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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  Great car at great price - 2008 Honda Civic
  By Dave Painchaud - August 8 - 3:36 pm

  After researching all hybrids I narrowed it down to the Prius and the Honda Civic. I settled on the Civic because its a better looking car. I love the car and get about 40 mpg all around. I purchased a new Civic hybrid with navigation for $22,101 including destination charge. It was $24,350 out the door. Apparently that is about $1,000 under invoice. Use the Costco discount and go to the internet mgr. Im completely satisfied.

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  Very Functional Vehicle - 2004 Honda Element
  By Kurt - August 8 - 10:13 am

  We have only had the vehicle for 3 weeks, but we have already taken a trip with it and put on about 2,000 miles. The vehicle has surprisingly good pep, and the sound system is well above average. It rides well, has plenty of leg room (my 68" brother in law had room to spare in the backseat), low road noise and most of all, it is very functional. I have only two criticisms; first, I only averaged about 24.7 miles/gallon on interstate (which was a little disappointing). Second, when you fold up the rear seats for storage (which is really nice feature), you have greatly reduced visibility and are forced to use mirrors almost exclusively (I dont think Honda can help that though).

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  lacking seat comfort for tall drivers - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By john miller - August 8 - 9:56 am

  I bought the 2002 CRV EX for its generous and plain interior space. Performance & fuel economy: Good enough. Build Quality: Good enough. Reliability: Dont know yet. Comfort: Im a 6 footer and I do seem to have a problem with the driver seat position/contour. After only a few minutes I feel the unpleasant sensation of my legs circulation being cut off. Is it the seats angle/front edge, or lack of lumbar support? I wonder if there are other tall drivers with a similar experience.

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  Not Just a Pick Up - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By Richard Spahn - August 8 - 8:50 am

  Im retired and this multipurpose vehicle replaces a Lincoln Town Car and a small motorhome. It rides and handles like a car with low road noise plus comfortable rear seats for passangers. Theres plenty of storage for everybodys gear in the trunk. I can take the Ridgeline to the Opera, the Country Club, the desert, the beach, the mountains, dining out or shopping. I plan an extended trip through AZ, NM, OK, AR, and TX next month and will tow a travel trailer part time and drive on the beach at one point. The sound system is excellent and satellite radio guarantees great listening anywhere. The rugged design should test out as the safest vehicle on the road.

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  WOW os what an S2000 means - 2004 Honda S2000
  By former racer - August 8 - 2:00 am

  I have owned many cars from rolls and MBenz to Jaguar to a Jensen Interceptor and this is the best all around speedster I have ever driven...needs a bit more weight in the rear end and has a rather tight suspension but for sheer manoeverability. speed, mileage and shifting flexability this is one great car with virtually no maintainance...I simply love it and for the money it is the best kept secret in road racers around.

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  Brilliant! - 2004 Honda S2000
  By CBaron - August 8 - 2:00 am

  Every trip is like a visit to the go-kart track. I can find nothing bad to say about this vehicle. I am constantly amazed at how few I see on the road, especially in contrast to the high numbers I see of more expensive and less well-performing two seaters.

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  The element the box the crv came in. - 2003 Honda Element
  By doughboy - August 8 - 2:00 am

  I have had this (thing) the toaster as I call it for 5 months and let me tell you people point and stare so if you dont like the looks people give or the pointing forget it this suvs not for you.I had a CRV before this and I loved it but it just felt cramped and let me tell you thats not the case with this, someone could get lost in this thing if you arent carefull!!! The comments total strangers give (good or bad) will break the ice anytime anywhere. So this is the Suv you either Love or love to Hate so get your while supplies last

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  unreliable, overpriced heap - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By nscalia - August 8 - 2:00 am

  This will be my 2nd 2003 odyssey. The 1st had problems starting, the 2nd within 6 months the air conditioning went out now theres a problem with the electrical system, the "dinger" doesnt always ding when the key is in and the door is open and the interior lights click on and off as if there is a short. Honda is awful in "taking care" of their customers, they have a buyers beware attitude, once you sign the line its your problem, so what if you are paying for a vehicle that is in the shop more than it is on the road.

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  2016 Honda CR-V EX 4WD - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By Tom Honda - August 8 - 1:51 am

  Have had an EX 4WD for 3 weeks. It is just another great product from Honda. Everything is great to what I expected for this trim. To me, the only complains are: (1) The front driver seat. Somehow I felt it is a little bit small and it is not comfortable no matter how I tried to adjust it. (2) The headlight is kind of dim. BTW, I have owned Pilot, Accord , and Civic before

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  Greatness - 1997 Honda Civic
  By bcw04 - August 7 - 2:00 am

  wow this car is great