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 SUV - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By Crystal - June 4 - 11:27 pm

  We travel everywhere in the pilot with no worries. Great on gas and excellent on reliability. Very glad we bought this vehicle.

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  Performance with verve - 2002 Honda S2000
  By signore - June 4 - 9:29 pm

  Not just a head-turner, but a performance sports car that handles with quick & smooth response. The vtech can become addictive at first and the owner needs to choose the time and place to downshift, step on the gas, and be thrown back in your seat! If you want to maneuver through traffic, you dont need to crank it up or slowly guide it to where you want to go, just do it! Reliable, well built. Have had no mechanical issues. Besides an extra set of tires, nothing but regular maintenance. Got great lines, power, and just downright fun to drive. Easy to get to know, and once youre connected, it becomes your extension to the highway. You can move or cruise at will.

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  Not the quality I expected - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By patilo - June 4 - 2:46 pm

  After much review I opted for the CRV Special Edition. I had driven a Camry and loved the ride. My CRV still feels awkward. The road noise is horrible, reminds me of my 76 Pinto! I am looking for a replacement. The AWD is what lured me to the CRV.

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  Si = performance, handling and economy - 2007 Honda Civic
  By Thunder - June 4 - 11:13 am

  The split-level dash is awesome - almost like having a heads-up display. The car reads your mind on changing directions, and accelerates very un-Honda-like when desired. Its a little loud inside, and the ride is like that of a full-size truck, but overall it strikes an exceptional balance between sport and function, and gets 33 hwy MPG. In almost 8K miles so far, Ive averaged better than 30 MPG overall - amazing, as I havent babied it. The low torque (139 lb-ft) of the Si relative to turbocharged competitors was a feature, as it allows me to be far more smooth than while trying to second-guess a turbo.

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  Six Weeks and Love It More! - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Hurls - June 3 - 10:40 pm

  After six weeks and 1100 miles I love this car more than when I purchased it. Please note that the EXL models are much more fun than the non-EXL and the V-6 with navigation is downright fun. I thought the non-EXL and the 4cyl, were a bit boring and actually felt like a Buick. Sorry, if you purchased one, just my opinion. I love the EXL-V6 with the navigation package. It is really worth the extra money. Fuel economy is not great, but not terrible. Drivers door is too far out at the top to serve as a left arm rest, becomes a problem on longer trips. Seats are a bit too firm for me. Some days the ride is excellent and others the bumps are felt right to the spine!

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  50+mpg, totally trouble free - 2001 Honda Insight
  By Dave - June 3 - 10:37 pm

  Except for no center armrest in console the best designed most efficient vehicle I have ever owned. Fun, cute, 10K miles mid-February to early june. 53mpg. average--with automatic, AC, PS, PB, PW, P. locks, P. mirrors. Comfortable and surprisingly roomy. 5 day round trip Tucson to San Francisco, driver and passenger and luggage - 38 gallons, $105, 1900 miles! And American Honda transferred the warranty (8 yr./100K miles) for $50 transfer fee, then informed me they had extended the driveline warranty from 8/100K to 10/150K.

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  My First Honda - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Don - June 3 - 7:13 pm

  I have owned many north American cars and several vws. Some were fun to drive but none of them was immune to requiring several ongoing repairs. Nearing retirement and after listening to many honda owners, I bought one. Have to say the comfort, look, design and how it drives is first rate. We wanted three things, heated seats and mirrors and an easy to get out of back seat for some aging friends. Back seat comfort and entry/exit are great. Very pleased and would buy another.

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  04 Element EX AWD - 2004 Honda Element
  By BSBDCAZ - June 3 - 3:00 pm

  The car is extremely versatile and roomy. Needs some option for the interior; carpet, upgraded upholstery etc...

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  Somewhat Disappointed - 2002 Honda Civic
  By Kaygee - June 3 - 12:32 pm

  Bought the car used with 34000 miles for 19 year old son. Gas mileage is big disappointment and the timing of the engine shifting seems to be off. Engine is noisy also. Tried to get an extra key made. Cost in excess of $100 because of computer chip in key cover (security feature). Also twice there has been a power interuption and had to get code from dealer to reset radio (another security feature). Battery died and could not shift car out of park to push out of garage. Will not buy another Honda because of all the security features that can be an real inconvenience to owner.

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  Honda crv-love it - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By BETTE - June 3 - 10:11 am

  It is fun to drive, reliable and functional. There is a lot of room if you need it. The seats fold down very easily.