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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  Its green, so its a lime, not a lemon. - 2000 Honda Odyssey
  By ffeineandsugar - December 12 - 10:00 am

  While this vehicle has great features, especially with its interior and its engine, the overall experience has been akin to owning a Yugo Minivan. My Honda, in 35k miles, has gone through 3 snapped door handles. The brakes failed in the middle of the Lincoln Tunnel (with the entire family on board). The horn shorted out, locking the wheel (at 4k miles!) The original tires lasted less than 25k miles. The body dents under pressure from small children and hard stares. Honda of North America has been very difficult to deal with. Look elsewhere.

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  groove - 1999 Honda Civic
  By groove - December 12 - 10:00 am

  this honda civic is a great car and is great on gas mileage. I love driving this car. The V-Tec on this car is also very helpful for street racing

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  Biggest Bang for the Buck - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By DocS - December 12 - 10:00 am

  Weve had the new CR-V/EX since April, and its proven very capable all round. It carries 64" passengers comfortably (even in the rear seat), loads of gardening supplies, and provides a nicely versatile cargo compartment. Storage spaces are everywhere, which is really cool. Ride is excellent, quiet, and amazingly refined for a vehicle which is essentially a Civic on steroids. It exhibits a slight amount of torque- steer on hard acceleration from stop, but other than that it drives wonderfully. Priced just right, with a good feature set.

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  Great!!! - 2002 Honda Accord
  By Roger2522 - December 12 - 10:00 am

  Great!!! This car is amazing! I love how it rides, the interior is amazing! Everything about this car is supberb! Keep up the good work Honda!

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  more time in the shop than on the road - 2002 Honda Accord
  By jonesy - December 12 - 10:00 am

  They got me! Yep I got suckered in by the hype of hondas being super reliable. Ive had the car a total of six months and its been in the shop more than its been on the road. Transmission problems, ac doesnt cool, numerous electrical problems and the engine developed a loud ticking noise after two months driving. I wish I never bought this car.

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  Love my CR-V - 2010 Honda CR-V
  By MamaG - December 12 - 6:36 am

  Have had my CRV for almost 3 months now. Bought a 2010 sight-unseen after my 16 year old acura was stolen from the driveway. I have a 4 year old, and knew Id be giving up my youth when I finally upgraded to the much needed SUV. But, after driving every other crossover and small SUV available, was pleasantly surprised when I finally tried the 2009 CRV. With the extra horse-power even being added for the 2010, decided to purchase it before it was on the lot. It is quick and handles great. I can fit everything I need and not feel like Im navigating a small barge through the city.

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  i love it - 2006 Honda Civic
  By civicgirl220 - December 12 - 3:06 am

  i never had a car run so good like this one and i love to race it cuz the power is great and everybody gives me good feedback on the car

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  My Accord is Not Yours! - 2006 Honda Accord
  By Marco - December 12 - 12:33 am

  I love this car thr fuel economy is great and fun to drive never lets you down, and looks good too, not as good as BMW 3, but it is roomier and a lot more reliable.

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  CRV ***5 STARS*** - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By LiSa - December 11 - 8:59 pm

  I am a former Civic owner and purchased my CRV last year and I love it! It handles so much better than my Civic and its fun to drive. It is virtualy maintainence free with scheduled oil chnages every 5,000 miles or 6 months. I think that its the best in its class.

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  My Civic, "TIMMY" - 2001 Honda Civic
  By k&spharris57 - December 11 - 3:51 pm

  I love my civic, but it does have a few "flaws", such as the horrible shaking of the steering wheel when it gets to about 60 mph, i thought it was the tires or something, so i got them balanced and rotated and my car aligned, but no better. SRS light came on, because the seat belt buckle is going out, and i wish it had a little more "omph", kind of sluggish from the get-go, but once that VTEC kicks in,its on!