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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  So far so good - 2007 Honda Accord
  By Jason - December 28 - 10:30 am

  Overall i love the car! It has great pickup and a smooth ride. A few things Ive noticed. The AC pulls on the engine a little and you can actually tell a difference in performance with the AC on verses off. I notice it more when going from a complete stop to start or basically going from traffic light to traffic light. Sometimes you can feel it jumping a little when its changing gears. Its funny because i have friends with an 06 and 05 model and they all say theirs performs in similar ways. So maybe its just a Honda thing. Its my first front wheel drive vehicle. Love how the car feels and Ive gotten lots of compliments on it.

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  Listen Carefully - 2016 Honda Accord
  By louis - December 28 - 10:27 am

  It is a nice solid car for the price. However, the wind and cabin noise when going over 60 miles per hour is excessive and certainly doesnt live up to the industrys standards or Honda. If you are looking for a quiet highway drive, take a long test ride and listen carefully.

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  Great car for the money - 2004 Honda Insight
  By Brian Tennis - December 28 - 9:48 am

  My wife and I traded in a full size Nissan king cab truck and have saved thousands of dollars in fuel alone. This car is very fun to drive, as long as your not trying to blow away people at stop lights. You have to be very smart when driving this car, as it is battery assisted and you will need to rely on the battery for true fuel savings. Remember, the battery acts like an overdrive, it helps you get up to speed and helps you out with the fuel that you would normally use to get up to cruising speed. This is one of the best cars we have ever owned, if not the best. Just keep in mind, the way you drive this car will directly impact your fuel savings, and winter driving can be quite hairy.

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  It is what it is - A reliable commuter - 2000 Honda Civic
  By STEVEM - December 28 - 8:07 am

  Its not a performance vehicle right off the lot. But, I needed something safer and more practical than my old truck. This civic has worked great. Ive put 102K miles on it, and no problems. Easy to work on as far as replacing spark plugs, changing oil, etc. Gas mileage is great. Commute into Atlanta, and still get 32/33 mpg. Nice to have the CD player and keyless entry. There are plenty of things that could be upgraded on this car. No cruise control, no trunk light, power windows, a little more than 108 hp. However, like the subject line says, it is what it is. Its a comfortable commuter car, and on long trips. Really great gas mileage, and you never have to worry, its a Honda

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  Great SUV - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By stevem - December 28 - 7:50 am

  My wife needed to trade in her Accord for something with a little more room. We looked at the Pilot, but was too big, and was worried the CR-V was too small. Thankfully, not the case. Very powerful 4 cylinder engine, and pretty fun to drive. Handles much better than I expected. I drive a Civic, and would never hammer corners in the CR-V that way, but I dont think that should count against it. It handles curves well, and rides like a car. Very comfortable on a recent 6 hour trip. The split seats that roll forward are very versatile, making it easy to "stow & go". Nice to have the 6 disc changer, although the sound system is a step down from her Accord. We miss the big gas tank too.

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  Very Powerful - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By Seisho - December 28 - 6:24 am

  Very powerful car requires less fuel. With 250HP and 5 speed AT, this car runs very fast and so I sometimes forget this is SUV. Inside is big and quiet.

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  2004 EX Honda Odyssey w/DVD - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By cbsprings - December 28 - 1:14 am

  Great family car, comfortable, reliable, good value for the money. Great Honda quality and reputation. Enjoy the DVD entertainment system for the kids. Nice ride, has lots of pep for passing, very good handling for a van.

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  Fun, peppy, spacious - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By J. Casale - December 28 - 12:48 am

  I found what I was looking for in the CR-V: reliability, economy, multi- functional space in a sporty design. I bought a 2001 in 2003 with 58,000 miles and have never had any malfunctions. The only time Im in for service is for routine maintanence. It is used like a sedan mostly with 2-3 of us riding. Ocassionally it is loaded like a truck for camping or other trips and it always handle well, no matter what the load.

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  CRV owner - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By Renee - December 28 - 12:40 am

  I went to the dealers to purchase a Civic and left with a CRV. Once I drove it, I was sold on it. It actually drives like a car, but you sit up a bit higher. It was not difficult to get used to driving it.

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  Solid Car, Great Value - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By jimhoss88 - December 28 - 12:02 am

  I travel extensively for business and have put 20000 miles on the CRV in the first year. The CRV is a sturdy car. It cools quickly in summer and heats quickly in winter. The handling is solid. The drivers seat could use some additional lumbar support. Road noise is pronounced. Back seat is very comfortable for adults--Im 6 feet tall and have no trouble riding in the back. I wish the mileage was a little better. Ive maxed out at 24 mpg on long trips. In addition to being my primary work car, its the alternate family vehicle (our other is a 2000 Odyssey). No problem with 3 kids in tne back. Im very pleased overall with the CRV.