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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  2003 Silver CRV EX - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By Happy CRVer - July 14 - 2:00 am

  Wanted to get away from the smaller car to a vehicle that had good all weather abilities(AWD), and had good enough gas mileage to commute to work in. The CRV came out on top to other Makes/Models.

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  Honda has lost another customer - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By Angel T. B.Hall - July 14 - 2:00 am

  three months off the truck, the transmission completely obliterated. Seemingly, endless recalls. Most recently, air bags. In the sixteen months that we have owned this vehicle we have experienced complete A/C failure, trouble switching gears, four recalls for potentially fatal mishaps. And of course the transmission that died on us on our drive back from vacation. Dont make the mistake we did.

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  Lovin my new car - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By Michaela - July 14 - 2:00 am

  I LOVE my Honda CR-V! I dont know if Ill ever be able to drive anything else! Its extremely spacious. Its wonderful for active people who can put all the sports equipment easily in the back. The only downfall I found was that I felt it should have come with a luggage rack, but other than that, this car is GREAT!

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  HoNDa - 2003 Honda Civic
  By Gone2aCamry - July 14 - 2:00 am

  I loved everything about my 2003 Honda Civic, however, at 11,500 miles, my transmission gave out and I had to have a new one. MY drivers side seat also had to be replaced a couple of times. The seat tracks on this particular Honda had not been alined properly from the factory, and when I had it to the dealer for the 9th time they replaced the seat. However, it did not make a difference. I like everything from the ergonomics of my honda to the performance, but the problems with the trasmission and the seat were reason to rid myself of that lemon.

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  Best Compact On The Market! - 2004 Honda Civic
  By Gigolo Jayson - July 14 - 2:00 am

  Love this car! If you have the money dont think twice. Best compact on the market. Great car.

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  Great Car - 2004 Honda Civic
  By ASKIP - July 14 - 2:00 am

  Just trade 98 Accord EX-VL, worried about pick up. Manual is great to drive, I love this car, and I shouldnt have worried about the power. This little car screams.

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  My New Accord - 2004 Honda Accord
  By Andy Heckman - July 14 - 2:00 am

  I just got my 2004 Accord EX (Sedan w/ Leather) this past weekend & completely love this car. On top of the realiability & affordibility youve come to expect from Honda (Ive driven Hondas for 10 years), Honda has done a great job making you feel like youre riding in a luxury car that should cost $10,000 more, easy. I love the sleekish exterior, but the interior is where I feel the Accord really shines. Its such a comfortable ride that gives you everything you need whether you have a family or whether you are single, like me, and just want the space & the ammenities of a family sedan.

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  Love my CRV - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By Monique Funches - July 13 - 5:56 pm

  I like my new CRV, a bit pricy but it is definitely worth it. I have more space to carry my belongings and is great when taking a trip with family or friends!

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  NaviConvert - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By BMWDriver - July 13 - 5:56 pm

  Test drove RAV4 but disliked the side- opening tailgate. Got CR-V EX-L 2 weeks ago. No regrets! Especially love the rear camera and the voice- command Navigation feature (e.g., you can ask it to find the nearest "Mexican restaurant" or to tell you what time it is). Amazed by the performance of a "weak" 166 hp engine! It is smooth and quiet. My other car is a 10-year old BMW 540i, but I prefer driving my CR-V EX-L instead!

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  Honda Accord - 2009 Honda Accord
  By L costa - July 13 - 3:56 pm

  Vehicle drives like a $20k car. The road noise needs improvement. I drove a 97 Volvo 850 for the past 12 years and the Volvo was quieter than the Honda on the highway. I am not sure if different tires would do the trick or maybe a redesigned suspension. I also own a 08 GMC Sierra Crew Cab which has a smoother ride than the Accord; it may be because of the longer suspension but the truck has 20 inch wheel which means less tire to absorb bumps and it still rides better. I purchased the Honda because it gave the most bang for the buck for the size and comfort the vehicle offers. Overall the Honda is nice and stylish, all that needs to be worked on is the road noise and ride.