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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  Enjoying my new CRV - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By KCD - February 26 - 2:40 pm

  I finally traded in my 2005 CRV for a 2016 SE AWD model. Overall, I am very satisfied with having decided to by another CRV. The ride is much more smooth and quiet. It feels like it handles much better. The interior is a step up in quality and feels more roomy. Its getting better gas mileage by about 4 mpg. And I finally have blue tooth and a backup camera. I chose the SE model because I wanted the larger, nicer looking wheels. Although the EX has some very nice features, I didnt feel like they were critical for me. While, I couldnt be happier with my choice, there are a few points about the vehicle that I am a little disappointed with. First of all, there seems to be less visibility behind me when I am backing up than I had in my 2005 CRV. I know there is a backup camera, but its new to me and still hard to judge what it picks up and where it has blind spots. There is less window area in the back, and I am still trying to get used to the driver side mirror that is split. Secondly, there is less room to stash my stuff up front. Theres a center console with two drink holders, some shallow storage spaces, and a covered deeper storage space that doubles as an armrest. My old CRV had a fold-down tray in place of the console and gave me plenty of room for my purse, other bags or books I might be carrying, etc. The acceleration can be a little sluggish when I want to get out of a tight spot, but that has been typical with all of the Hondas that I have owned.

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  Great Vehilce - 2005 Honda Accord
  By Jason Parker - February 26 - 1:43 pm

  Love the Car!!!!!!!!!!! It has great acceleration and is very fun to drive. This car will easly last you ten years. It is a great family car.

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  225,000 miles & tearing up the highway - 1993 Honda Accord
  By Lumberjack98 - February 26 - 2:00 am

  I run my cars hard with no mercy and this car is awesome like all the Hondas Ive owned! 225,000 miles and still tickin. Itll still cruise at 80 mph for hours without worry.

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  Honda S2000 - 2002 Honda S2000
  By Ray07 - February 26 - 2:00 am

  Great car, rides a little rough because of the suspension. Fun to drive and quick

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  Honda Truck - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By nbk89k7 - February 25 - 10:46 am

  This Honda truck is smooth, quiet, has lots of power and the interior is roomy & comfortable. Rides like a car, turns on a dime - I miss the keypad entry system my Ford had, but the Honda is worth every penny! It is fun & sporty, the sound system is awesome (inlcudes XM radio), & the navigation system comes in handy. It seems to have the typical Honda quality and construction.

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  Honda Ridgeline - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By Yyama456 - February 25 - 9:36 am

  This truck is great. It is extremely quiet. The interior is great. It is very comfortable, and this is the only truck available on the market that is reliable, safe, dependale, and that has a decent fuel economy. Thats why I love it. It has everything, and the quality is excellent.

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  It Just Keeps Going and Going! - 1990 Honda Prelude
  By marvelous - February 24 - 2:00 am

  I absolutely love Hondas because they are so reliable. I got this used while in college from a Honda mechanic so it was in great condition! Good pick-up, nice body style for a 13-year old car. Good visability, good on gas, decent size trunk. Reliable all the way around. Im at 227,000 and shes still going.

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  My Honda Odyssey Experience - 1998 Honda Odyssey
  By cmomgo - February 24 - 2:00 am

  I previously owned a Toyota Camry which was highly reliable. I had some revervations about switching, but this has been a top notch verhicle.

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  honda love - 2000 Honda Civic
  By steiny - February 23 - 10:00 am

  i only had my civic si for a year and i put 35000 mi on it. not one problem, its a fun car to drive, if i didnt have to sell it to get a truck i would still own it today, and since then ive bought another civic

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  Getting the Job Done - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By mrwheel - February 23 - 10:00 am

  Using a tape measure I found it was the same size as my old minivan. We dont use the room in an Odyssey enough to justify it. CRV is better on fuel economy, lower insurance cost and price. Most important was the reliability rating from consumers report. I love the maneuverability and feel. Doesnt turn heads but it gets the job done at a better price and dependability. The LEV ratings of 8 was a plus. Honda has done a great job with this vehicle. The dealer was the only one who did NOT pack the vehicle with overpriced junk and run up the price. I should get 10 years out of it.