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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  Super HONDA - 1994 Honda Accord
  By nando - May 26 - 3:29 pm

  I got my 1994 Accord on auction, it had 132,000 miles on it at the time, now the engine gave out due to a busted heater hose, I ran it hot, it had 482,000 miles on it, this baby just kept on ticking. This was my second 94 Honda, my first had 413,000 miles, then I donated it. They had a 4 cyl, great pick-up, and about 35 mpg, and smooth to drive, Honda lover forever.

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  The best SUV/Truck in the world! - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By Brent - May 26 - 3:07 pm

  Simple: Everything is top notch! I get over 550 km per tank -- about 22 mpg. So fun to drive! Love it ! Love it! Love it!

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  The CRV - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By Charles Costa - May 26 - 8:02 am

  This is an exceptional car for the price. And, the fold up rear seats create the room I need in my work

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  A lot of car for the price. - 2010 Honda Civic
  By Hondriver - May 25 - 11:13 pm

  I bought a 2010 Honda Civic Sedan Auto LX-S in Atomic Blue on 4/24/10. It is a great car for the money. It is no race car, but has decent acceleration. Honda mainly had fuel economy in mind when designing this car. First tank averaged 32 MPG with combined city/highway driving. Handling is good even at higher speeds. Not much road noise noticed as mentioned in other reviews. The only thing I added after purchase was custom tint and front/rear splash guards. You can remedy all the suggested improvements listed below by going up to an EX, but I thought the rims were ugly and buying the LX-S saved me a few bucks. Incentives are good for Hondas right now as it is more of a buyers market.

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  The little engine that could - 1998 Honda Civic
  By Michael - May 25 - 2:47 am

  Got it brand new at 12 miles, around the 7th yr / 70,000 parts start to break down, 2 oxygen sensors (1st around 73k, 2nd around 110k), 2 drive shafts (around 80k), 1 radiator (110k), 1 broken alternator (95k), 1 cracked manifold catalytic housing (around 60k, except for the sound, it drives great). I make many long trip per year now so I decided to get another car and retired the Civic ~125k. Someday Ill fix it up properly which would cost around 1k to 2k. The Civic is really fun to drive, the interior is so simple which I really like. The engine can high rev and goes no where fast which is fun and funny to me. This car was very reliable and have never left me stranded.

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  Very pleased thus far - 2010 Honda CR-V
  By brenda - May 24 - 8:09 pm

  Up to today, I can say Im quite pleased and happy with my CR-V. Its just right for me and my family. I enjoy its peppiness and comfort. And its fun to drive! We just took it on a 5 hr road trip with no complaints. I also love the glacier blue color. Very pleased with this purchase. I hope I continue to enjoy it.

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  Its a HONDA - 2003 Honda Accord
  By claudiawb1 - May 23 - 4:26 pm

  I love my Honda. As I told my granddaughter before I let her drive it, wehen you step on the gas it goes and when you step on the brake it stops. It is a neat car. Great styling. Seven years old and I still love it.

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  1999 Honda civic ex couple in silver - 1999 Honda Civic
  By David - May 22 - 11:12 pm

  I have been driving this car for 6 months now, and I love it. I bought it with 81,000 miles on it and have not had a single problem with it. If you take care of it and do all the regular maintenance this car will run like a top. In cold weather the gas mileage will be in the mid to high 20s in the city and low 30s highway. Summertime the gas mileage has been better Im in low 30s all the time and almost got to 36 on the last tank which was mostly city driving, I throw it in neutral and coast down hills when I can that makes the mpg go up. This car has power if you want to use it you have to shift over 5500 rpm for the V-TEC to kick in and then its fast.

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  MY CR-V 2010 - 2010 Honda CR-V
  By Bebotski - May 22 - 7:56 pm

  The only drawback I see in my CR-V is that whenever I hit a gap or mid size hole in the pavemen (road) the front suspension makes a load metal noise it seems like the suspension in the front is not quite silent compared at the rear. thats the only thing I notice rather than that it is an excellent car.

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  Far more advanced then other vans - 1997 Honda Odyssey
  By Ruchy - May 22 - 7:54 pm

  We bought this van for $500, yes it needed work ( suspension ), it does have 259k on it. Why any one would buy another van is beyond me, if you have $3k to spend pick one up, even if it has a lot of miles. This van is FAR MORE advanced than anything from this year all the way up until now. The ride is great, the gas mileage is superior even to anything now, for a 6-7 passenger vehicle. I wish they still had them but Honda decided to use a 6 cylinder, boo-hoo. I call this car a wagon on steroids, we take it when we go on any outings because it is very comfy and roomy. Drive one, youll buy it.