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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  My Crv - 2000 Honda CR-V
  By Gabe v - May 2 - 10:30 pm

  We bought a CR-V the frist of January in 2000. We have had it ever since the car is just amazing. Its fuel efficient, looks great, has lots of low end torque, the smoothers ride and just the reassurance of Honda quality. We just bought the lx model nothing special, front wheel drive not the real time. But I have gone over hills and rocks and steep slopes and everything in this car and not once has it ever failed.

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  Always said I would never own a Honda - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By Blk182@N7 - May 2 - 5:23 pm

  My wife and I were looking for something to take the dogs to the park in, mainly because I dont want them in my 06 Avalon or my 93 mustang. so we looked at many SUVs but we wanted something small with room and reliability. I got mine with 52,000 miles on it and you would think it was brand new. I have read 100s of reviews and the CR-V has great ones, Seems the 05 has issues with the Transmission, i have not experienced any I bought the 36,000 mile warranty so I am good till 98,000.

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  Im convinced - 2002 Honda Civic
  By booradley - May 2 - 8:30 am

  I love this car. Dependable, comfortable, and super fun to drive. I had only driven cars with a V6 engine before this, so I was somewhat skeptical, but have been pleasantly surprised at the power and peppiness of this engine.

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  Good and Bad - 2006 Honda CR-V
  By James - May 2 - 12:25 am

  Just bought my CR-V last month. It rides decently. However, you can feel the wind push it at high speeds. Does feel a little boxy but handles decently. Has some of the benefits of a traditional SUV but still gets good fuel economy without sacrificing interior room. However, reliability is a question that I have noticed in less than a month. The drivers side headlight just went out with only 35,000 miles. Also it seems the rear door latch is starting to give out. The warning light for the rear door keeps coming on the dashboard while driving even after reconfirming the rear door has been closed. Hopefully this is not the beginning of issues after the warranty runs out.

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  love my honda - 2002 Honda Civic
  By grj - May 1 - 10:37 pm

  I love this car. I didnt even do maintenance for 2 years because I didnt know what to do! Now I get regular filter changes/tires/oil/and it needed some transmission fluid when I noticed it made a weird squeaking noise. Read the user manual would be my advice, to avoid costly mechanical charges. DO change air filters a lot (every 3 oil changes), it improves the fuel economy. I only had to change the battery one time, and Ive had to jump start it many (when it was the old battery) because I kept leaving the lights on. The factory battery lasted 5 years which is really quite something!.

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  Best Choice.... - 2006 Honda CR-V
  By Jaysen - May 1 - 10:05 pm

  When my car was totaled in an accident, i wanted to replace it with a small SUV. I am an avid reader of car magazines.. i love cars, and i test drove vehicles from the Freelander and Subaru Forester to RAV4 and Escape. No other vehicle offered the right combination of everything. Standard equipment was optional on everything else. I constantly get 24.6 mpg mixed driving and 29 mpg on the open highway. There is a ton of room for 4 adults and gear and this thing is a lot more capable off road than the reviews say. I looked at the new redesigned CR-Vs and they have lost there SUV appeal and no more picnic table! This has been the best purchase and best of all, no problems!!

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  Built to Last - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By Rusty - May 1 - 8:38 pm

  We bought the vehicle new, and have had it for 5 years, and have 100K miles on it. Its very dependable, as expected. And we dont plan on trading it in any time soon. Not many cars these last last long enough to get them paid off. This one does. Weve had it in the shop once to do most of the recommended service on it. A quality vehicle all around.

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  An excellent experience... - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By 59er - May 1 - 6:20 pm

  Id a very good experience with my CR-V. From the time of purchase up until this very day, it is funny to drive. I have a manual trany and that has increased the fun 5 times as much.

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  Solid Car - 1997 Honda Accord
  By Richa - May 1 - 2:49 pm

  This is the most solid built car Ive ever owned-- almost eleven years old and no rattles! None. Also, there was a recall to replace dist. cap, rotor, wires, etc. within the past two years that would have addressed some of the other reviewers reliability complaints. My only "repair" (besides expected maintenance) was a new starter. This has got to be one of the better used car buys--30 mpg for a car that seats five.

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  "awesome SI" - 1993 Honda Civic
  By POK - May 1 - 1:57 pm

  I bought this car 12/92 and Im still driving it today. Still getting 34 miles to a gallon of gas. Its hard to let go --- got an offer 4 yrs ago for $10G and a yr ago for $8G --- still have it. Shes worth every ride and $.