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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  Great car - 1995 Honda Accord
  By bugox - July 3 - 2:00 am

  This is my fourth Honda/Acura. I have owned the car since new. It has 100k and the only thing I have done is routine stuff-tune ups, brakes, tires and battery. Mostly city driving too. Dont love the power, not thrilled by the styling, but it does what its supposed to do-gets me from point a to b reliably and fairly cheap.

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  Almost Perfect - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By Nick in Canada - July 3 - 1:10 am

  Ive been researching small SUVs for a few months now and decided to go with the CR-V mainly because Ive owned Hondas and always been happy with them. This is a really sharp looking little truck and a lot of fun to drive. I love everything about it with one exception, I wish it had a tad more leg room. Im 6 tall and I wish the seat moved back another 2" so I could stretch out a bit better on long trips. The gas mileage is good but not as good as they list on their web site. Ive been driving like a granny trying to see how good I could do with mileage but I have not gotten very close to the listed mileage yet.

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  Very well designed - 1996 Honda Civic
  By MR - July 2 - 2:00 am

  Never had a single problem in 2 years. Love the utility, reliability and looks. Plenty of room to haul stuff (if you need to). Not sure why so many people feel they need an SUV.

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  Love our Honda CRV - 2009 Honda CR-V
  By mac - July 1 - 9:30 pm

  This is our second Honda, having a civic before. The drive & handling is very nice. The CRV is very comfortable. We bought the EXL and are glad we did - added extras are worth the money. We looked at both the CRV & the Rav4 for several weeks before we bought. We know we made the right choice. Everything about this car is quality. We love our CRV -- The engine does the job quite well - its not a hod rod and we did not purchase this vehicle thinking we could go 0-60 in 4 seconds. It cruises great at 70 on the interstate. I would have bought a six cyl. had they made it, but its not necessary.

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  Mini Hummer but reliable - 2003 Honda Element
  By Chipper - July 1 - 10:00 am

  Great ride and handling. Last tank on the road I got 25mpg. Looks like a refrigerator on wheels but lots of storage space -- great for my dog. Reliability to date outstanding.

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  I love my Pilot - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By Su - July 1 - 10:00 am

  Best ride for a full size SUV, great gas mileage. Very comfortable all the way around. After having owned a Ford Explorer I feel like I moved into a luxury vehicle.

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  Loving it!! - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By DPaddock - July 1 - 10:00 am

  I love my odyssey. All the room, the magic seat, the gas milage, the power doors, and all the rest. What more can we ask for.

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  Should have a 3-point star on the hood! - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Paul C - July 1 - 10:00 am

  This car could have Mercedes Badges on it and everyone would believe it was German. Silky smooth power and lots of it. Top notch build quality. Ultra quiet and smooth with terrific handling. I never thought Id say it but the Honda NAV system is worth $2000! The best integrated NAV systme ever put in an automobile. I would recommend this car to anyone looking for an upscale family sedan. Add a spoiler to correct that ugly tail that honda designed. It makes all the difference IMO.

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  Excellent car... - 2007 Honda Civic
  By budhaboy - July 1 - 9:46 am

  I bought a CRV earlier this summer, and was blown away by the quality and performance. When my second car spontaneously combusted, I decided to replace it with a civic. My initial motivation was the gas milage (as it was with the CRV), but Ive been truly impressed with the performance (While it isnt as fast as my old turbo beetle, it gets superior gas mileage, and isnt as fear inspiring as the Volvo was when entering the freeway), as well as the ergonomics.

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  Meets all of my needs! - 2006 Honda Civic
  By John - July 1 - 2:50 am

  I wanted an attractive, reliable, comfortable, 2dr automatic that got great gas mileage--thats what I got. Happy!