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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  Best of All Worlds - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By Grailmanitou - July 30 - 6:16 am

  We bought this new SE in looking for a car for my mother--we wanted everything- -particularly in a safe, comfortable, attractive drive which could handle all road conditions, coming truly highly rated on all aspects which make a difference. This SUV has everything one could want, with a car-like ease of driving. We know we wont have to worry about my mother in terms of safety or reliability. This is a well thought out design on all fronts which merges attractiveness, drive, safety, interior features, incredible standard features and overall class for an incredible price for the Special Edition.

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  Traded in my TSX for it! - 2006 Honda Civic
  By M. Salzano - July 30 - 5:46 am

  Im pretty much a Honda person, Ive owned the previous generation Si & owned a 05tsx w/ navi before trading it in on the new si. Hands down it is a COMPLETE car, handles like a dream, pulls hard thru all the gears and ergonomics are phenominal!! ONLY bad part was trying to obtain one right now dealers know the demand is high so there are alot marking them up. I got mine at MSRP after being shafted by a local dealer. However, there is NOTHING else that can compare for this money. Keep in mind i traded in a 30k TSX with navigation for this Honda Civic Si... if that doesnt tell you something I dunno what will ENJOY!

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  Brand New 2015 CRV EX with horrible vibrations when idle. Do not buy! - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By vibrations - July 29 - 9:37 pm

  My wife and I were so excited for our new CRV. We have two small children and this was going to give us extra room for our kids and their stuff and was replacing our 2002 Honda Civic which we had for 14 years with no problems. We loved all of the features and look of the CRV. We had come to love Honda from our Civic experience. However after purchasing the car and driving home 30 minutes (our test drive was about 10) we realized that the CRV had a serious problem. At idle at a traffic light the entire car began to strongly vibrate. We btiught the car back to the dealer and tested several others and they all did this. We have come to find out that the car idles at too low an rpm. Do not buy!

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  One of a kind - 2004 Honda S2000
  By Melissa C - July 29 - 2:00 am

  Ever since I set eyes on my car-it took my breath away. Driving is a dream. The car is solid and heavy like a Mercedes so safe to go on road trips. Good size trunk, unique features, and you will have a fan club wherever you go. Mouths drop when you drive by...if only they knew what it was like behind the wheel:+) Best thing Ive ever done. Just make sure you wave to the rest of us when you pass by...there are only a minimal number of S2000s produced by Honda each year.

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  Best Sports Car under $60K - 2004 Honda S2000
  By David4UCLA - July 29 - 2:00 am

  Motorcycle excitement on 4 wheels.

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  93 Civic Coupe - 1993 Honda Civic
  By RedHondaCivic - July 29 - 2:00 am

  I love this car. I have had 7 cars since my 16th birthday in march of 2003. But this one is by far my favorite. The only thing that I dont like about the car is the interior, mainly the placement of the vents. With the vents on, you cannot point the middle ones near your chest. They blow right in your face. Its easy to fix though, just dont use them. :)

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  Northern Michigan CRV - 1999 Honda CR-V
  By newzboy - July 29 - 2:00 am

  This car is very capable. The on- demand all wheel drive is a big help here in Northern Michigan where winters can be very harsh. I wish it had more power to challenge hills though. It sounds like a buzz bomb when its climbing hills. I heard the newer models do have a more powerful engine. The automatic transmission was a little herky-jerky...some hard shifts here and there. You wouldnt know it by looking at it from the outside, but the interior is very roomy for this size vehicle. Theres plenty of legroom both front and back. The cargo area is also quite adequate. All in all, this is a pretty fine little SUV.

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  Honda Odyssey - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By julie - July 28 - 11:36 am

  This is the best vehicle I have ever owned! I feel like for the first time I am in a vehicle that was truly researched for what a driver would want - I cant find anything I do not like about the van. I wish I hadnt gotten one sooner.

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  Honda Pilot 2016 Ex - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By Dave - July 28 - 4:40 am

  We just brought this car last month 7/1/2015 and already Im started to hear a weird squeak noise after i start the engine. At first I thought it was because I left the car for couple of days without using it but is not the case. Its happening quite frequently now. I go in press the brake then the start button and the engine comes on and then a squeak noise. Please let me know if anyone else is having this issue. I will take this in and see what is going on. Thanks

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  Great Car - 1997 Honda Prelude
  By Prelude Lover - July 28 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car new, 7 years ago. No problems to report. The car still looks and runs like new. My partner bought an Integra a few months prior to my purchase. Shes currently looking to replace the Integra - although the Prelude and Integra are very, very similar the Prelude has been a much better car.