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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  Always wanted a Truck - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By Gregory Kapuler - March 7 - 5:40 am

  Always wanted a truck. Saw the Honda Ridgeline and fell in love with it. Got it in black and turned it into a "Harley truck"...since both my wife and I ride Harleys. Truck rides like a dream..Its got all the safety and power I need. Any my wife loves driving it! She now wears a cowboy hat!

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  What more do you want? - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By mpk616 - March 6 - 9:56 pm

  Previous vehicle was an 01 V8 Silverado. Traded in for better gas milage, real Time 4x4, and resell value. Bought an 05 white with beige interior. Had dealer install fog lights, roof rack, running boards and wood grain panel. This is a nice overall vehicle that has multiple uses hence the name Compact Recreational Vehicle. Dont let the small size fool you; you can fit a lot of things in there thanks to the sliding rear seat that also tumbles. Used it to transport a Grandfather clock. Hooks in the back also make carring the groceries home easier. The picnic table is nice, probably wont use it much though. The subfloor storage helps keep items out of sight. Worth a test drive!

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  Very Nice - 2006 Honda Accord
  By Yanni - March 6 - 6:10 pm

  The most perfect vehicle I have ever owned and driven. Just the right size, great on gas, insurance and very practical. Ill probably never buy an American made vehicle again due to their poor mpg compared to Honda.

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  First Honda - 2005 Honda Accord
  By haskell - March 6 - 1:20 pm

  After comparing cars in the same class I chose a Honda, and I am very happy with my choice. I like the way it handle and the v6 is very quick when you need the power. MY MILEAGE IS NOT THAT GREAT. My average is about 24 miles to a gallon hi-way only.

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  2002 Honda CRV-EX Gold Edition - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By Maureen - March 6 - 9:06 am

  I have had this car for three months.I owned one CRV before. The car is a pleasure to drive and built sturdy. For the intown driving I do, the gas mileage is fine. My only recommendation would be better visibility of front bumpers from drivers seat. I see that the previous owner must have had difficulty as well. Other than that, the car is built to last. I have had Toyotas for years but Honda builds a much better car.

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  2002 Honda CRV-EX Gold Edition - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By Maureen - March 6 - 9:06 am

  I have had this car for three months. I owned one CRV before. The car is a pleasure to drive and built sturdy. For the intown driving I do, the gas mileage is fine. My only recommendation would be better visibility of front bumpers from drivers seat. I see that the previous owner must have had difficulty as well. Other than that, the car is built to last. I have had Toyotas for years but Honda builds a much better car.

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  190K miles and still runs grrrreat - 1995 Honda Passport
  By mark - March 6 - 3:23 am

  190K miles and still runs grrrreat, I replaced just basic parts like brake pads, filters, and all belts. I had just 1 problem. My belt tensioner was cracked

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  best ever - 1995 Honda Civic
  By ckhatchblack - March 5 - 9:45 pm

  i bought my 1995 civic in 2001 as a winter car. there was 334000 km on it then, and it was in a fender bender. There is now 445000 on it now. Fourth timing belt, same clutch. First owner put 317000 on it, sold insurance, oil change every 2 weeks. 45 miles to the gallon winter, the hotter the summer the better - it is 50 plus miles. All i have replaced is tires, exhaust, rad, doesnt burn any oil. I still change often.

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  Hybrid Mileage as Promised - 2005 Honda Accord
  By Ventura, CA - March 5 - 8:10 pm

  I am getting mileage numbers similar to those claimed on the sticker, even slightly better on flat, straight stretches. All the high-tech systems work flawlessly, including the active noise-cancellation, voice recognition and awesome touch-screen navigation system. The stereo sounds great. Power is more than adequate, even superior to the Lexus IS300 that this car is replacing. The electric motor doesnt seem to kick in on start-up acceleration, but rather on full-throttle passing and moderate hill climbing, but the mileage numbers dont lie. The regenerative braking and eco mode (using 3 of the 6 cylinders) is noticeable when driving but not distracting. Electic boost works seemlessly.

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  Our Best Car for Family - 1995 Honda Odyssey
  By MJD - March 5 - 12:47 am

  Ive owned many autos, and this is the first Ive kept for more than 75000 miles. It has never been non-operational in 10 years. The only costly repair has been to replace the air conditioner last year. I have kept the maintenance up to date. I love this car, and when I have to give it up it will be hard.