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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  1998 CR-V AWSOME RIDE - 1998 Honda CR-V
  By mike44439 - July 11 - 4:32 pm

  Just bought a used 1998 CR V with just a little over 100,000 miles., so far great vehicle with great gas mileage averaging 25 and 28 on the freeway, not sure how they list it as 19 and 23, its so much better then that. Great to get around in the city and everday driving, with lots of space and comfort. For long trips I would prefer my F150 Lariat, but to save money on gas Ill use my CR V. As far as power its great for a 4cyl, and handles good, cant expect the power of a big vehicle in a little SUV, but its better then I expected., going up grades.

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  Perfect Car for me - 1996 Honda Prelude
  By dezern - July 10 - 10:28 am

  When I was younger my friends all wanted a prelude, but i was too young to car except in video games, but when I got my Prelude I fell in love with it. Reliable, beautiful styling and scary fast after a little bit of work. I would reccomend this car to anyone who asked. Shes a beautiful car, inside and out

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  Could not be more happy with my Accord! - 2003 Honda Accord
  By shehow - July 9 - 10:14 pm

  Short and sweet, this car is reliable and has it all. I have not had it in the shop once. Great in any terrain you put it through. You always hear people say Honda quality, well here you go. Quality all the way. I will for sure buy another honda. This car is my baby. If you are debating buying one... DO IT!!! :)

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  Better than expected - 2012 Honda CR-V
  By crawfolk - July 9 - 2:54 pm

  Love this car. Got 34.1 mpg on first highway trip. Averaging above 26 mpg around town. Comfortable Honda ride. Like the Bluetooth connection for my IPhone and other included technology. Enjoyed my 2003 Honda Element and wanted to retain as much cargo space as possible. CRV gives me enough. Good visibility in driving rain. Good price and trade-in value from Honda dealer.

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  3+ Years and 55,000 miles - The Good and the Bad - 2009 Honda Accord
  By markm1960 - July 9 - 10:04 am

  The Accord is well built with little or no rattles or squeaks. The brake issues have been well documented, I got over 22,000 miles on mine before replacement - most was covered by the class action suit. This vehicle drives very well but road noise is an issue. It handles well, especially around town. The headrests are slung too far forward for comfort, but I was able to adjust my seat more vertically to compensate. I have also worked the head rest back and forth and this has loosened it up a bit. The interior is refined and the controls are intuitive once I got the hang of them. Overall this is a very good car. I would be great with better noise control and a different head rest.

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  Best Car Ive Ever Owned! - 2003 Honda Civic
  By energist - July 8 - 8:01 am

  I bought the car new in 2003 and its been great. I see many complaints about gas mileage, but mine averages 49 MPG with snow tires on. This has been the most trouble free and economical car Ive ever owned, and its fun to drive.

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  Best Honda yet!! - 2012 Honda CR-V
  By molly090406 - July 8 - 6:53 am

  Just picked up my 2012 CRV-EX-L from the dealer and I love it!! What a fun vehicle and practical as well. I was surprised how "zippy" the car is when pulling out from an intersection or getting up to speed to flow with traffic. Getting about 27 mpg combined highway/city, but thats according to the mpg indicator. Ill find out how good it is when a do several fill-ups and calculate the mpg based on calculating the gallons/miles on a calculator. Theres nothing I dont like, except for it takes time to get used to the XM radio and all the settings.

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  Love this car X2 - 1994 Honda Civic
  By dakkri - July 8 - 3:02 am

  I have just purchased my second VX, a 1994. My first was a 1992 and I drove it until I needed a truck and traded it in at 168,000 miles. Bought this 94 after a long search for a later year model with the 2 airbags. My 92 got a consistent 47 per gallon highway with the A/C on, 50 with A/C off. The 94s mileage is about the same. No hybrid BS, no batteries to replace. This car is a great commuter car and still fun to drive. Cheap to own, cheap to repair, cheap to insure. I wish Honda would build a new version of this no hybrid, no weird looking, 50 mpg car.

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  after 12 years, still running great! - 2000 Honda Accord
  By nolimitt168 - July 7 - 11:42 pm

  I bought this car in 2000 when I went away to college. 12 years later, I am still driving it everyday without any problems. The odometer is closing in on 120,000 with no mechanical problems at all. I keep up to date with the maintenance. The light behind the clock and odometer went out a couple of years back, but all else is running fine. I will keep this car for another 1-2 years then give it to my sister. Very reliable car. What more can I say!

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  2011 Honda Accord LX-P - 2011 Honda Accord
  By mike_in_sc - July 7 - 9:21 pm

  Coming from a 2000 Honda Civic, this is a big step up. My Accord is a polished metal metallic (dark gray) LX-P and looks decently sharp for a mid-size sedan. I like most things about the Accord, but am a little disappointed that the interior isnt that much more comfortable than my Civic. Im a relatively tall guy (62") and really wish the steering wheel telescoped out farther. I have to move the seat up much closer than Id like to be able to comfortably reach the steering wheel, so a lot of the extra room gained by moving up from the Civic is not really usable to me. The lumbar support is too aggressive and not adjustable on the LX-P model.