl 4cyl . Needed more room and wanted dvd and nav so i went for the big enchilada. Boy am i happy with this van,Its everything i had heard and read and more. The leather is of high grade and the seats are so comfortable.Having DVD made our trip to Asheville NC quiet with two teenagers and a 6 year old in the back. And without nav i would not have attempted as much of the exploring i did in Asheville.I read some of the complaints on here about being given strange routes but it does give options to route by easiest,direct,hwy . I found the nav very user friendly and powerful. The new Odyssey is a technological wonder and why Honda rules minivan market!!

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  Issues with 2015 Honda CRV - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By pramodk - June 21 - 3:46 pm

  I have brought the new 2015 Honda CRV in NJ and from the day one I noticed a vibration on the front seats, I report that to local dealer and American Honda. Dealer checked it with other new 2015 models and confirmed that this is with all Honda CRV 2015 Models. I reported the same to American HOnda and they told me GET LOST. The vibration is not always but few times but is strong that you can literally feel it at the back. Very sad that HONDA put my feedback under the carpet and washed off their hands with there responsibility. I told them that the vibration is so strong that my driving get distracted and I get a feel of discomfort but they did not listen to me and closed my case :-(

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  love this civic - 2005 Honda Civic
  By diane eisele - June 21 - 7:00 am

  Honda was my dream car after our last "American car" purchase, a Ford ranger pick up with a transmission made in France and an international array of car parts, I decided on reliability, fuel economy and ease of handling. And it is fun to drive. Exactly what I got.

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  A car thats hard to love, but hard to hate - 2018 Honda CR-V
  By BRIAN EDWARD - June 21 - 6:31 am

  There is now WOW factor even for 2018 offering - especially for any model previous Honda owners. Interior parts like overhead light switcher are the SAME identical breakage prone switches found in a 2004 Accord. REALLY. For a few dollars Honda should freshen/modernize interior gadgets. Engine and Transmission preform phenomially.

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  Awesome car - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Steven - June 21 - 6:13 am

  I have had this car for nearly 4 months and am so happy with it. Yeah, it gets the stares and every person whos sat in it talks about the interior. I have to say that, for the money I spent, there is NO BETTER CAR than this Civic (and I considered the Mazda3 and Ford Focus). I spent months researching, test driving, and learning what I could to make an informed decision. I mean, come on... were talking a major investment. 4 months and about 4500 miles later, Im grinning.

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  Great Car - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Barney54 - June 20 - 10:16 pm

  I purchased this car based on past experiences with Honda. After almost 5,000 miles, I have no complaints. Gas mileage is around 22-23 in town and 29-30 on the highway. The longest trip was 500 miles and the car was a pleasure to drive the entire time. Im 62" and have plenty of room.

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  Great Car, this my second Accord - 2017 Honda Accord
  By Kenny Sarpong - June 20 - 6:07 pm

  This is roomy, great style and smooooth and quiet on highway. The infotainment can be clunky but all around as usual Honda delivered.

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  Nice Little Car - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Psychprofessor - June 20 - 5:44 pm

  Ive had the car for close to 2 years but dont drive it on the highway all that often. Also, the town I live in is really bad for gas mileage, with stop signs and traffic lights at seemingly ever corner--and lots of corners! On the highway, Ive gotten high 30s, which seems pretty good to me. In town, Im lucky to get 23 mpg. I like the seats a lot, and its one of the few cars Ive had that doesnt have any rattles. Also, Ive had no problems to complain about when I take it to be serviced.

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  Dont buy it!! Try another vehicle! - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By Esther F - June 20 - 7:45 am

  I financed a CRV SE in September 2016 and two days or so after having the car I had to go back to the dealer complaining about this vibration that is only felt when the car is idle or when stopped at a light and/or traffic. I feel very disappointed in Honda for not having a fixable solution to this problem. The dead just tells that "its a V4 what you are experiencing/feeling its normal" there no way in hell that you can say that a car thats clearly vibrating and that you as the "tech or mechanics" is also feel that theres something not right on the vehicle you can tell me its normal!!! The worst part is that they tell me that they can get me into another car but its going to put me a negative equity or something thing like that which means that they are going to give me a quote on how much the CRV is valued as of now and they are going to deduct what the consider out it and then Ill owe the rest! Totally not fair.. I feel that as a "respectable" brand as Honda should have more respect and transparency with its customers and fully advice them of this problem! But, thats not all the "AWD"crap is BS.. I had such a hard time driving in the snow this Winter and to make it worst I was stuck!!! In the snow. I had to get out and shovel my way out and just so you know I have a bad back! No its totally unfair to be paying all that money to get into a car thats not even going to give you half of what you are paying for, so do yourself a favor and dont buy a CRV..

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  Im lovin it! - 2006 Honda Accord
  By griff33 - June 19 - 6:20 pm

  Just purchased my 2006 accord and absolutely am in love! Originally owned a 1993 accord and sadly traded it for an SUV! BIG MISTAKE. I drive a lot and this car is a pleasure to drive and its nimble on the highways when needed. The leather seats are comfortable and the navi will be a great asset to me for business meetings.