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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  So Disappointed - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By So Disappointed - December 22 - 11:04 pm

  Bought this as my first new car after driving it in 4 inches of snow and being very impressed at its performance there, and finding a 2007 on the lot in December. Since purchase, have been nothing but disappointed. Terrible gas mileage (21 on mostly highway), cheap radio, slow acceleration, rough ride performance, ridiculuously cheap-looking base wheels, no covered storage in front besides glove boxes, nearly-useless table between seats, uncomfortable driving position, difficulty in seat belting child in with booster seat, and much more had me looking up trade-in value in the first month. This car makes me miss my deteriorating 2000 Taurus with 110,000 miles greatly.

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  Give us a "brake" Honda - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Unhappy Pat - December 22 - 3:33 pm

  Ive owned 3 Honda Accords prior to this one, and this one is the most disappointing. Very noisy, fuel mileage not as good, and the rear brakes had to be replaced after one year. I have never had to replace rear brakes on any of my previous Hondas! They without a doubt have a rear brake problem that must be acknowledged and resolved or they will lose owner loyalty - they lost mine. Does Honda want to become the next TOYOTA ?????

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  Honda Pilot EX 2WD - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By Leo - December 22 - 6:06 am

  Very quiet, strong for a V6, some times it take a delay changing speeds from higher to lower, not so good on fuel economy, but after all my wife and I are Happy with it a lot better than our 1995 Jeep Grand Cherokee

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  CRV Experience - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By Jeff - December 21 - 9:40 pm

  This car has been everything that we expected. It is reasonably quick, expecially in 3rd gear and is almost as quick as my Civic Si. It is great on trips with our two children and has a lot of back seat room.

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  Fit is Go! - 2008 Honda Fit
  By FitIsGo - December 21 - 3:33 pm

  Bought at 08 Fit Sport 5AT in blaze orange in Dec 07 for my 20 yr old son. Was so impressed bought same car for myself 3 weeks ago in Milano red. MPG reading on first 200 miles of driving was 33.3 in mix of city/interstate driving on 12-mile commute. I got my Fit for $50 over invoice which was hard to believe, if stories of $4/gallon gas this summer come true. There are a lot of people driving big trucks and SUVs that get 10-12 MPG in real world driving that are going to be severely impacted. Supply and demand drives the prices for goods and services and if Americans would start driving high-MPG vehicles and cut our national consumption, we would see gas prices fall by $1/gallon.

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  Why would anyone need more? - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By farsider - December 21 - 3:13 pm

  Ive driven a number of cars in the past, but this CR-V SE is one of the top. Good mileage, great ride, very comfortable and easy to get around in. Dont believe the info about "too much engine noise" - its surprisingly quiet and has some features you used to find only on BMW or Mercedes. I will never go back to $50k autos.

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  Time Marathon - 1994 Honda Civic
  By cm221975 - December 21 - 10:53 am

  This car now has 250k and it has gone without any problems. Seriously, no problems! It has been a beast amongs beast! I love it, this is the best car in the plan on never selling it. I am writing this review because now that I have had the car for 14 years and 250k miles, I wanted people to know about its reliability. Yes I change the brakes, and oil, and your usual old car thing...everyone I know is amazed at hoe long this car has lasted...specially since I am not the nicest person to it.

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  Odyssey - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By Angie ram - December 21 - 6:52 am

  Most comfortable and reliable car Ive ever had.

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  HONDA ELEMENT EX - 2004 Honda Element
  By SONYA P. - December 21 - 2:00 am

  I LOVE THE TRUCK, THE ONLY THING I WOULD CHANGE IS THE BACKDOORS. I WOULD PREFER THAT THEY OPEN WITHOUT HAVING TO OPEN THE DRIVERS DOOR.

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  Ms. Elee - 2004 Honda Element
  By elee - December 21 - 2:00 am

  I love the functionality best of all!