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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  Long Haul Reliability - 1998 Honda CR-V
  By Corporate Traveler - April 28 - 2:00 am

  Loved my Honda when I bought it & continue to enjoy it. Currently has 70k + miles & is strong! Traveled for 2 years throughout the SE on business which placed lots of miles on CR-V. Havent had one trouble with my car as of yet! Feel comfortable taking it on all my long trips esp. in stormy weather. Yet, it has lots of room for family, kids & pets. My 62" father sits comfortably in the back seat too. And, who couldnt love the convenience of a sturdy card table in the back! Definately a car a woman can appreciate!

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  What an excellent car - 1999 Honda CR-V
  By Tyler Chaffee - April 27 - 10:42 pm

  I just rolled over to 180,000 miles and my green cr-v still runs like the day I bought it (now I know why I see so damn many of these around. They last forever!). Though the car is a little on the uncomfortable side, with hard, non-supportive seats and loud road noise, it has a unique charm to it and is fun to drive. Handling is super responsive, giving good road feel and traction is superb due to the awd. It revs up high, and has good power above 4000 rpm XD. Shifts are a little bit rough at lower speeds, and the transmission seems to need fluid changes often. Id say no more than 30-40k between tranny fluid changes or youll probably regret it. Braking feel is perfect, and the brakes themselves work extremely well and are quite sharp on response. Overall this is one of the most talked about and recommended choices for reliable transportation, and for good reason. While I try not to jump on the Honda fanboy bandwagon (all manufacturers have bad years or models), this car makes it especially hard not to, as it has treated me so well. I use it for long distance trips, and as a delivery vehicle, and it has yet to let me down, outside of regular maintenance and small bits here and there. The only things Ive needed to replace (besides tires, etc.) are a control arm bushing, a cv joint boot, and an engine mount (all well under 100$). The damn thing still has the original battery. It doesnt get much better than this! What a freaking great car.

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  Great for kids - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By apple - April 27 - 1:36 pm

  We have parked the large SUV and are driving this small one. Our mileage has gone from 13 on the old SUV to 26 on the new one. This car is great for carpooling to school and the room in the back seat for the three kids is excellent. I havent heard a single complaint about space. I have learned to drive differently to save on gas and I am careful with the acceleration because I am used to a V8. We gave up leather and saved $2000 which we rolled over into tuition! I dont regret that now and hopefully wont in a few years. Thoughtful design, kid friendly, easy to drive and our first Honda. All in all a good deal.

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  great - 2005 Honda Civic
  By Ken Mohn - April 26 - 7:40 pm

  Comfortable fast quiet roomy, The craftmanship is great. Not a hotrod but can handle great and has enough spunk to be fun. 40mpg, lowest mileage 38

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  Great Mini SUV - 1999 Honda CR-V
  By TeresaCRV - April 26 - 2:00 am

  I love this mini SUV and am very happy with the cars interior, exterior, reliability, value. Its excellent to take camping or for skiing trips.

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  Our New Pilot - 2009 Honda Pilot
  By Todd Reihing - April 25 - 3:36 am

  Great SUV - for the feature set, navi, RES, sunroof, leather, Class III hitch, back-up camera, back-up sensors and climate control you will not find a better SUV on the market for the price. I test drove the Lexus RX, Mazda CX-9, Nissan Pathfinder and the Toyota Highlander and none came close to the price with the Touring models feature set. Add on Hondas build quality and you have a perfect combination.

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  After 10 years, I still love this car - 1992 Honda Civic
  By Robbin - April 25 - 2:00 am

  I bought my VX new in 1992. 170,000 miles later, and I still love this car. In all those miles, I have had to replace only the distributor and the coil. Fantastic. Handles like a dream and still looks new. Finish and interior wore exceptionally well. I wish they hadnt stopped putting the V- tech engine in the Civic - this was one awesome car.

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  honda civic hatchback dx 1994 - 1993 Honda Civic
  By abby - April 25 - 2:00 am

  this was the best car ever! it was great, it lasted through everything i put it through until that one fatal crash. i am so sorry... that was a great car.

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  2000 C-RV - 2000 Honda CR-V
  By Jeff Sorenson - April 25 - 2:00 am

  Not one service repair in 2 years and 30,000 miles. Perfect for small children because the back seat sits up higher and they can see. Never use the picnic table and get teased about it quite a bit. Only thing to be aware of is that there is a lot of road noise in the vehicle. We looked at cute-utes from Toyota, Suzuki, and Kia. It was well worth the extra money to get a Honda.

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  Element AWD 5 speed MANUAL - 2003 Honda Element
  By jclark33 - April 24 - 10:00 am

  Driving is beleiving. This is my first Honda and I am very impressed with the build quality of the interior. Everything is well thought out and I havent heard a single rattle, jiggle, or squeek. The enginge is a little buzzy, but performs its task pretty well. The car is surprisingly nimble and very easy to manuver. The placement of the shifter, although seemingly strange, is brilliant, and seems natural after the first shift. In short, the thing drives like butter.