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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  Love it!!! - 2004 Honda S2000
  By captroynsteph - August 31 - 2:00 am

  Before I got my S2000 I thought that excellent performance required 8 cylinders and a $50,000 price tag. I was wrong. I had a Vette before this car. The Honda is more reliable and every bit as much fun to drive.

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  The best of the bunch - 2001 Honda Odyssey
  By SirShaw - August 31 - 2:00 am

  I Started my car buying experience 20 years ago and I was an American buyer, but I had friends that had Hondas with 200k and bought them used with close to 100k. Now I see why. This blow the socks off of Dodge, Ford, and Gm. Nissan and Toyota are always going to play catch-up with Honda when is comes to Mini Vans. I bought this new and have 63k on it now. This handle better than all of those above and I have had no problems worth commenting about. If Im in the Mini Van market in about 200k more miles Id buy another.

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  Love my 6 month old CRV! - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By Leslie - August 30 - 11:06 pm

  Hondas are great cars. Ill probably always buy Honda. I traded in my 1999 Honda Odyssey EX,(121,000 mi. - pretty impressive!) in for the 2007 ex/4dr/awd CRV 6 months ago. I love it! Darn good get up and go for a 4 banger. I have only one complaint Honda: next time use the same fabric the the CRV, that you put the Odysseys.

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  Better than my BMW - 2010 Honda Accord Crosstour
  By JK in Chicago - August 30 - 8:56 pm

  Just purchased one last weekend after driving BMWs for the past decade. Drives a little less sporty, but with so much more comfort, reliability and ease of mind. 100,000 mile / 7 year warranty Im sold. The response of the engine from 6 cylinders to 4 in city driving and 3 cylinders in stop and go is seamless and the 4WD is so nice for Chicago winters. No more worries while driving our snow-packed streets. I smile when I drive this car!

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  This car is ok with ME - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Regster34 - August 30 - 6:20 pm

  The 03 Accord is my first Honda.I have had the recall on the transmission taken care of. It was never a problem.I have read that people have had problems with the brakes, I live in MASS. I have not experianced any problems. I have 14,ooo miles. I installed the rear spoiler and splash guards, moon roof visor, the car looks more sporty now.

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  Love the car but not the city mileage - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By City Driver - August 30 - 12:40 pm

  I just purchased this great car about a week ago. I do love it in all ways excpet one: fuel efficiency in the city is awful. I am saddened and shocked as I really expected a little better. I live in a hilly city with lots of stop and go. Mileage thus far has been a constant 14.4. Weather has been perfectly clear and have not had to utilize the 4wd yet. This mileage is worse that my 6cyl RX300Lexus (year 2000). In fact, I traded in a 1999 Mercedes E320 so I could get some fuel efficiency and the CR-V is worse than that car, too. Well, it is a great car to drive in the city and I am enjoying it.

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  excellent - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By CR005 - August 30 - 9:43 am

  Awesome! I would take any Honda any day but the Pilot is my fav.

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  NOTHING IS PERFECT... - 1999 Honda Prelude
  By KRITTYD - August 30 - 2:00 am

  COULDNT ASK FOR MORE FOR THE PRICE!

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  Super all-around car - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By carsonsmom - August 30 - 2:00 am

  All in all, this is really a super car. Its a great multi-putpose vehicle. Our biggest dissapointment is that gas mileage hasnt been quite what Honda advertised (we average 22 mpg in mixed driving on the LX model). Aside from that, is fun to drive, practical for all types of errands...hauling the family around, groceries, getting plants, etc. I love all the interior space, with such a compact-looking exterior. Even with the less-than-hoped-for fuel economy, we would buy another, based on our experience so far.

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  Improved for 2006 - 2006 Honda Accord
  By NMR - August 29 - 8:00 pm

  Every since the last re-design of the Accord I have been lukewarm about tail of the Accord - maybe silly, but I did not like it. For 2006, Honda improved the looks, but also improved the engine (4-cyl). After test driving, I was convinced I wanted this car. I purchased mine less than 3 weeks after the release of the 2006 (I never purchased a new design - even mid-cycle). I am impressed with the quickness and control of the 2006 Accord. Honda has made improvements in cabin quiteness (over previous generations) and I am very happy with my purchase.