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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  2007 Honda CR-V EX-L 4dr (2.4L 4cyl 5A) - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By butch - July 27 - 5:50 pm

  Just let me say Honda has a winner. Build quality is excellent the ride is smooth and comfortable. I have been buying Hondas since 1982. I am sure this model will have an excellent resale.

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  INDY-My New HIGH MPG Hybrid - 2005 Honda Civic
  By FR_Pilot - July 27 - 1:56 pm

  I purchased INDY because I wanted a car that was an environmentally conscious statement. This car is fantastic: sporty, high tech, great MPG, stylish, and fun to drive. I got the CVT model because my wife drives it and wasnt thrilled about a stick. Ive upgraded everything but the wheels. Changed the Radio to allow XM and IPOD. Nicely designed car, very conforable. Wish the seats had a little bit better lumbar support. Only option not available which I wish was possible was a sunroof. Apparently some wiring goes through the roof or so I was told so that a sunroof wasnt possible. They have it on the new Accord. I regularly get 38- 43 mpg though I dont drive for max mpg.

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  A utility car but still fun - 2001 Honda Civic
  By Aamer - July 27 - 2:44 am

  Civic is a great car. You can drive it forever. Its an economy car that makes every day driving tons of fun.

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  A utility car but still fun - 2001 Honda Civic
  By Aamer - July 27 - 2:44 am

  Civic is a great car. You can drive it forever. Its an economy car that makes every day driving tons of fun.

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  I love my new element - 2005 Honda Element
  By LAUREN WOODS - July 26 - 9:30 pm

  I love driving my element, i have driven hondas for many years and am really pleased with this small suv. It handles easily and is easy to park, drive etc. It is economical also.

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  Excellent Choice - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By Edward - July 26 - 1:36 pm

  I didnt appreciate how much I was going to like my Ridgeline until I really got to drive it off the lot to my home. It drives just like a car with all the benefits of a truck. I use the trunk all the time for everything from groceries to my kids band instruments. I havent had any problems or complaints, but then I never expected to. I have owned many Hondas and dont plan on buying anything else. Get your Ridgeline today!

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  Its a BLAST! - 2007 Honda Fit
  By Christapher - July 26 - 9:26 am

  I got my fit because my old car, a 96 nissan maxima, had all but bit the dust. The second it rolled off the truck and I sat down in it (I bought it pretty much sight unseen :-/) I imediately fell in love! Its a beautiful car! At 62", I still have about 3 inches of headroom, thats more than I had with my luxury automobile. Another thing I had missed was cupholders. This has one for every passenger! Horray! But seriously, this is a blast to drive. Very peppy and the paddle shifters make driving low-rev to save gas a breeze! My coworkers had been making fun of me as I was waiting for devlivery about how small it is and such (theyre all huge truck drivers)but they saw it, that stopped.

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  A SOLID vehicle with surprising quality - 2004 Honda Civic
  By Will - July 26 - 3:33 am

  Ive owned the Si for a year now, and its been a great ride. I love the car more now than when purchased it. Build quality is unbelievablet; interior quality is phenomenal(still not a SINGLE rattle!), and the exterior body panels fit so tightly that they are near seamless. The suspension and handling show their European origin (Sis are built in England). The stiff suspension, tight steering and solid chassis make for a remarkably stable ride. The hatch is very useful, and the interior is roomy. The car may appear funky in pictures, but its great in person. Sure, its not a bling-bling, super sexy, gimmicky car... but it IS a great car. I couldnt be happier with my purchase.

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  Honda-sized - 2006 Honda Accord
  By Phil - July 25 - 10:50 pm

  This is our second Accord. We switched from mostly Chevys and Buicks. They were good cars, but the Accords are excellent. They are refined in terms of styling and operation, economical to operate, and just a pleasure to drive.

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  Great little car - 2006 Honda Civic
  By mrtuesday - July 25 - 8:03 pm

  Fun to drive, great comfort, and I love all the wonderful features, very responsive, cant wait to take a long trip.