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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  Montana 2011 CR-V - 2011 Honda CR-V
  By david hospodor - July 22 - 11:22 am

  Great vehicle for road trips. Very comfortable. Handling is not as tight as I would like it to be. Just OK. Otherwise, it is the second most favorite car I have ever owned. First was a 1963 Austin-Healey I owned when I was 19. It is now about a year since I wrote the above review and the CR-V is still the second most favorite car I have ever owned. But, the older I get (74) the greater the distance grows between the second place CR-V and a 19-year olds beautiful red 1963 Austin-Healey........55 years ago!

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  Jason - 1998 Honda Accord
  By DJDaddy98 - July 22 - 2:00 am

  Runs Great!! Very, very reliable car!!! I love to drive it. It is very very comfortable.

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  Not a true Honda - 2000 Honda Passport
  By gipper - July 22 - 2:00 am

  This is an Isuzu, not a true Honda. Although an above-average, solid SUV, the quality is not quite up to the usual Honda standards. The ride is very truck-like and rough, cornering unstable, fuel economy is just ok (Ive averaged 18 mpg). All said, its been an all-right vehicle. Im looking to trade it in for a CR-V, which is what I should have gotten in the first place.

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  great vam - 2000 Honda Odyssey
  By TC1 - July 22 - 2:00 am

  after 4 years, still a great van.

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  Tom Kileys review - 2006 Honda Accord
  By Tom Kiley - July 21 - 9:20 pm

  I have had the car for three weeks and have taken two trips that were over 200 miles each way and have found the car to be very comfortable, quiet with good power for acceleration. My on road gas mileage averaged 32 mpg.

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  Overrated - 2009 Honda Civic
  By David - July 21 - 11:53 am

  Its Honda reliability and there is no disputing that. But in reality, the car is overrated. The car rides very rough and road noise is horrible. No vanity lights is an oversight on Hondas part. The car handles good but is lacking in some basic features like: vanity lights, power seats, in- dash 6 disc changer, and homelink. It has good power unless youre merging into traffic and need to get out there (you may be in trouble). When you compare the Civic, Corolla, & Mazda3, dollar for dollar and feature for feature I think Honda ends up in last place. I think they are relying too much on a legacy and have become too complacent. Would not have another one thats for sure.

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  Wolf in Sheeps Clothes - 2006 Honda Accord
  By canoe8 - July 21 - 4:50 am

  Great sporty sedan with room. This car exceeds all expectations. Coming out of a 2001 BMW 325XI, the Accord with 6MT gives up nothing to the BMW in handling and exceeds it in power and driving fun. This car is 95% the same car as the Acura TL but loads less money. Get the EX sport package, it is well worth the money to give the car a little better appearance. Also added the splash guards and full nose mask. Got all these accessories for about $900, MSRP was $2200 installed. Paid $300 over invoice for the car.

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  My best car....ever! - 2006 Honda Element
  By Dave - July 21 - 2:40 am

  This is the best car I have ever owned! Its fun to drive, it has great space and its a Honda. If you want creature comforts, this car is not for you, but if you love something thats practical and reliable...this car is for you. Great sound system. The most roomy car I have ever been in. More roomy than the Hummer H2 and H3. Very easy to park anywhere.

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  My View - 1990 Honda Civic
  By Hitman450 - July 21 - 2:00 am

  This is bar-none, one of the best cars Ive ever owned. Nothing major has gone wrong with it that I didnt do, and yes, this car has been through a lot, but it keeps going and going. I must also say, for as old as the body design is, it still looks competitive on the street. It gets great gas mileage, considering todays gas prices. Rust? What rust? Even the smallest amount of maintainence will prevent any of that from happening on this car, and we are talking about an all minnesota car here, where rust is commonplace. I would recommend anyone to buy a civic, its one of the most reliable cars out there.

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  Not Bad... owes me nothing - 1994 Honda Accord
  By tommy10987 - July 21 - 2:00 am

  My main complaint with the 94 Honda is the rust problems with the rear wheel wells. However, I just decided to put some $$$ into fixing the rust since the car has been pretty reliable overall, and actually felt as fun to drive than a new one! In the 7 years I have owned it, have had two oil leaks (one reimbursed later due to recall), and have had to replace both window motors, clutch slave cylinder, and A/C condenser. Removed heat shield to get rid of the silly noise. Currently, the right door actuator keeps making a noise, the hood doesnt shut well, and in really hot humid weather sometimes doesnt start the first time.