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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  "Great SUV" - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By brenn - October 27 - 10:00 am

  Easy to drive, feels and looks good. Pretty good on fuel. Lots of compartments and cup holders for every little thing. Nice sounding stereo/CD system and having the controls on the steering wheel is great Its fun to drive, not to big. Spacious second and third row. Im lovin it!!

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  My first SUV - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By Sam D - October 27 - 10:00 am

  We are just through trading an Acura TL for a small suv. It is not as robust a performer as we are used to. However it is very practical and roomy. Also we can get in and out easier and we are not as stiff and tired when we arrive at our destination. Gas mileage seems to be 23 town and 25 highway.We are older.

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  WOw what an SUV - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By Nakdog - October 27 - 10:00 am

  Wonderful car, and fun to drive...I would buy it again.

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  SUPERB! - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By Lisa K. - October 27 - 10:00 am

  This is my first SUV. I got tired of the small cargo space in a sedan and the mailboxes and tollbooths being out of reach, as they are now all set at heights for SUVs. I LOVE my CR-V!!! It holds what I need, the interior is spacious and amazingly well-designed. I drive an hour each way to work each day, and it is super comfortable. I love being up higher in rush hour traffic. Nice and stable rounding curves and in snow this past winter. First thing we did was take it on a 500 mile trip, and it was very enjoyable to drive! Good accelerating power, and easy to use cruise control.

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  03 civic si - 2003 Honda Civic
  By combustion - October 27 - 10:00 am

  great style and proud to have a traditional si

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  Buy one - 2004 Honda Civic
  By nwman003 - October 27 - 10:00 am

  This car is Great, It fits anyones needs and is a true turn key car! Great on gas with lots of room Im 6 tall and a big guy I fit in the car very nice and still have lots more room. Oh one other thing it has lots of get up and go power for a small car.

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  Honda Happy - 2004 Honda Accord
  By kenb - October 27 - 10:00 am

  Fantastic Car. I have just put my first thousand miles on the car and I could not be happier. The fit, finish and quality of the car is as good as a BMW but at a much lower price.

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  More than excellent. - 2004 Honda Accord
  By Frankie Iglesias - October 27 - 10:00 am

  This is the third Honda Accord I own, and no car is better than the Accord for the price.

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  Satisfied in Arlington, VA - 2005 Honda Civic
  By Satisfied in VA - October 27 - 5:30 am

  The 05 model is a refinement over the already excellent 99. It is comfortable, fit and finish is excellent, and has good power for an automatic. I am very pleased with my 2005 Honda Civic EX sedan.

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  Best 95 Minivan - 1995 Honda Odyssey
  By NR1 - October 26 - 5:16 am

  This is by far the best minivan made in 95. I love the exterior, looks like a half Civic half Accord wagon. The four door style is awesome,way better than sliding doors. The interior looks a lot like an Accord which is pretty cool. Ive got almost 170k miles on mine and still running strong. It is my future project car, I am going to tune up to the max, hopefully win a lot of trophies in car shows. Gotta love these Hondas