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:

• 

  Loving my Fit - 2007 Honda Fit
  By Indiana Dave - November 24 - 10:43 am

  Our family is really enjoying the Fit. Our small family of three and our full size dog "Fit" perfectly. Great amount of space and our gas mileage is around 38 mpg. I do alot of highway driving. Some things I would add to the base model. Cruise control, cant believe it isnt available. Center armrest. We have had no trouble with the car and would recommend it to anyone looking for a small car with great versatility.

• 

  Love it! - 2003 Honda Element
  By Mandy - November 24 - 10:00 am

  I went to the dealership to check out the Hybrid Civic (hated it!) and came home with an Element. With two 50- pound dogs, the interior is wonderful for my lifestyle! I have plenty of room for 2 large crates, or if its a short trip, I dont stress about the dog slobber or hair that gets all over the seats. It does take a while to get used to people looking at your car all the time. Ive gotten used to just waving at people when I notice them staring.

• 

  All That I Expected - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By totojack - November 24 - 10:00 am

  This is my first SUV and I dont think Ill ever go back to a regular sedan after being spoiled by being able to see so much better from the higher vantage point. I wanted an SUV that rode and drove like a sedan and had a high degree of reliability and safety. Resale value is also important to me, as well as decent gas mileage. The Honda Pilot delivers on every point and my wife and I both love it.

• 

  Above all others - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By Spyke - November 24 - 10:00 am

  Well I spent most of the last year looking for an SUV that I like and the CR-V stood above the rest. I test drove all I could between the $15,000 and $30,000 and the CR-V has to be the best for its price. Buy one, youll love it.

• 

  i love my crv!!!!!!!!!! - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By garnerjo - November 24 - 10:00 am

  The car is smooth riding, comfortable, good on gas and has a functional 4- wheel drive. I like the size - its a bit larger than a small suv but not quite a medium sized - so i feel like im not riding a house but its bigger and higher than a car and very roomy.

• 

  Family Van - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By dgates - November 24 - 10:00 am

  We purchased the Honda Odyssey to have a reliable van to pick up the grandchildren. After looking at all the vans available we focused on and bought the Honda. That was the best decision we could have made. The Van rides like a dream. Quiet, fast, very good in the curves and very good traction on the road surface. Even when the roads are very wet the Odyssey can be driven at a normal speed without any hazards. The gas milage is very good and I can recommend this Van to any family of single person that is looking for this type of vehicle.

• 

  Hooked on Hondas - 2003 Honda Civic
  By HappyGoLucky - November 24 - 10:00 am

  Exceptional value for price of the car. Very reliable and quality build. Fourth time Honda owner and will never leave the Honda Family. Love to drive and pass by gas stations. Got the 1.9 percent financing for 60 months. That was just icing on the cake for me. Had a wonderful experience with the dealership. Always recommend Hondas to friends and family. Never knew I would own a Civic after driving Preludes for many years. Drive 25 miles one way to work each day. Very impressed with this Civic.

• 

  Honda Civic Hybrid 4-door CVT - 2003 Honda Civic
  By B. Krause - November 24 - 10:00 am

  Everything about this vehicle is excellent: performance, mileage, comfort, reliability. The technology is especially impressive and we are hoping that Honda will create useful SUV class vehicles with hybrid technoloies that would be applicable to our field work, which is extensive. B. Krause

• 

  2017 CRV - 2017 Honda CR-V
  By Gail Downey - November 24 - 7:18 am

  Great car

• 

  Best Sport Compact on the market - 1998 Honda Prelude
  By John_C - November 24 - 2:00 am

  I have had my 98 lude for a little over two years and is the funest stock sport compact I have ever owned. I put 12,000 miles on the car annually and not a single mechanical problem yet to date!!!! This car handles well with the stock suspension, fast as hell off the line -- especially if you take it to the red line. Styling is sleek and the ride is firm and comfortable Like the title says, best sport compact on the market not only because it looks great, is fast and fun to drive, but because it displays the reliability you would expect from a Honda!!