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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  Happy with my Honda :) - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By JMM - December 31 - 12:36 pm

  After driving a 98 Envoy that was getting 16mpg and getting fed up with paying for expensive repairs, I decided it was time to update our family vehicle. Researched for months, decided pretty much on the CR-V and after reading an aritcle in Consumer Reports and how they rated it, I was convinced. Have had it for 2 months I am still happy with my choice. I didnt sacrifice much room, our yellow Labrador still fits great in cargo area, and am getting much better gas mileage. Our 2 teenage sons love this SUV, our 16 year old enjoys driving it, our 13 year old loves the reclining back seats. I love the roominess in it and how it handles. A great SUV so far!

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  My other vehicle costs over $100K - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By High End Owner - December 31 - 2:43 am

  Ive had my RTL Ridgeline for 5 months now and it is a real pleasure. My other car is a 2005 Mercedes SL500 and that car is fun too BUT -- The Hondas sound system is better and the vehicles ride is more comfortable!! Cost was no object for me and I went for the rear view camera - very neat. I traded in a 2002 Tacoma 4cyl -- (dreadfully underpowered for So. Cal) a big step up from that. I bought this without getting my wifes OK - deciding immediately after a test drive. When she rode it, she immediately understood and fully approved. I dont put many miles on my vehicles and need more than a 2-seater (COSTCO)- this fits the bill. I OWN this vehicle -- I LEASE the SL500!

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  Can hold its own agains most cars - 1997 Honda Prelude
  By rlee - December 31 - 2:00 am

  Hi yall, My parents bought me my first car 2 years ago, a brand spanken new prelude in black. This car is great. Acceleration is good, handling is superb and it looks great. I think this car is best in its class, u can even compare its performance to bmws and benzs coupes. The build quality is excellent. the sastisfaction of a pure manual...its too bad they stope making them..oh well, i guess that makes them more unique.

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  Great car - 1993 Honda Accord
  By dub - December 31 - 2:00 am

  This was the first thing I bought when I finished college. I still have the car today, and it still runs great. You just follow the recommended Honda maintenance scheule, and you get no problems. Ive had to replace the battery, a couple of lights, and the muffler. Great car.

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  I like it - 1996 Honda Accord
  By john wood - December 31 - 2:00 am

  I will drive this car into the ground. It runs perfectly and I will give it the proper maintence, both body and engine, to make sure it stays that way. Looking to get 400k miles out of her.

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  BEST I EVER OWNED - 1999 Honda CR-V
  By DBINGHAM - December 31 - 2:00 am

  COMPLETE TROUBLE FREE DRIVING.

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  Just Bought 03 CR-V - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By mitch60 - December 30 - 10:00 am

  I just purchased a new CRV - 2003 EX model. I love the acceleration, build quality, expected reliability from Honda, and the quality interior. It is a small vehicle (I also have a Pilot), but it has nice handling, great turning radius, and relatively smooth ride. First tank of gas (around town) delivered 23+ mpg. Dealer was excellent to deal with - very professional (my wife actually did the deal and they treated her as the smart person that she is).

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  Everythings A Okay - 2000 Honda Accord
  By manager - December 30 - 10:00 am

  My 2000 Honda Accord EX has been wonderful. My wife and I love it. We have a 2.3L VTEC engine which allows us the power we wanted in a car, but the fact that its a 4-cyl. has been great. We save so much money on gas and the gas mileage is unbelievable. We have driven the car approximately 8500 miles in 6 months and weve not had a single problem. I change the oil regularly and check the fluids and this car rides like a dream. It performs wonderfully on the interstate, county roads, and in the city. We are very satisfied with Honda and the Accord EX.

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  I love my accord - 2001 Honda Accord
  By cesko - December 30 - 10:00 am

  This has been the most solid car that Ive ever bought. Very smooth ride. You can jsut tell in driving it that its put together very well

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  Driving a Video Game - 2003 Honda Civic
  By Chip Marshall - December 30 - 10:00 am

  Zero problems in 17k Miles. Average calculated MPG 44.25, several 600+ mile tanks. Fantastic integration of technology. It is fun to drive and to chalenge yourself to exceed previous efforts at fuel economy. Extremely smooth transmission since it never shifts.