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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  LAST HONDA - 1998 Honda Accord
  By Linda - November 8 - 4:07 pm

  My first Honda was a Civic. Great car! This is my second Honda. Bad! I had to replace the transmission at 90,000 miles, and the catalytic converter also went out around the same time. In speaking with others who own this same car, everyone has had the same bad experience - transmission and catalytic converter. Of course, these problems happen when the car is no longer covered by warranty.

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  Hoping for the Best - 1994 Honda Accord
  By STL Bob - November 8 - 3:59 pm

  I purchased this car yesterday (10/7/2005) with the idea that I would drive it for 18 months then turn it over to my son when he turns 16. It has 138k miles on it and the most significant option is anti-lock breaks. The primary body problem is a small rust spot behind the drivers side rear wheel that should be easy to fix. The car looks very nice for being 11 years old. There are no tears in the fabric and the dash is not cracked. The body looks good except for the rust spot. The paint has held up well and is still glossy and the plastic trim has not faded. Car starts and runs well but transmission is a little rough. Pick up is not like my 6 cycl but I did not expect it to be.

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  True MPV Not SUV - 2005 Honda Element
  By 4fun - November 8 - 1:37 pm

  Very unique vehicle. Youll get the stare. Its an MPV not an SUV. Small but great for big people. Gets tossy not tippy on high speed. Not a racer but a pacer. Front passenger seat is too low and cannot be adjusted like the driver seat. Fun to drive with great sound system. Good low center gravity well grounded. Fits my lifestyle and certainly not for everyone. I prefer the EX-P Tangerine model with matching body color panel.

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  Love this car! - 1991 Honda Prelude
  By rich1969 - November 8 - 1:28 pm

  I bought this car with 257,000 miles on it. It starts up right away every morning and has been more dependable than some new cars I have had. I get about 25 MPG.

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  I love my Accord - 2000 Honda Accord
  By Ryan - November 8 - 1:25 pm

  This is the best car I have ever owned. I purchased the car new with 20 miles on it. Its a 5 speed 4 cylinder so it could use a little more power. But this car has been problem free and has only had the maintenance done at 60,000 and 105,000 miles. Cruising at 108,000 miles to day. :)

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  2008 CR-V LX - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By BA - November 8 - 10:40 am

  Car is well designed, comfortable to drive.Getting 32 MPG HWY, 20 city I think this is good considering I drive on a lot hilly roads. My only complaint is road noise.

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  Hit - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By Hit - November 8 - 8:15 am

  I was hit by another car in the back of the car. This car held up well. The seat belt and lumbar seats held my body tight. I am waiting for whiplash pain. After 24 hours, I still feel well. I recommend this car. Update : After some time, I still have no problems, no repairs. I love this car.

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  Best Econo Car Ever Made - 1993 Honda Civic
  By Alex - November 8 - 5:03 am

  Best econo car ever made and owned so far. Very easy to modify (interior/ exterior wise). Ive added a 94 si moonroof, rear windshield wiper, 17" rims, slightly lowered, 99 si dash modification with all red lighting, DC5R steering wheel, 99 si OEM CD player and slave tape deck, better speakers, 99 si head lights, fog lights, 99-00 civic front bumper, power door locks/ power windows, and it still gets 55+ mpg with the added weight. This car may take a while to pick up speed, but is still fast for a super econo engine. So far have had no problems with engine/tranny. A great commuter car. Its a new experience when one drives a car thats nice to your wallet. Ill never get rid of this car!!!

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  Must drive to appreciate - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By bklynboy11 - November 7 - 11:43 pm

  It is a fantastic driving vehicle giving you a feeling of size, power and great handling as well as ample accelaration when needed. You feel like you are driving a large comfortable SUV rather than a bouncy pickup.I also own an Odyssey and the cab space of the two is almost identical. I have two car seats in the back and the kids really enjoy the ride(5 & 3)especially when I open the roof and rear window!!

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  My 05 CR-V EX Fits All My Needs and Why - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By cznite - November 7 - 5:33 pm

  I could not be happier with my 05 Honda CR-V EX (5 speed auto/AWD). The 4 cyl is very peppy. Because of plenty of low speed torque it beats most of the V-6s I drove. This 4 cyl is very responsive and fun to drive. Others are too truck like for me. I love the look both inside and out. The interior is very plush above the rest. It beats all the compact sized SUVs in cargo and personal roominess. Consider it Mid-sized. For my use,I just want dependable transportation in bad weather and a snappy fun car-like ride, but with the looks and height of a SUV. It is all this in an affordable package that gets high gas mileage and will retain a high resale value Its a HONDA!