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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  CRV-Good value - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By Maniforme2000 - September 12 - 10:00 am

  This is really a good car like SUV. We love it so far. Good mileage. No complaint about pick up. I am able to get going and merge into freeways with no problems. Only thing I am not happy with is the interior. It seems Honda used cheap material. I am not comparing this with mercedes and making this statement but with my Honda Accord -EX 1995 model interior. In my family we have everything Honda including lawn mower.

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  love it - 2004 Honda Civic
  By hondagal - September 12 - 10:00 am

  What a car I love the sporty look of it and the confidence of knowing I can sell it for more than what I owe

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  Surprisingly Nice - 2004 Honda Civic
  By Jake Barton - September 12 - 10:00 am

  I have a 2000 Accord EX with leather and sunroof but bought the Civic EX with sunroof and cloth interior for commuting a fair distance to work. Its surprisingly comfortable and runs great...very smooth for a small car. This model has more headroom than my daughters 2000 Civic.

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  Great Car - 2004 Honda Accord
  By chrisraimo - September 12 - 10:00 am

  This is my 2nd Honda Accord and would never buy anything else!

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  Great Value - 2004 Honda Accord
  By New Accord Owner - September 12 - 10:00 am

  This car offers a tremendous amount of value. When purchasing, you should focus on getting the dealer to or below invoice, nowhere close to MSRP. Not exciting to look at from the outside, but a wonderful car from the inside. Gas mileage is phenomenal for a car this size with this set of features, however stop and go driving takes a toll (as it does on every car).

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  Awesome Car for the Money - 2006 Honda Accord
  By ncblux2 - September 11 - 6:46 pm

  My last vehicle was a Ford F-150 Supercrew. Great truck, but the gas mileage was hurting my pocket book and I felt guilty burning up all that valuable fuel. I had previously owned 3 Hondas and loved their reliability, so I decided to check out the new 2006 Accord. I was impressed with the new look of the car and as soon as I got behind the wheel I felt like I was at home. The car looks great (conservative sporty), has a tight driving feel, excellent acceleration, great ergonomics and reasonable gas mileage. It may not be quite as sporty as our other vehicle (a 2002 BMW 530i), but for the money it is tops on my list of sporty four door sedans!

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  Fourth Honda - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Bluesky - September 11 - 12:03 pm

  I have owed a 1999, 2003, 2006 and this one, a 2008 EX V6 w/nav. All of them were quality vehicles with excellent service records. I have never replaced more than a light bulb in any Honda I ever owned. The first of the 4 was a 4 cyl, the last three V6 and I prefer the V6 because it runs smoother and with the additional power does not tend to shift as often. The 08 Accord has a more firm ride than the 03 and 06 (I like this) the slightly longer and wider size is noticeable, and I thought the older models were big enough. Trunk space while is similar seems a little less usable, especially with the nav DVD box in the trunk. Mileage looks like it will be a little less than the older V6 Hondas

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  In love - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By raam - September 11 - 4:23 am

  Ive only had my Odyssey for 4 days, but already I love it! Its a great drive, handles just like a sporty car. Everything is so lush and classy looking.

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  Best small SUV on the market - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By alancrv - September 11 - 1:10 am

  I drove all the small SUVs before buying the CR-V. RAV4 handled like an old school bus. Rogue is nice but has the cargo capacity of a sub-compact. Subaru is nice but had dated technology. Mileage on the CR-V is very good for AWD, 22/27 after break-in and I have gotten nearly 30 mpg on flat highway. There is sufficient power for typical maneuvers and auto is smoothest I have experienced. Very solid build quality though Ive had a few rattles come and go. Why can I get factory bluetooth on a crappy Honda Fit but not on my top-of-the-line CR-V?!

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  Great car - 2008 Honda Civic
  By Chris - September 11 - 12:46 am

  It handles like a 5-series BMW, but gets twice the gas mileage. The steering is very quick- something new this year is that the steering is only 2.6 turns lock to lock, so it is very sensitive especially at highway speeds.