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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  2 Months with New CR-V - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By CR-V Owner - December 19 - 11:33 am

  Pros: Ride, handling, navigation and fuel economy. Before buying car I thought power is not enough on the highway but with little bit of acceleration you have the power you want. I am not a sort of fast driver so power is more than enough for me. The car handles very smoothly and it is comfortable. Road noise is like other good car. I cant understand why some people are talking about it. Interier is really nice, all the buttons on the steering lightup when head lights on.

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  Our return to Honda - 2005 Honda Accord
  By David T - December 19 - 7:03 am

  Purchased this car for my Wife and 16 year old daughter to share. The quality is as excellent as expected and the performance is just right for its intended use. We almost purchased the new VW Jetta, then came to our senses and walked next door then drove home with the new Accord Coupe. Whew! that was a close call. There is no comparison. We are very pleased with our purchase and just really like this car.

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  A True Bargain for American Motoring - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By HondaBeliever - December 19 - 4:56 am

  This new model is a distinct improvement over the initial CR-V. The engine is far more adequate, while maintaining good fuel economy. The appearance and interior design are substantially improved. I love all of those quaint cubby holes for storage that Honda designs into their vehicles.

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  An affordable Accord - Value Package - 2007 Honda Accord
  By Ted Detjen - December 19 - 4:30 am

  We began looking at the Honda Civic but discovered that for a few hundred dollars more we could purchase an Accord. The Value Package includes front and side airbags, cruise control, anti-lock brakes, power windows, remote entry and locking, air conditioning with filtration, and a CD/Radio combination. The four cylinder engine and five speed transmission is smooth and peppy.

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  CRV - Smaller SUV but Excellent - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By Mary - December 19 - 2:03 am

  The Honda CRV is an excellent, smaller SUV. We are a family of four and it suits our needs perfectly. Comfortable seats (my husband is 6 3" and the seat adjusts higher or lower), great turning radius, good gas mileage and lots storage in the rear. More importantly very low maintenance! Just keep getting the oil changed and itll run forever.

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  Car is awesome - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By Zeiad tadros - December 19 - 1:55 am

  I just bought this car from a private party the car is awesome I never buy American cars they are garbage. You could not give me an American car for free I wont take it. I love this small SUV great on gas

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  Beware - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By Gman - December 19 - 1:46 am

  Overall design is good. Many features not on other mini vans such as rear windows, storage, overall ride is good. First vehicle of several I have owned that doesnt come close to the stated fuel economy. Also, due to location of A/C condenser coil being low, unprotected, and up against front bumper makes it the most vulnerable design in industry to "common gravel" damage (not rocks or road debris). Mine was damaged by common gravel (1/8") after just 7,000 miles.

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  Woefully underpowered - 1998 Honda CR-V
  By Harleydude - December 19 - 12:03 am

  At 126 horsepower you better live in an area where there arent any hills! I live in WNY, in the Allegany Highlands and climbing the hills around here it sounds like the car is going to blow-up. Also, I am only averaging 20 MPG which for a 4 cylinder is horrible. When it rain the ABS light stays on until it dries out. No arm rest for the front passenger. For the top-of-the-line model the seats are not very comfortable. Fogs up inside during the winter or wet weather. Latch to open the back gate rusts up all the time due to poor location and design. Very disappointed for being a Honda.

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  A Fabulous "F"-Rating All Around! - 2005 Honda Element
  By SLPerry - December 18 - 11:54 pm

  This past summer I decided to buy myself what I referred to as "the last vehicle Ill ever buy." So I bought the 05 EX AWD 4dr (4cyl-4A) Element, moved everything into storage, loaded up the luggage, two cats, and just "took off" driving around the country for several months. In less than 4 months I have driven almost 19,000 miles at all speeds (yes, over 100mph up a steep grade, without incident or issue!), and in most all road (and some off-road), traffic, and weather conditions it excels in handling, power (thats one gutsy 4- cyl, V-tech engine!), comfort and fuel- efficiency, let alone functionality and just plain fun! It also makes a great pet and people transport vehicle. I love it!

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  The best SUV for the price - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By Sam - December 18 - 10:06 pm

  I was very much set to buy a Volvo XC90 or an Acura MDX for my wife. I decided to listen to a friend and test drive the Pilot. I drove it on the highway and on the streets. I drove it at high speed (over 90/mph)and curvy roads. I drive a lot for work, I was very very impressed by this SUV. It handles well. You have a good view of the road. The ride is smooth and most importantly she loves it!