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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  Best vehicle we ever owned - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By Kevin L. Green - September 16 - 10:18 am

  Its a Honda, what else can I say. We owned an 1998 CR-V and traded it for a Nissan Xterra thinking we wanted a "bigger" suv. Needless to say after a few years we really missed the CR-V. We ended up trading back to the 2002 CR-V and have been enjoying it ever since. Its not only reliable but overall a very economical vehicle to own. The CR- V is also very comfortable to ride in on long trips. It rides like a car but at a higher view point of the road. Our next vehicle will be an new CR-V, probably a 06 or an 07. I reccomend this vehicle whole heartedly.

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  Instant Classic - 2004 Honda S2000
  By Natey Nate - September 15 - 5:59 pm

  The car was purchased as my weekend fun car. I have a 96 accord Ex which is my daily driver. But when I get behind the wheel of this little pocket rocket, I just loose my mind. There isnÂ’t any other car I would consider on my S2K and I looked at the BMW Z4 as well as the Porsche Boxster but could compare to her.

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  Finally flare with 4 doors! - 2007 Honda Civic
  By Flash89 - September 15 - 3:30 pm

  What a fantastic car! Other cars I was considering were the, SI coupe, Eclipse, GTI, and Cobalt SS. Dollar for dollar nothing else in the market offers the same good looks, features and performance as this car. I drove all of them and came back to this one. Personally I think the sedan looks even better than the SI coupe. I have a 7 month old daughter and have car seats in my future for the next 8 years so that made the choice even easier. Simply one of the best values that can be had for around $21K. Owned the car for only two days so long term I cannot comment, but so far, its been great!

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  New Honda Van - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By Lenore Cialone - September 15 - 2:03 pm

  This is our second Honda Odyssey and it is completely new from our 2003. New features, quiet driving, all the extras you could possibly want. Can seat 8, 8 airbags, more cupholders, under the floor storage. New dash. Just love driving it.

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  Best Car I Ever Owned too! - 1990 Honda Accord
  By Automaniac - September 15 - 12:14 pm

  Bought the 5-speed from first owner on 2/16, 68.9k miles on it, for $6.5k (down from 7.5) now 133k hard miles, cold starts, short distances, snowbelt. Could afford any new car, but was thinking of going overseas then, and did not want to take depreciation hit. Engine is a jewel, never had ANY problem. Drove cross country, DC to Seattle to Long Beach CA and back to DC, summer 03, few problems, top MPG. (32-36 hwy, at 65-85 mph). Can cruise all day @ 90 mph in utter comfort. Rust behind the rear wheels. Seldom braked down, but parts cost too much (timing belt, brakes, distributor, fuel pump, each $500 or so). Still, best car I ever owned, and low cost, due to rare failures and high quality.

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  Love my E - 2004 Honda Element
  By Donna Anderson - September 15 - 10:00 am

  Safe, fun, sporty, practical. Completly functional, but not a mini van. Ultimate vehicle for people with an active, or in my case, bicycling lifestyle.

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  Another Honda... - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By Dalmatian Wagon - September 15 - 10:00 am

  My wife and I bought a Accord EX sedan in January. We were struggling between the Pilot and the Accord and bought the later at invoice. We were so pleased with the Accord that we went back and traded in the Volvo wagon for the Pilot. Paid invoice again (yes, it can be done). The ride is very smooth, with a healthy amount of power (240HP) and a excellent overall driving experience.

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  I like it! - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By LTC - September 15 - 10:00 am

  I shopped seriously for about 3 months, looked at Saturn Vue, Toyota RAV4 & Highlander, a Mitsubishi, and the Honda Pilot. My first 2 tanks of gas (97 octane) have been just over 24.9 MPG. I drive 15 miles to work ending up at downtown Indianapolis.

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  Excellent vehicle for the money - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By wolfboy - September 15 - 10:00 am

  If you are looking for a good, reliable vehicle, then look no further.

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  No problems - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By cee - September 15 - 10:00 am

  great suv would not trade it for another in its class. i would trust it anywhere. It hols its own. I love it!!! Fun to drive!!!!!!!!!!!!!!