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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  Almost perfect - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By elui - September 18 - 2:46 pm

  I have this car for a little over a week already. I really like this car. The manual transmission is great. It is smooth and quiet (no clicking noise problem). A lot of power in low gears. High RPM in highway speed (over 3000) slightly over 70 mph. Road noises depends on ashalt(good) or concrete road (bad) but very good in general.

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  Minivan Badboy - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By LISMAN - September 18 - 10:00 am

  Quite a paradox here. I bought this vehicle for the room to carry my large family, and Honda quality/reliability. What I did not expect was its MONSTER performance! When my family is not loaded in it, I can forget it is a van, and put its powerful engine to the test. They say it does 0-60 in 9 seconds, but I am convinced it sacrifices a second only because of its front wheel drive and rear weight distribution - You would be burning rubber from the gate if not for traction control system which immediately kicks in when you sink the pedal to the floor. The superior "van" features go without saying. But drive this one and ENJOY!

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  Must have one in home..no compare - 2000 Honda Accord
  By us-desi - September 18 - 10:00 am

  Great car, reliable, confirtable ... little bit noisy but I love it... Perfect HP..perfect family sedan..

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  my new Si - 2002 Honda Civic
  By Erin Clark - September 18 - 10:00 am

  I just bought this car and I love it! Its small, sporty, and fun to drive. However, the gas mileage on the sticker is not what I have been getting around town. I actually get between 18-20 mpg around town. This may be attributed to the use of the airco as I live in Tucson AZ and it is 100 degrees everyday!

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  Its just amazing!! - 2000 Honda Civic
  By Alex - September 18 - 5:22 am

  I sold my 97 Accord EX coupe due to its weight, and bulkiness, but the fuel economy and reliablilty always amazed me. I chose the 2000 Civic Si over the 05 Mazda3, 03 Civic Si, 05 Corolla XRS, Cobalt, RSX-s, Sentra SE-R V, and the 04 Lancer evo (not enough $$). After owning it for over a year, ive noticed how much of a gas saver this car can be if one is easy with the pedals. Ive actually documented 30city/34hwy mpg several times after a tuneup was done. Its also very easy and inexpensive to maintain. So far I have had no problems at all. Im literally in love with this car! I highly recommend a (92-present year) civic (any model) for a High School/College student or a first time buyer!

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  I Love This Car! - 2007 Honda Civic
  By Andrew - September 17 - 10:56 pm

  I love this little car. It is super easy to maneuver and so fun to drive. My only complaint is that it is a little underpowered for highway driving. There is plenty of power for city driving however. But that is the sacrifice you make when you buy the hybrid. But I do get 52mpg on the highway! City driving is more around 40 to 41mpg. Arlington in quite the hilly county so I am not surprised the actual mileage in city is not higher. I also love this car because at 63 the car is quite accomodating but I do have to have my seat all the way back. That means that the people sitting behind me are more than a tad cramped. Ergonomics are great and everything is within reach.

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  GREAT TRUCK - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By JAMAICA - September 17 - 8:16 pm

  This truck drives like a car. It is very easy to handle. The leg room is the greatest. A family can travel with comfort and carry all you need is the back. So far it has been great. It is too early to determine if the truck is reliable. I will have to see in the winter

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  First Honda! - 2010 Honda Accord
  By belladonna - September 17 - 7:20 pm

  After driving only Nissans, I branched out to another dealer, and after much research purchased a Honda Cvic EX, however being almost 6 ft I could not ride very comfortably in that small car, so I called the dealer up (great people) and they were able to get into an Accord LXP which is so much more roomier. The dealer was incredible, and I am a happy first time customer!

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  Happy Owner - 1996 Honda Accord
  By King - September 17 - 2:10 pm

  I sold a 2002 Ford Ranger, still under factory warranty to purchase a nine year old Honda Accord. I didnt see the point in paying so much more for the truck. I absolutely love my Accord. Maybe because Im saving a lot of money on gas and monthly payments, or maybe just because its a great car! When I purchased it, it had just over 100,000 miles and was in near perfect condition. I suspect it will last longer than the Ranger I sold that had 55,000 miles!

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  Fun to drive - 2005 Honda S2000
  By jimmy - September 16 - 3:42 pm

  For the price and performance, it is the best value in its class. The handling in this car is exceptional, and since there arent that many out there you get a lot of looks.