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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  C-RV SE after Dodge Intrepid - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By John Van Fleet - October 9 - 2:40 am

  I hated to retire my 98 Intrepid with 133k mi., the best vehicle I had ever owned. The replacement vehicle came to a decision between a 2005 Ford Escape which I had rented in Tampa and the Honda CR-V. After discussions with owners, reading this website and commercial reviews of both vehicles, I opted for the CR-V. My decision was based on economy, safety and reliability -- all superior in the Honda. The Intrepid is more comfortable, but I am satisfied with the Honda. The Intrepid averaged 20-24 mpg, the Escape 19 mpg, and the Honda gets 24-30 mpg! One consumer magazine could not recommend the Escape because of a propensity to rollover. Side airbags and canopy are standard in the CR-V SE.

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  Best car Ive had so far - 1999 Honda Prelude
  By Alexusf - October 9 - 2:00 am

  This car handles better than a BMW on curves, Its close proximity to the ground helps it stick to the road, and its wide body helps keep it balanced at alla times.

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  Fun, inexpensive ride, gr8 fro college - 1992 Honda Civic
  By saX - October 9 - 2:00 am

  Low to no maintaining cost, fuel efficient,very reliable.

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  Good small reliable car - 1990 Honda Civic
  By sg330e3 - October 9 - 2:00 am

  I have this car for a year and have no problems with it. Just some rust.

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  Insight - 2003 Honda Insight
  By cars - October 9 - 2:00 am

  Its great. The perfect car for anyone.

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  Love my new Honda - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By Scully - October 8 - 1:50 pm

  We just purchased our new Honda Odyssey with the addition of our second child. The interior is so plush. It is like riding in your favorite recliner from your living room. The van handles well with good exceleration. The important features to me were: interior, safety, reliability, and price.

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  I love it - 2004 Honda Element
  By greyhound - October 8 - 10:00 am

  Its the best car I ever had

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  Love my car - 2004 Honda Element
  By jewlesinaz - October 8 - 10:00 am

  This is my second Element, I had a 2003 as well. The AWD seems to eat up alot more gas than the FWD. If another Element comesout in 2005, I will buy it as well.

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  Hondas kick ass! - 2004 Honda Element
  By cherry4me - October 8 - 10:00 am

  This is the second honda I have had. I had a 93 civic for 7 years, it was great. This 03 element is even better. Still small, only 11 inches longer than the civic. Great gas milage, & safer to drive now that Im not so low to the ground.

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  35000 Miles & Still Happy - 2003 Honda Civic
  By Hybrid Owner - October 8 - 10:00 am

  Stats: avg 500+ mi/tank, avg 47.0 mpg over 35k mi. My car seemed to have about a 10k mile break-in period before 50 mpg per tank became common. Winter also lowers the mpg per tank to low to mid 40s. Highly recommend the manual to get better performance. From a purely economic standpoint (I bought for other reasons) it is better to buy a normal Civic. Assuming you get a 47 mpg hybrid for a final cost of $19k and you get about $500 back in taxes from your deduction, a normal civic at 35mpg would show a breakeven at 100k miles for a cost of $17150 at $1.90/gal of gas. You can get a pretty sweet normal Civic for $17150 and not take the hybrid battery risk