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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  Carefree Civic VP 2000 - 2000 Honda Civic
  By JPLA - November 22 - 10:00 am

  Reliable and carefree little car. Just remember to do scheduled maintenance and you never worry about anything. Exterior design is not eye-catching but is actually better than most of other brands (except for 00 Jetta).

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  Theyve done it again! - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By mrlester - November 22 - 10:00 am

  Honda never ceases to amaze me. I am a new CR-V owner after making the mistake of owning a Saturn product for years. After driving my CR-V for several weeks, I am sold on its quality, performance, design, and all around value. If you really look at the build quality of this SUV versus competing models, it is hard to beat. If you buy on the basis of price...you are going to get what you pay for. It comes with more standard features and 10 years from now it will still be going strong. Are there cheaper mini-utes out there? Sure...but I promise you this...you will get what you pay for.

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  Happy CR-V Owner - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By Chris in Gaithersbur - November 22 - 10:00 am

  We have a 2000 manual LX and liked it so much we bought a second. The new model is much more powerful, and a very smooth ride. We also liked that the new models offered Moon Roof. lots of extras and the automatic is very smooth

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  CRV REVIEW - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By DEBSKI - November 22 - 10:00 am

  GOT MY CRV IN JUNE. I ABSOLUTLY LOVE IT ALL AROUND. RESPONDING TO ANGELICAS REVIEW ON 1/12/02 (ALMOST PERFECT). MY CRV HAS THAT SAME CLICKING NOISE IN THE DASH AFTER COMING TO A COMPLETE STOP. HOPEFULLY THE NOISE WILL BE RESOLVED. OTHER THAN THAT ITS A GREAT MINI SUV.

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  Ex-Explorer Owner - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By John/Show me state - November 22 - 10:00 am

  We have just purchase the Pilot this week. I owned a 96 Explorer.There is no comparision to the new Explorers. Pilot is light years ahead of anything in this price range. Fit/finish exceptional. Comfort handling all exceptional to everything we test drove.It is worth the wait on the dealers waiting list(2 monthes).

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  Zoom, Zoom Si - 2002 Honda Civic
  By Tampajoe - November 22 - 10:00 am

  The test drive is what sold me. I test drove the Civic Si and Toyota Matrix xrs on the same day. The fun factor was the difference. The car accelerated to highway speed without any hesitation with 3 occupants and the a/c on. The car has plenty of power. It was a few days until I had driven it at night. The display glows orange. Its pretty cool. The front seats are very supportive.

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  Civic Pride - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Lorena - November 22 - 8:43 am

  If youre considering a Civic, then you already know its tops in safety and gas mileage. You should also know that its the 2006 Motor Trend Car of the Year, having beat out 28 other cars for that distinctive title. What you get for the money is phenomenal. Months of taking everything into consideration culminated in my buying the Civic EX sedan, and Im very pleased for the most part. I had the deck spoiler added on (not the wing), as well as the chrome exhaust tip. Those two add-ons have given it a European design look, and it gets mistaken for an Acura or Audi. Fun to drive, like a go-cart. Pull the one- touch sunroof back and open the front windows, and youll swear its a convertible!

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  Love my CR-V - 2017 Honda CR V
  By Joanne Miller - November 22 - 6:03 am

  Great value for the price. Very comfortable interior, smooth ride. Would love to have a better infotainment package available. Radio is better than in HR-V but still in my opinion a low level model with limited/inadequate features.

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  For what its worth, its a great car - 2009 Honda Accord
  By Rob C - November 21 - 3:03 pm

  After owning a VW Jetta for the past 5 years I looked at a number of cars in the same price range and found the ride quality, build, and features of the Honda Accord the best value for money that I could find. For a mid-sized sedan, the Accord feels larger than any other car I had looked at in its price range and has a high quality build finish comparable to BMW. For real world use, the car performs well on any road, with study handling. I like the look and feel of the interior, but like other reviewers have found that it is easy to scratch & the controls do take a little getting used to; especially if youve not driven a Honda rec. There is plenty of room and storage areas throughout.

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  Hrv great family car - 2016 Honda HR-V
  By Matthew Lewis - November 21 - 6:43 am

  It does not support android auto. Which was a huge minus. However it does have Pandora sync available. The acceleration is a bit slow but when city driving its quick.