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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  popeyes new element - 2004 Honda Element
  By rolanddefries - November 28 - 10:00 am

  so far-so good, a most pleasurable ride, big enough, fast enough, inexpensive enough, great design -an excellent choice!

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  honda quality at great orice. - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By faisal imran - November 28 - 10:00 am

  i purchased my 2nd crv from this dealership my first one was 98 and compare to the older crv, this new has improved has termendously. My wife drives it mostly and i had taken small trips in this vehicle as well currently i own a lexus ls 400 and i believe price and performance wise this suv is the perfect fit for us. i looked at several suv`s before making purchase we currntly own 2 other suv`s as well which are ml and explorer but price and performance and most important resale value is the key decision making factor for me and my wife. i hope this will help you with your future purchase of suv, benifit from my research while you are in the market.

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  Awesome Van! - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By GoPackGo! - November 28 - 10:00 am

  I traded in a F-350 Super Duty Pickem up truck. I will never buy American again. My Honda was built in Alabama anyways.

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  My red Honda - 2004 Honda Accord
  By fyrfytr - November 28 - 10:00 am

  nice styling,impressive interior,easy and good handling,great acceleration,quiet ride,average on mileage.

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  An Excellent Kid Hauler - 2009 Honda Fit
  By Jpsandiego - November 28 - 6:26 am

  I am coming up on one full year of driving, and I have changed my mind on this vehicle several times. Its lack of power, height and weak a/c (for me) are my only complaints. On the flip side I get great highway miles (44mpg coming back from LA) 32-35mpg combined, smooth conservative performance (tight and quick when I need it to be), tons of space inside, more than enough room for two car seats a double stroller and a trip to COSTCO, I love the way the steering wheel feels (even more than our 135i conv.), paddle shifters are fun, and the 10 cup holders are 100% used and appreciated.

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  Bring Back The Economical Hatchbacks! - 1995 Honda Civic
  By Mary - November 28 - 5:06 am

  Ive had this car since 1997, and the previous owner was going to do an engine swap, but I stopped him by offering a reasonable amount of money. I can tell you that I do not regret buying this car at all. I love how people with gas-guzzling SUVs get surprised at how much this car can carry. Since now, it has been trouble free, and it is very simple and cheap to maintain. Seats are still comfortable. Its environment friendly. I even sold my 97 BMW M3 just to keep my Civic VX. It may not be as fast, but id rather have a safer, reliable, cleaner, more fuel economical car that promises to start every time you turn the key!

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  Great Ride - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By Ashtabhujadhari - November 28 - 3:06 am

  This is my first mini-van and the one I "upgraded" from sporty 3000 GT. Im surprised by the handling of this vehicle. Although it cannot come close to the GTs performance in turns, it handles better the most sedans. Interior is also very well designed. Removing and installing the second row seats was tricky the first time but once you know the order it is easy.

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  A long term friend - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By ELAINE LICARI - November 27 - 11:24 pm

  I hate to sell this car after 13 years of great service. The only reason I am buying a new car is b/c the 2003 has 180,000 miles and I didnt want to push the luck I had for so long. When I went to buy another Honda CRV (stick with a winner), there was another car on the lot just like mine (except it had automatic transmission and mine was manual). It had 400,000 miles on it.

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  A long term friend - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By ELAINE LICARI - November 27 - 11:24 pm

  I hate to sell this car after 13 years of great service. The only reason I am buying a new car is b/c the 2003 has 180,000 miles and I didnt want to push the luck I had for so long. When I went to buy another Honda CRV (stick with a winner), there was another car on the lot just like mine (except it had automatic transmission and mine was manual). It had 400,000 miles on it.

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  this car rocks - 2006 Honda S2000
  By phil - November 26 - 8:47 pm

  I have a 911 c2 cab and I have to admit the s2000 is more fun to drive. The porsche is somewhat more comfortable but I feel the handling and the shifting in the s2000 is better. Dont get me wrong I love my porsche but for the money and styling the s2000 is the better deal. A porsche has status and and lets face it it has great manners and heritage, but the s2000 handles just as well and is really fun to drive. I feel more connected with this car than the porsche. Maybe because it is smaller and lower to the ground and because the shifter has shorter throws. Overall glad I bought this car and will own it for many years to come.