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 plain vehicle - 2011 Honda CR-V
  By sean - April 7 - 7:05 pm

  Awesome engineering. easy to do small repairs on (air filters, etc.) I added foglights, it was easy, engineering is ergonomically amazing. poor performance, poor gas mileage, average or less than average stereo w/7 speakers. Everything else, though, is great. Great for the money. Bought cerfified used, was like brand new, leather seats are great, still is...just a great, reliable vehicle for the money.

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  My Sporty New Accord EX-L Navi - 2006 Honda Accord
  By KC Jefferies - April 7 - 10:30 am

  I did my home-work at Edmunds.com & Hondas website, which was pretty good. It helped me pick the car, color, & options, for a list price. Using a buying service, helped me get a great price! Actually driving a new one, showed me much improvement over my 97 Accord LX. The horsepower up 36, is at 166 & zippy! I ordered RED with spoiler, fog lights, & black bra, which gets the looks! The gray leather is excellent, making me feel like Im in my Dads Lexus. The CD Sound System, with XM radio, is superb & the cruise control right-on. What makes it really fun is the Navigation System. It controls the CD/Radio/XM & Air Conditioning with Voice Commands. I get 24 to 31 mpg, urban/hwy. Nice!

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  Definitely not a highway car - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By Buzzy - April 7 - 8:35 am

  The vehicle is an in-town performer. Quick and agile, good boat ramp puller, and plenty of family features. However, extreme road noise on the highway and lousy front brake rotor design makes for a disappointing product. If the load is light and the speeds are low, this is a good neighborhood vehicle. But a road warrior, it is not.

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  First Honda & I Am A Fan - 2006 Honda Civic
  By E Miller - April 7 - 8:23 am

  This is my first honda and let me just sum it up with one word - Impressed. This vehicle not only looks good it feels good to drive and its fun. My first fill up averaged 32mpg not quite the 40mpg but I have done a lot of stop and go driving and at 32mpg Im impressed. This car is not only the safest car it is fun to drive and nice to look at, the mp3/wma player just adds to that fun. I plan on owning this car for along time to come and pass it on to my now 9 yr old daughter when she is 16. Thanks Honda for making a product that is not only fuel efficent but safe and reliable all into one.

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  astonishing car for daily travel - 2006 Honda Accord
  By ricardo - April 7 - 3:50 am

  The best sedan under 30k, its just astonishing

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  Great SUV.. - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By omgjscj - April 7 - 2:00 am

  This is the first suv that i have ever owned. My pilot drive like a car, but with the plus of an suv. The interior has lots of space, unlike a car.

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  Happy New Owner - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By disport - April 7 - 2:00 am

  What can I say? Everything works as expected. Very comfortable ride. Very smooth engine/transmission, and its peppy. Solid construction with no squeaks.

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  lovin this car! - 2001 Honda Civic
  By sparkie - April 7 - 2:00 am

  This is the first car that i own. i drove my dads yukon xl for a year, but the gas mileage was killing me! my black honda civic is running great and taking good care of me in the snow and ice. this mileage is awesome! ive put over a hundred miles on the car in the last two days and only used a quarter tank of gas. the inside is larger than a jetta (my other option) which is nice, and for a small car, its roomy.

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  Worth it - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By quenames - April 6 - 9:06 pm

  This has been everything I hoped for: small SUV with tall storage/cargo, very good ground clearance, and tons of safety features. Its also easy for my 6 2" frame to get in and out of, and the flat floor front and rear is great. Fold down piece between front seats is handy. I agree that the black interior is a total pain to keep clean, and the CRV is certainly not to be confused with a smooth riding, good handling sedan--I have an Outback than is rock solid at 80. The CRV can feel a little loose after 70, especially with wind or if you need to do anything sudden. Beyond that, I have nothing but compliments and can confirm the 23/29 mileage that many others report.

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  Loved this car! - 2003 Honda Civic
  By Christina Charlot - April 6 - 3:18 pm

  I got this car brand new with 2 miles on it in April 2003. I traded it in last night after 13.5 years and 196k miles. Awesome car! Only issue was temp gauge that no matter what was replaced, kept acting up. Thats reason why I got a new car. But other than that it was an amazing car, reliable.