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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  Love My CR-V - 1999 Honda CR-V
  By Mark C. - May 25 - 2:00 am

  The Honda CR-V is the BEST small SUV on the market today.I have owned my CR-V for almost 3 years now and it has not had to go back to the dealership once for any kind of problem.I feel that it is the best value for its class.If I have one complaint, it is the cheap Bridestone Dueler HT tires that come as standard equipment on most CR-Vs. The tires produced terrible road noise. I just recently put Michelin X ones on my CR-V and the difference was like night and day.The ride is so much smoother and quiter.If you own a CR-V, do yourself a favor and trash the Bridgestones.I am in love all over again with my CR-V.

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  marco - 2003 Honda Element
  By DEmarco - May 25 - 2:00 am

  good its a good car or truck or suv whatever you want to call it.

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  great van! - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By uc_d4rk - May 25 - 2:00 am

  i have owned this minivan for a couple of months now this is a great vehicle, and my family and i have enjoyed it. the engine is silent but powerful, the exterior is sleek and beautiful, the interior so plush and perfect...i mean, this is just a WONDERFUL van...it was definitely worth the cost! its so valuable, wed never give it up! i highly appreciate and recommend this van. we love it, and we think that you will too!

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  Lovin it - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By chaumayner - May 25 - 2:00 am

  What fun to drive. Rugged yet plush enough to look sharp. Spunky for a 4 cylinder. I have put it to good use and it even pulled a rental trailer very well. Lovin it since purchase 8 mo. ago.

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  My first Honda - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By jja - May 25 - 2:00 am

  Just gor it but have read much about it. Will be for only two of us, wife and me. Want stability and safety in winter driving in NE Ohio. Want comfort and some amenities which this car has. Look forward to using it.

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  my new commuter - 2003 Honda Civic
  By Oddchip - May 25 - 2:00 am

  I bought this Civic, our third, to replace the 90 SHO I just wrecked. I knew what to expect, and was not disappointed. Its a fun car, inexpensive and well made. I wish Honda would make an EX for old guys like me though. I immediately spent $3K on wheels, tires, springs and sway bars. I like an automatic, but I also like to go fast.

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  Who would have thought! - 2004 Honda Civic
  By GO EEZY - May 25 - 2:00 am

  I never would have thought that a Honda Civic could be so cool and so sporty! I bought my Hoda Pilot in May of 2003, and absolutely love it. When my husbands 2000 Mitsubishi Eclipse hit 60K miles last month, it was time to trade it in! So my amazing Honda dealer JEREMY BRAUN @ DCH Kay Honda in Eatontown NJ, hooked me up with with a beautiful Fiji Blue Pearl Civiv EX, totally loaded and he helped me pick out awesome accessories for it! We added leather interior, a rear spoiler, front spoiler and complete underbody kit. It handles better than any car I have ever owned, and I have owned a LOT of cars.

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  Almost luxury and fun to drive car - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Sriram - May 25 - 2:00 am

  I did not set out with the intention of buying a Honda Accord. I was looking for a luxury car for <$30K. I test-drove Maxima, Infiniti, Altima and then tried an Accord. Instantly I fell for an Accord, since I felt it was good value for the money. A luxury car for easily < $30K. Now that I have the car I really love driving it and the sweetest thing is the power and handling of the car... 240Hp rocks! I have a Camry also and I find the Accord more sporty than Camry. Ofcourse my Camry is an old one that shd not be compared to Accord!

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  ExHondallent - 2004 Honda Accord
  By Hugolia Boftolofty - May 25 - 2:00 am

  this car is terrific!!!!Built for everyone!!!!!Try-it and love-it!Promise A+ It shifted beautifully and I felt like a king!!

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  Loving it!!!! - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By CRV LVR - May 23 - 10:03 pm

  After previously owning a Civic, I knew I wanted to go back to the Honda brand. The CR-V was a perfect fit. I was a little apprehensive becuase I have only ever owned small vehicles and knew when purchasing this vehicle that it would be the one I would drive until the wheels fall off. I could not be happier. It is a comfortable ride giving great gas mileage, mixed driving average is 24-28 mpg. I love the interior and exterior design, everything is very user friendly. I cant imagine how I lived without navigation before! The 4 cylinders in this vehicle give appropriate power, I have no issues with passing on the hwy. I have no qualms about my purchase and would make the same decision again.