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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  Excellent Economy Car - 2001 Honda Civic
  By Snowman1090 - May 13 - 10:00 am

  I have an automatic and I must say that it is a great car to drive around town. It is compact and easy to drive. It gets great gas mileage and it has enough room inside for the size of the car.

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  Love My Honda - 2001 Honda Civic
  By Rickya91 - May 13 - 10:00 am

  Great car totally reliable, engineered excellent, its right up their with the Corolla, I used to be a Toyota man, but Im starting to be a Honda fan after owning 4 Hondas and seeing how long those engines go.

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  Civic 2001 LX 4Dr Sedan - 2001 Honda Civic
  By Patricia Castellon - May 13 - 10:00 am

  This is the second time I have leased a civic and I have enjoyed the cars. They are very depandable, and most important to me they do not waste a lot of gas. If you are looking for a small, inexpensive, nice looking car.....this is the car for you.

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  civic SI - 2003 Honda Civic
  By eyss - May 13 - 10:00 am

  car is NICE, very fast, very silent, fun to drive. although is very well built, some of the interior moldings and panels come loos or dont fit perfectly. i am not sure if it is only my car, or an engineering flaw. otherwise, i have no complaints on this car.

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  My Honda Civic EX - 2003 Honda Civic
  By Spikeyhairboy12 - May 13 - 10:00 am

  My Honda Civic is the best car I ever owned. In 1989, I bought a Honda Accord, and had it til 1999. It had 237 thousand miles on it, and was in perfect condition. My Civic will last me 12 years.

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  Love This Car - 2003 Honda Accord
  By KevinV - May 13 - 10:00 am

  Love this car!! The 4 cylinder engine w/the 5 spd auto is outstanding. It has plenty of power for the highway as well as mountain roads. Driving this car gives me the impression that Im driving something alot more expensive. The overall quality is excellent.

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  What a vehicle - 2010 Honda CR-V
  By Mark - May 12 - 1:26 am

  2010 Honda CRV with navigation is amazing to drive. First the in dash GPS lowers the volume of the stereo so you can hear the turn by turn. The bluetooth feature for your cell phone performs outstanding. Loud and clear over your 7 stereo speakers. The backup camera is crystal clear and you can see wide angle what is behind you. Honda has added automatic headlights for this year and they perform flawlessly. The beefed up their engine giving a little more power on acceleration. Gas mileage improved about 1 mpg. Insurance rates actually went down because this vehicle is one of the safest vehicles to drive. Wider arm rest and redesigned front end adds to the vehicle. Deals are plenty.

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  Great Small SUV - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By Don - May 11 - 6:06 pm

  I love my CR-V. I own a 2000 Chevrolet Tahoe but was looking for a smaller SUV with better gas mileage. After much research I narrowed my choices down to a Honda CR-V and a Saturn Vue. I really wanted to Hybrid Saturn Vue, but after discovering that they were few and far between and that Saturn was having problems with the hybrid battery, I chose the Honda CR-V. Needless to say, I am VERY happy I chose my Honda CR-V EX-L. My wife has had both a Honda Civic and two Accords, and I purchased a 2000 Honda CR-V for my daughter as a college graduation present, but this is my first Honda. I love the styling, ride, comfort and all of the extras that make the CR-V EX-L a "poor mans luxury SUV"

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  Love it - 2004 Honda Element
  By elemental - May 11 - 1:13 pm

  The Element is everything I thought it would be and more. Its stylish, comfortable and handles well on the road. Its particularly great for my big dog who is older and has trouble getting in and out of most cars. This ones a cinch for her. Plus its easy to clean up after a weekend at the beach. And the cargo space!!!

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  Great Van, Cheap interior - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By texastenneys - May 11 - 2:00 am

  Weve had this van for a year now and its been fun to drive and reliable. We love the hooks in the back for grocery bags and the easiness of folding the rear chair into the floor. It drives like a car and has some real power to it! Interior quality is cheap. Within the first few months two of the arm rests had broken and the "handle bar" for lack of a better term that is located on the rear of the passenger seat broke off.