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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  Never buy gas again! - 2005 Honda Civic
  By Bud - January 1 - 6:56 pm

  I am extremely satisfied with this car. In California, I can drive in the carpool lanes by myself and park at parking meters for free. The single greatest feature of this car is home refueling. With the Phill compressor in my garage, I never have to go to the gas station again. Its also the lowest emission internal combustion engine ever made. Its very good for the environment and easy on your wallet too.

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  Great car - 2009 Honda Accord
  By jimmy de - January 1 - 4:00 am

  Ive owned Hondas for the past 12 years and this car is as nice as any Ive had. Performance of the 4cyl. engine seems a bit weaker than my past 2 Accords but is by no means a dog. Complaints about the seats being uncomfortable dont factor into my opinion at all. I find them very comfortable especially for long trips across Texas. I find them a bit low for exit, but not a problem at all when Im in the car. I drive in the El Paso area quite a bit and as far as fuel economy is concerned, I get almost 28 mpg on every tank of gas. This car is a keeper and Ill continue to buy Hondas in the future.

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  good car - 2001 Honda S2000
  By mike2004 - January 1 - 2:00 am

  had carerra & prefer s2k

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  It fits me - 2005 Honda Element
  By mveach - December 31 - 12:03 pm

  I stopped by just to lock inside one. Test drove it. Took it home for the weekend and, didnt want to give it back. The room in the front did it for me. I hate things close to my face. No problem here. My wife has a pilot and for every day use, I prefer the Element. My grand kids love the rear seats. They set up high enough to see out.

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  Glad I waited - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By Mike - December 31 - 8:00 am

  Im glad I waited for the new CRV. Was about to get a new RAV4 but did not like the large spare tire on the back. The new CRV looks great and you cant beat the build quality of Honda. One dealership had a $2500 mark-up above MSRP. My dealership never does that and I got a good deal considereing i was getting one from their 1st shipment. The transmission is really smooth - car is extremely quiet. One-touch sun roof cant be heard. Room is fine. Thought I might ge the LX, but the price differnec between the LX and EX isnt all that much. Great looking - gets unanimous praise for looks - really happy with this car.

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  Japanese Auto Manufacturers Have 100% Pe - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By whitenavajo - December 30 - 10:33 pm

  After a long wait we purchased the newly redesigned 2007 CR-V. We are thrilled with everything about this car. The turning radius is amazing! The interior is extremely roomy and very well made. The leather cleans up great. The liftgate now opens up and not to the side so you can be parked inside a garage and open it with no problems. The cargo area has a dual decker shelf that can be removed. We love this little car.

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  Best so far! - 2005 Honda Accord
  By Charles P - December 30 - 2:23 am

  All the inside of the car works great. Controls are easy to read and love the climate control. I must say the 4 has all the horse. The car key was big in the hand at first, But it does some great things, Door and trunk opener. Another Great option on keys you can hold open button on for 3-4 sec and all 4 windows open. Nice leather seats, like the feel.

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  Solid, reliable, practical - 1998 Honda Odyssey
  By BS-NY - December 30 - 2:00 am

  Is it a sports car? No, its a minivan. And its about as good as they get. The older model -- slightly smaller than the new one introduced in 1999 -- is more car-like in its size, handling, exit/egress and ride than any other minivan youll drive, including the newer Odysseys. Its reliable. Its economical. Its safe. So what if its just a little bit boring?

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  A dream to drive - 2003 Honda S2000
  By billmnt - December 30 - 2:00 am

  This car handles like a dream and makes driving fun again. Everyone that sees it loves it - sleek lines, great handling, very classic styling.

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  1997 SE HONDA ACCORD - 1997 Honda Accord
  By gdnstar - December 30 - 2:00 am

  I HAVE REALLY ENJOYED THE 1997 HONDA ACCORD. I HAVE HAD FEW MECHANICAL PROBLEMS. I WILL NOTE THAT I HAVE HAD 2 SENSORS GO OUT, FORTUNATELY THEY WERE COVERED UNDER THE HONDA EMISSIONS WARRANTY.