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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  Great Value - 2012 Honda Civic
  By thumper16 - March 13 - 4:24 pm

  Hard to beat these things for value. Traded in a 2009 civic exl with 30,000 only because I have to be the first to buy anything updated. Cost me 4500 or 1500 per year. Lota nice new in electronics, softer handling and little less road noise. Downside......no standard xm in exl and the cupholders redesigned for cups that I dont have nor have yet found in stores. The center consel in my 09 was deep and big, this one is small and shallow. storage sleeves on doors have also been downsized. Have 1700 miles and at 32.9 mixed. I drive aggressively and seldom engage econ, also live in hilly area of western Pa. Aside from the storage issues love the car and would buy again.

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  2000 CRV - 2000 Honda CR-V
  By vannstar - March 13 - 2:47 pm

  Careful design makes it a delight to drive and own. Quality is top flight. Gas mileage could be better.

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  Great Value - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By Ethan Miller - March 13 - 11:14 am

  This is a great value for a family vehicle. Great engine, were getting 25 MPG in mixed use in a semi rural setting. Extremely comfortable, pleasant to drive and also to ride in as a passenger. Has great pickup when you need it, cruises smoothly on the highway and on country roads. Good cargo, great interior layout. Stylish, but also Honda practicality. Infotainment system is a mixed bag. Highly recommended.

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  An Excellent SUV - 1999 Honda Passport
  By The Man - March 13 - 12:31 am

  This SUV is what you want your money to get you. It has the power you want and the looks you want. It blew my girlfriends Explorer rite off the road, and my neighbors V8 Grand Cherokee cant even keep up with my stock Passport. For $25,000 the Passport offers comfortable seats, great cargo room, and a Ready-To-Deliver-Power V6 Engine.

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  I love my car - 2001 Honda CR-V
  By DE - March 12 - 2:22 pm

  I bought a 2001 CRV-EX well below invoice in October. This is my first car and this has certainly set the bar high for all to follow. Surprisingly comfortable for a small SUV. Honda has done a great job distributing space. Fun to drive, I use it only in the city and on highways. My only minor complaint is that the engine is a little noisy once you go above 40mph. The title of this review says it all. Thanks Honda.

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  The Best Handling Car I have Owned - 2001 Honda Prelude
  By New_Lude - March 12 - 12:46 pm

  This car was bought to replace my wrecked 2000 Civic Si. So far it has been the best car I have owned. The handling is superior to other front wheel drive cars. It is also solid in construction with great attention to detail. I would recommend this car to anyone looking for a truly fun car.

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  Absolute Element - 2003 Honda Element
  By Weezer - March 12 - 10:00 am

  The Honda Element is incredible. I have owned cars, trucks, SUVs, and minivans, but the unique Element is the perfect hybrid of all of them! I was looking at the Ford SportTrak when I test drove the Element on whim and was sold from day 1! Roomy (it must be experienced to be comprehended fully), fun to drive, killer sound system, and a look that has strangers walking up to me in parking lots to look my Element! Amazing!

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  CRV ROCKS! - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By CRVcota - March 12 - 10:00 am

  EX is best buy, especially considering the competition (Toyota, etc.) Safety, storage, accessibility are tops. The 6 disc changer is not too shabby either.

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  I would recomend it. - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By Eric S. - March 12 - 10:00 am

  I enjoy driving this car a lot. Great value, very roomy and excellent handling.

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  Honda EX V6 Rocks! - 2003 Honda Accord
  By CJSnaz - March 12 - 10:00 am

  Heavy handling, but pert acceleration and respnisive braking, a luxury car feel in the midsize sedan range, highly reccommended.