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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  Not the fastest, but the best in class - 2003 Honda Civic
  By SHAKEnBAKE - March 2 - 10:00 am

  Some people says the new Si is slower than its predescessor, its not. Although it has the same number of peak HP (160), power is present earlier on lower rpms, making this car far more driveable than the 00 model.

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  2002 Honda Accord SE Sedan - 2002 Honda Accord
  By randerso8336 - March 2 - 10:00 am

  Overall an excellent car. Great on highway rides or around town. The build quality is excellent. Engine could be a little quieter.

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  great but it rattles - 2003 Honda Accord
  By randerso8336 - March 2 - 10:00 am

  Great car, love the stlye and ride. If only they would get rid of the rattles. When it is very hot in the car the plastic seems like it is going to melt and then rattle off. Before the car warmed up when it was cold out the car would vibrate when put in gear.

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  Much improved over 1998-2002 series - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Bumbie - March 2 - 10:00 am

  Our fourth Accord and by far the best yet! Hard to improve on a well designed and built sedan but Honda has done it again. When will the Big 3 ever get it. Fit and finish always outstanding on the product.

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  Didnt like it at first, now I LOVE it! - 2003 Honda Accord
  By HAD - March 2 - 10:00 am

  Just got the car last month for my wife. I have never liked the new redesigned exterior, but after seeing the car in black (the only color in which I think it looks nice) I had to have it. The car is a DREAM! It feels SO much MORE expensive than it is and Ill be damned if that 4 banger doesnt feel like a V6 - its THAT smooth and powerful! The ride, engine, transmission are SO smooth - like BUTTER! And I absolutely LOVE the interior of this car - you CANNOT get any better than thism especially in this price range! This car just EXUDES quality and the interior oozes luxury.

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  The New CR-V - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By theroguewave - March 2 - 12:03 am

  Purchased the white CR-V in October. Exterior: 1. Much better looking than the truck-like 2nd generation. The deletion of the spare tire from the back was a good idea. 2. 17-inch tires good choice. 3. "Underbite" cladding in front a little jarring. Interior: 1. Classy and refined. 2. Driver display showing oil life, mileage, and fuel consumption a great tool. 3. Plenty of room, both front and rear. 4. No power drivers seat. 5. XM radio is nice. Sirius would have been better. 6. Seats fold easily.

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  Honda - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By Eileen - March 1 - 9:51 pm

  Can never find anything wrong with this vehicle. Honda certified from the beginning.

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  Great SUV Crossover - 2009 Honda Pilot
  By HL - March 1 - 9:23 pm

  Purchased the 09 Pilot EX AWD and took it up in the snowy mountains. Handled really well w/ the 4WD. Very roomy for 8 full sized adults. Quiet ride quality.

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  Really Enjoying My New CR-V - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By Tam - March 1 - 5:50 pm

  Ive only had this car for a couple of weeks, but weve driven it 1000 miles, mostly in the Rocky Mountains. It handles great and has plenty of power for climbing hills (on roads; we havent driven it off-road). I rode some of this week in the backseat, and it was very comfortable because of the reclining seats. We found that with the larger half of the backseat folded down, we can fit both of our bikes in the car with the front tires removed. (The tires fit too, just not on the bike.) The little "tire well" thing under the rear floor gives space for storing extra oil and all that too, out of the way. The AC is also very powerful, which I missed in my last car.

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  S2000 - 2005 Honda S2000
  By JohnathanThroneberry - March 1 - 6:56 am

  Its a blast to drive. Your girl friend or wife may or may not like it because it really turns heads! I have never opened it up all the way due to a past speeding ticket, but I can say it drives as good at 120MPH in 5 gear as it does at 60MPH. So I can only imagine how much fun and how big of a ticket you could get in 6Th gear. You wont find a nicer or more fun car to drive.