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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  A Cross-over that won me over - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By Darkknight - March 29 - 6:50 am

  I was looking for a fun AWD SUV that drives like a car. A used BMW X3 with navi and heated seats was my first choice, but I couldnt find one at a reasonable price. Plus I estimated insurance and gas to be expensive with this car. I considered the RDX but the fuel economy was horrible. So the CR-V was the best alternative. It drives like a car, has all the features I wanted, better fuel economy (but not great) and the new redesign was a huge improvement. I never would have considered this car if not for the redesign. The navi and leather package makes the car feel more luxurious. Everyone thought I was nuts for buying this car until I gave them a ride. This car will surprise people.

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  into the ground - 1991 Honda Accord
  By drivingintotheground - March 29 - 2:00 am

  I just logged 200,000 miles. If the body doesnt fall apart, it will go another 200,000. Rust is starting to get it. But this car always works. Change the timing belt and water pump and your good to go. I hope to retire with it in about 20 years

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  NO OTHER LIKE THIS ONE - 2001 Honda S2000
  By SHANNON MCDONALD - March 29 - 2:00 am

  Unbelievable! For performance, I have yet to see any car with a natural aspirated four cylinder (or six) come close. OK, the 350Z isnt far behind, but I drove both vehicles with a bias FOR Nissan before deciding on the USED Honda. Sorry Datsun enthusiasts, but the Honda has the heart of high performance two- seaters, much like the 240 had in the 70s. I have put 40,000 miles on this car and still get a thrill every time I push the start button. Life is definitely better at 9000 RPM.

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  198,000 and still going strong - 1997 Honda Accord
  By wreckbum - March 29 - 2:00 am

  I purchased this vehicle with 150 miles. I fell in love with it and still am. It has 198,000 miles and I know it can still go another 100,000. The power windows in the front were always slow, but no problems. I drive on the highway alot and the car performs great many long trips doing 85 to 100 mph continously. The CV joint boots did not go until 90,000, where in most foreing cars I have owned break in 35,000. No mechanical problems have occured. Had 2 major accidents and the car still performs great. I will never buy another make but Honda.

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  We Love it - 2007 Honda Civic
  By JRF - March 29 - 12:06 am

  Our Civic came with leather and Essenza tires and pro max rims, and it rocks. We love this sweet machine and are getting about 35 mpg on top of great looks.

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  Had the Element for a year - 2004 Honda Element
  By jonnie - March 28 - 10:00 am

  OTHER THAN THE FRONT SEATS I REALLY LIKE THE CAR. I WOULD BUY IT AGAIN. THE WINDSHIELD WASHERS NEEDED FIXED AND THE CRUISE CONTROL STUCK AND NEEDED REPLACED. GREAT CAR THOUGH.

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  Unbelievable technology package - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By pecan38 - March 28 - 10:00 am

  It is an incredible package, the amount of technology that is crammed into this car is just amazing!! Honda paid attention to almost every detail and made improvements in every area. This ody drives like a car and the body roll is minimal if not non-existent. However, Honda did not finish the job. They have added memory seats, well the feature appears to memorize only the seat positions and it does not seem to memorize the rear view mirror positions. Only one of the the power windows has an auto up and down feature. For a car costing 42k(drive out), Id expect it all the Windows to have auto up and down feature.

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  Worth the Wait! - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By smitty1 - March 28 - 10:00 am

  After looking extensively at the 04 Honda, Toyota and Nissan, we decided to wait for the Honda redesign and glad we did. It has everything and more the Toyota offered for ~$4500 less. Only complaint is DVD system wouldnt eject disk after first use and had to be replaced. Paid MSRP on 10/15.

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  Honda Does It Again - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By CAS - March 28 - 10:00 am

  If you are looking for the next generation of minivans, you must look at the Honda. It has features that make driving it just a delight such as all the sliding doors are powered and the warning sensors which tell you in the front or rear how close you are to another object. The way you can easily reconfigure the interior makes it useful for almost anything you need.

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  Review - 2004 Honda Civic
  By Janie - March 28 - 10:00 am

  I have enjoyed the quiet, reliable, comfortable performance of this car. I get 40 to 44 MPG gasoline during the cooler months. People comment on the beauty and the quiet performance of the engine. I am amused every time someone asks me, "You dont ever have to plug it in?"