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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  2006 CR-V EX - 2006 Honda CR-V
  By mountain goat - August 20 - 4:53 pm

  i love my cute Honda CR-V. It handles like a dream. Has incredibly smooth transmission. Acceleration is commendable for such a small engine. It gives exactly what it claims: 21mpg city driving; about 28 for highway. The available cargo room is amazing. The CR- V is stylish, but it has a lot of competition from the copycats.

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  The best new car Ive ever OWNED!! - 2018 Honda CR-V
  By Leeluu8 - August 20 - 2:07 pm

  This is my 5th Honda. Id like to think of myself as a loyal consumer but Honda out did themselves with this years 2018 CR-V. Not only does it look pretty it is amazingly sturdy,quiet, and comfortable(fun) to drive. I previously owned a 2016 HR-V. A wonderful car but the CR-V is definitely a step up. All of the safety features and the bells and whistles make it a great value for your money.

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  Why did Honda stop making these? - 1996 Honda Prelude
  By makeemagagainhonda - August 20 - 2:00 am

  Been driving this car for 8 years. Recently replaced radiator and repaired the ABS, but other than that no problems at all.Cant think of any other actual repairs that have had to be done, just kept on the regular maintenance schedule. This is my second Prelude. Kept the 1st one 8 years as well.

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  goodie - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By meme321 - August 20 - 2:00 am

  Great car! Drove it all over the place, no problems at all. Would definitely buy another.

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  For $20,000 its a great car! - 2006 Honda Civic
  By theflanders - August 20 - 12:30 am

  Getting 36-38 mpg on all interstate driving, love the cockpit style gauges and factory sound is good quality. Im 6 ft tall and have no problems with my knee hitting the parking brake. Through 3 1/2 months of owning and I havent had one single issue with any part of the car. There is a little road noise, but turning up the radio one notch covers it up. Love the sunroof and overall look of the outside of the car. Surprising power when speeding up to enter freeway.

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  2008 Civic EX-L Coupe - 2008 Honda Civic
  By Jerry - August 19 - 9:46 pm

  Just took delivery of my 2008 Civic on Valentines Day. I have the coupe (EX-L) 5 speed without navigation. Car handles very well and is fun to drive. The clutch and close ratio gearbox are are light and easy to modulate (third gear can be a little tricky til you get used to it). Doors close with a nice solid thunk and overall the car seems well made. The only issue that I have with the car is that the heated seats are not at all what I am used to. Previous car was a 2003 Chevrolet Monte Carlo SS.) My Chevys seats got hot in seconds and stayed that way, the Hondas barely get warm on high - dealer say they are "operating normally". Overall I really like the car.

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  No comparison - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By Houstonian - August 19 - 9:10 pm

  After months of research, lurking on the forums, getting opinions from family and friends, Ive come to the conclusion that this is indeed the best minivan on the market. The 240 horses are addictive. The 5-speed auto, traction control, good gas mileage, and magic seat are nice bonuses. Excellent crash test results gives me peace of mind for my family. It may not be the best equipped minivan on the market, but it is the best value.

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  What a truck - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By Forrest - August 19 - 8:33 pm

  Typical Honda build quality and features. This is the reason you buy a Honda. Everything has been well thought out. Drives and handles like a vehicle with sport suspension. Ride comfort is excellent. Smooth gear shift. Dealer was great to work with.

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  honda rocks!! - 2008 Honda Civic
  By sj - August 19 - 5:30 pm

  it takes 38 dollars to fill this car up - need i say more? and I am getting 30-40 mpg (city/hwy) - this car will pay for itself quickly!!

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  great van - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By redfishsam - August 19 - 3:50 pm

  I just want to start off by saying this is a great van. Its great on gas and it drives like a car. My two girls love this van. The dvd player was way too much, w/navi system so opt. not to have and just installed the dvd my self. Great van, number one choice in my book.