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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  Old trustee - 1991 Honda Prelude
  By Steve - May 16 - 12:30 pm

  I owned this car for almost 8 years. It was my second car and it set the bar high considering I bought it at 10 years old. The steering was nimble and the handling was crips, with a lot of feedback. The brakes were excellent at stopping the car, with little fade. The B21A1 took quite a pounding from me in the early years, and kept on ticking. The hydraulic clutch was excellent and I never had to replace it. The first owner never had to replace it, so as far as I know it was original with 131,000 miles on it! It was by far, one of the best cars I drove in the snow and it was only front wheel drive! I traded the car in last night and miss it already. Goodbye old trustee!

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  CRV - 2009 Honda CR-V
  By Liss - May 16 - 6:16 am

  Good reliable car never a problem, will get a same new this year

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  Pilot - Big Win for Honda !! - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By GRFPilot - May 16 - 2:00 am

  Amazing how much room has ben engineered into the cabin. Very spacious and comfortable design. Ride quality is excellent, 4WD performed very well during winterstorms. Fuel mileage is excellent, with regular fuel! Has won so many awards most notably from Consumer Reports 2 years running.

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  plastic honda - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By robert morris - May 16 - 2:00 am

  you never know about a vehicle until you wash it. the plastic in a tide bottle seems of a better quailty than the product on the front of our honda.before you buy look under the front the plastic under the engine doesnt completly extend all the way across leaving two small holes on either side. honda wouldnt admit it seemed to be a error. sloppy for a honda. they have learned how to make less look like more.

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  I thought Honda was the best - 2001 Honda Civic
  By DoBetterPls! - May 16 - 2:00 am

  We thought the perfect car for my husband and then pass it on to my teenager, but we noticed it did not handle good and the suspension is horrible. very disappointed to find that there is a defective part in the transmission. Had to go back and forth to dealer to find out. The sensor light would go on and off. disappointed with my 2001.

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  My Little Silver Honda CRV - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By Charla - May 16 - 2:00 am

  I love my new CRV. Love the manual transmission! It has pretty good power. When you look at it from the outside it looks small, but get in it and it has lots & lots of room. I like the style on the outside compared to the old boxy style they used to make. Feels very sturdy to drive, handles great,and runs very smooth. It is a great price for the EX 5 speed and you get more for your money with all the options.

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  CR-V C Me Smile - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By x-man - May 16 - 2:00 am

  A great SUV at a great price, with good milage.

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  Good for the price - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By Lovit - May 16 - 2:00 am

  After getting rid of 13 yr old Accord, I did extensive research on small SUVs and decided that CRV was the best for the money. Even though only after a week of owning the car, the trunk had a minor problem, I still think that CRV was a good choice. It drives smooth, comfortable. I agree with many reviewers that CRV is rough on bumpy roads, but I expected that when I bought a SUV. I was buying a SUV, not a car.

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  Honda LX RDS - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Randy Swager - May 16 - 2:00 am

  Very good quality and performance.

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  Great Car!! - 2002 Honda Civic
  By OnestellarLove - May 16 - 1:23 am

  I purchased my Civic used with 35,000 miles on it. I currently hit the 90,000 mark and had the Honda maintenance done, and it runs like its brand new. Havent had any major problems, just typical wear and tear. Handling is great on the back roads around my house and dont even have to downshift to go up and down hills and around the S-turns. Great gas mileage, have made it to around 40-44 mph in daily driving (not highway). Definitely no complaints. Security features are FINE, car homes with a code that you punch in if the battery dies. Manual transmission is still shifting great and going strong. No problems with clutch, etc.