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:

• 

  I love my new Honda - 2003 Honda Accord
  By R Disney - January 9 - 10:00 am

  Very stylish and comfortable. Has very good acceleration and feels very nimble in turns.

• 

  Still impressed - 2003 Honda Accord
  By AntonyV - January 9 - 10:00 am

  Here is an update from my 3/22/03 review. This car is great. Took a long 2000 mile road trip and averaged 31.8 MPG with average hiway speed at 80mph. It was so hard to keep it under 90mph, it rides so smooth with almost no road noise. Driving at night is no problem anymore with non-lit steering wheel controls. Compliments keep coming from everyone. My sister is now buying one.

• 

  Still lovin every minute - 2002 Honda Civic
  By maximus02 - January 9 - 9:56 am

  Well Ive had my SI for about 2 years now and I still love every minute while im in it. You just cant beat the interior or build quality in this price range. It has excellent pick up through all the gears and gets really good gas mileage. I lowered my right after I bought it and it completely changed the look of the car. I get compliments anyehere I drive it. On long trips the seats are very comfortable and supportive in the tight turns. Plenty of storage in the hatch and all the little storage compartments in the interior. A++++

• 

  Mice - 2006 Honda Civic
  By nosarb - January 9 - 4:50 am

  This is a great car except for the mice/mouse nests. Dealer would not put screen over air input area. Mice are sure to re-enter as they have before. Dealer called mice material hazardous material. I guess its o.k. for me to breathe the air from the mice nests, feces, etc. Come on Honda, get er done.

• 

  I love my red Honda CRV - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By Katarina68 - January 8 - 2:09 pm

  I am a mom with 2 kids and I love this car. I have had it for more than 3 years and it never required any attention other than the oil change. Its spacious, yet I can reach to my kids in the back while driving. It feels reliable and safe.

• 

  The swiss army knife vehicle - 2008 Honda Ridgeline
  By jlan - January 8 - 1:56 pm

  Sure this is not all truck, but if you commute that is good. It gives you some of the things a truck has while keeping all of the things to love about a car. First unlike most trucks you still get a trunk. Second the interior, because of Hondas flat floor design fits 5 people better than a Toyota Camry. Then there is the fact that you get all wheel drive. So while the big rear wheel drive trucks are sliding around in the snow the Ridgeline hugs the road. I live in a marine community and 5000lbs towing is enough for pulling boats. So no it is not totally a truck, which is great.

• 

  only 500 miles so far - 2009 Honda Fit
  By wolfbuddy - January 8 - 10:06 am

  Have owned multiple Hondas. Never met one I didnt like. Easier to get in and out than my (wifes) 2006 civic coupe.

• 

  My First Honda - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By Doreen Welch - January 8 - 7:46 am

  In May 2005 I had a vehicle that was about to fall apart. As a college student I needed a dependable vehicle that would hold its value. I was in a car accident five years earlier, so I wanted something safe. My husband and I shopped around and narrowed our search down to two vehicles of similar size and price. We test drove a Rav4 and thought it was the one. But then I read about Honda CRVs and felt they were safer. After a test drive I was sold! It had more space inside, comfortable seats, and ease in driving. So, we bought one. I took it to Virgina Beach this summer and had a great trip. We have had our CRV for five months and are very happy with our choice. We highly recommend it!

• 

  Disappointed honda lover - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By AM - January 8 - 5:27 am

  I travel in and out of state for work so I need something good on gas with awd. I owned my 99 accord 10 years with 230k and all she needed was regular maintenance. In the 3 years I have owned this truck I have replaced the oil pressure switch 3 times, catalytic converter clogged, a/c issues, rear calipers seized, interior lights in dash inoperable, lower ball joints and (the cherry on top) the piston rings went which means my motor needs to be replaced. And I still owe money on the loan. Honda is not what they use to be :(

• 

  Best of the West ! - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By SunnySouthwest - January 8 - 3:34 am

  We bought our CRV brand new off the lot in 2002 and it went through 10 years of nasty northern winters and rainy summers and now in the blistering heat of the southwest. Weve had the a/c repaired then replaced and the starter . I know now that gas is cheaper than a starter ! It has 155,000 miles on it and in the shop as I type and needs timing belt, valves adjusted, axle boots, alignment, sway bar and struts for less $1500. - which is far less than buying an unknown used car.