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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  Somewhat better than the old CRV - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By I like the Honda - April 22 - 4:30 am

  I like the new Honda CR-V, and owned the previous model (2003). Unfortunately I think it looks like every other new crossover-they look like station wagons! Im not impressed with the fuel economy. I also miss the table that you got with the older CR-V-it came in handy for tailgating. It rides well, and is comfortable for the most part. I wish the back seat was a few inches wider, then two adults could sit in the back with a car seat.

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  Rickari Review - 2012 Honda CR-V
  By Rick Taylor - April 22 - 1:15 am

  This car does wonderful in the snow and handles great on the road... It is very roomy and me being 63 it had plenty of head room.. love the car..

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  Rickari Review - 2012 Honda CR-V
  By Rick Taylor - April 22 - 1:15 am

  This car does wonderful in the snow and handles great on the road... It is very roomy and me being 63 it had plenty of head room.. love the car..

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  Rickari Review - 2012 Honda CR-V
  By Rick Taylor - April 22 - 1:15 am

  This car does wonderful in the snow and handles great on the road... It is very roomy and me being 63 it had plenty of head room.. love the car..

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  Rear brakes - 2008 Honda Accord
  By edward williams - April 22 - 12:46 am

  Car rides great, good fuel mileage. My only complaint is about the rear brakes. Twice I had to replace them. The dealership service dept. Said that the rears wear out faster than the fronts. HOGWASH. Load is in the front not back. Real bad brake design pads are small. (front brakes still have lots of wear on them). WHATS UP!

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  Honda Odyssey - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By lt - April 21 - 4:35 pm

  I have had many problems with this car. I am on third set of brakes, second battery, hub problems with the wheels, power steering replaced and a broken motor mount. In Hondas defense they have fixed all of these at no cost after I played hard ball with them. I had to purchase an extended warranty to ease the stress of owning this van. I would never buy another one!

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  Looks Great, but a bit scary - 2004 Honda S2000
  By Brian - April 21 - 4:34 pm

  I like my Honda S2004, but it almost has more power than I feel I can handle. The back end always feels like it is a split second from breaking loose. Maybe because I spun it around on some frost covered roads right after I bought it. Now it sits in the garage all winter.

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  Heres how I see it! - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By HARRY - April 21 - 3:56 pm

  Drive is smooth, Vehicle handles well, Design has a well done utility. Happy with overall look and feel of the 2005 Honda Odyssey EX-L

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  Love My Toaster! - 2007 Honda Element
  By Sally - April 21 - 2:51 pm

  When I first saw this vehicle, I thought it was one of the ugliest vehicles on the road - I nicknamed it the toaster. My son and I went shopping with my husband for a Ridgeline. While my husband was discussing the terms for the Ridgeline, my son and I checked out the Element. Once we sat inside of it, we fell in love with it. We went for a test drive that day - within two weeks I had my Element. I love it, and now I find it quite cute. Its fun to drive, very utilitarian. Weve carted everything from a flag pole, gardening tools, plants, baseball equipment, fishing poles to our Springer Spaniel with ease. The car makes everyday rides fun adventures.

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  2001 Transmissions Have Ruined Honda - 2001 Honda Civic
  By tmspiege - April 21 - 9:58 am

  I received this car willed from my great-uncle and have treated it well for 6.5 years. Ive been diligent in regular maintenance. Then, out of the veritable blue, my transmission suffered a catastrophic failure en route to work two days ago. The auto tranny would not engage into gear and the engine would simply tach up with no acceleration when I hit the gas. I called Honda USA to get them to extend a goodwill repair to me, but they are refusing. Im looking at a $2000 repair for a manufacturing defect...and Hondas not willing to admit the mistake or provide the customer support to alleviate the cost to me. 2001 transmissions across every model have been notorious for this sudden failure.