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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  CRV EX REVIEW - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By Mike Pagliaro - February 18 - 10:00 am

  Our CRV handles real nice...have only filled up gas twice so far ..got 20 mpg on last fill-up...hoping to do better next time with gas prices soaring....Considering the size of the engine,it has plenty of power and rides nicely at highway speeds...one thing I miss is a an outside temp. readout and compass...love the audio system and tailgate table

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  Best Car Ever - 2004 Honda Civic
  By HybridDude - February 18 - 10:00 am

  This vechicle has great fuel economy and is fun to drive. They have come a long way in adding performance to hybrid vehicles and I am very glad to have this car in my life.

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  The Future Is Here! - 2004 Honda Civic
  By The Commuter - February 18 - 10:00 am

  I commute 150 miles to work everyday so recent gas prices drove me to trade- in my Subaru WRX (an awesome car by the way) for the Hybrid. It was the best decision I ever made. The car handles well, fits my family of four and has reduced my gas bill by over half. I average between 47 to 54 miles per gallon (not sure how Consumer Reports rated only 36 mpg). It is of course a Honda so no complaints about the quality. Best of all, you will feel great about taking the first step to encourage technology that works toward breaking the dependence circle on foreign oil.

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  Nothing beats a Honda! - 2004 Honda Civic
  By themanoutfront - February 18 - 10:00 am

  we own 2 of these a 2001 and 2004 and have had no trouble with either one.the dealership is the best run dealership I have ever had the pleasure of doing business with. my next car will be a Honda again!

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  I LOVE THAT HONDA - 2004 Honda Accord
  By CrankyJr - February 18 - 10:00 am

  Ever since i can rember my family has always driven a Honda. Of course the same has gone for me. I have had the pleaure of driving a 95 4dr Accord, 1999 4dr Accord, 2000 2dr V6 Accord by far my favorite. A week ago i leased a 2004 2dr Accord, and i love it. The new body style is great, the black leather is a nice touch with the black exterior. The sound system as in previous models just keeps getting better. The pick up compared to the 2000 V6 is very similar. Which was one of my biggest concerns. The gas mileage is great, much better then the V6. Im sure i can expect the same reliability as in the past, with my other Hondas.

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  My CRV EX-L - 2018 Honda CR-V
  By james cunningham - February 18 - 3:02 am

  Hondas bread and butter car; everyone seems to have one.

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  best car yet - 2006 Honda Civic
  By kerry - February 17 - 7:40 am

  bought the civic new, its everything you expect in a honda, no complaints. best value for the money, gas mileage is awesome.

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  Best Honda Yet - 2006 Honda Accord
  By 5pines - February 17 - 4:20 am

  this is our third honda....bought an 02 civic ex for our son, and had an 03 CRV ex....they were great cars....traded in the CRV for an accord, mainly for a little better gas mileage, cheaper insurance, and a little more luxury....so far weve been VERY happy with our accord ex-l

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  Relax & Enjoy - 2004 Honda S2000
  By nucnewc - February 17 - 2:00 am

  Feeling the road and, lightning response is what makes this car fun. It feels like it always has to be restrained because it really wants to go. Driving it will put a smile on your face.

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  Best bang for the buck - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By raf23 - February 17 - 2:00 am

  Took our first long trip,which was 6 1/2 hours, and couldnt believe how comfortable the ride was. Its still a baby at 1,500 miles, but I havent found anything to complain about. Its such a bargain for what you get!!