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:

• 

  Good car but not for me - 2000 Honda Civic
  By Cheast - November 15 - 2:00 am

  I have nothing against my Si. Its a quick little car but there are a few things i dont like about it. First off, if youre not shifting every 2 seconds you will find yourself winding every gear out to almost 5k rpms. You almost need to do this with the lack of torque that the Si has. My 92 Sentra SE-R(151k miles) is so much more enjoyable to drive and picks up a lot better around town. If I had to do it over again I would have just bought the sentra and saved the other 15 grand I wasted.

• 

  In Honda Heaven - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By smokehouse - November 15 - 2:00 am

  I intentionally waited awhile after purchasing before giving my review, so the novelty of owning such a vehicle wore off. However after about 6 months I am very pleased. Its a pleasure to drive. Spend the money and youll be glad come trade in time. The extra I paid for the DVD player more than paid for itself when I was cohersed into taking the in-laws on a trip. Popped in a John Wayne Flick and never heard a peep from Mommy and Daddy Dearest. Oh ya the kids dont fight half as much either.

• 

  Our Odyssey is great! - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By VegasDJ - November 15 - 2:00 am

  Weve only had it a month and a half, but compared to our 1994 Plymouth Voyager, this van is a dream. One setback is that it gets 17-19 miles per gallon on the highway. Two advantages that the Voyager has however, are rolling door locks and a light under the hood which is convenient if you have to check your oil level or some other thing at night.

• 

  CRV a bargain - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By fredrab - November 15 - 2:00 am

  Comfortable, quality is obvious, especially for a relatively inexpensive SUV. 4 cyl. engine really feels closer to a 6 cyl.& I am really pleased with the power. Very ergonomic interior. Compared to other compact SUVs, the CRV is larger and is a real bargain. The RT AWD makes a ride on slick roads feel very secure.

• 

  Honda CRV EX - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By Musikar - November 15 - 2:00 am

  Love the car just needs a few improvements. 1. Gear Shifter gets in the way of radio making in hard to reach programmed radio buttons. 2. Road Noise. Sometimes sounds like a window is open. Try opening the moonroof feel the air come thrrough the electric window openers on the drivers side door. 3. Radio could sound better. 4. small glove box.

• 

  Just want to keep driving - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Love This HONDA - November 15 - 2:00 am

  Love this car, this is the second Honda Accord I have owned, and this is byfar the best. Owned a Nissan Altima (new) for 8 months and hated it, had to trade for this car, would do it again in a heartbeat.

• 

  2004 Accord EX V6 - 2004 Honda Accord
  By Deen - November 15 - 2:00 am

  I would give this vehicle an overall 8.5 out of 10 for a car in this category. Its definitely fun to drive and a good improvement from the 02/03 models. I think Honda should add more luxury features and try to make it more of a sports vehicle. Otherwise, not a bad ride!

• 

  5 months on - 2006 Honda Civic
  By extra__o - November 15 - 12:50 am

  Weve had our 2006 EX sedan (manual trans) for 5 months now. Gas mileage in town runs 35-38 mpg, and on trips where I can use the cruise control weve gotten over 43 honest to God mpg with the A/C on all the time. --On regular gas mind you, and no pokin along, either. Im talkin 75-80 miles per hour cruise (here in Mexico thats pretty standard highway speed). I also cant believe the NYT reviewer actually drove the car and complained about the acceleration - the car does 0-60 in about 8 & 1/2 seconds. That wont intimidate any Maserati owners, but itstill quicker than 90% of everything else on the road.

• 

  Incredible car - 1999 Honda Civic
  By Drew Hyatt - November 15 - 12:32 am

  I have had this car for over a year now and it currently has over 185k on it. Six mo. after getting it my brother got the tail end hit by a truck and bent the frame but I didnt know until 2 mo. later when I was working on the dent. It still handled great and I found it had been in at least 2 more unreported accidents but you couldnt tell from driving. I even put it in a ditch and a 4 wheel alignment later it drove just like before. I had a minor electrical issue that no one but the Honda people could find, but other than that no problems(it will drive 100mi w/o alternator w/ 5spd, nothing on, and starting twice). Amazing car and I will be sorry to see it go to get a lower mileage one.

• 

  Still new - 2010 Honda Accord Crosstour
  By maine - November 14 - 10:53 pm

  We have only owned the Crosstour for 2 week but so far everything is working the way the dealership said it would. Being 610" tall I find it a little hard getting in and out, but once inside the leg and head room are adequate. My wife is 53" and fits just fine. We like the auto. adjusting sets. Open the door with Key 1 and the seat and mirrors set up for me; or use Key 2 and it set up for her to get into. The audio is awesome.