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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  Very Impressed! - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By Kimmie - May 30 - 10:00 am

  I test drove the RAV4, Passat, Accord, Outback, Suburu WR-X and chose the CR- V. In my mind the CRV took the prize for having the best of my needs in a vehicle: handling, price, economy, interior room and design. And its a honda! I love the vehicle.

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  New 02 Civic Si Hatchback ROCKS!!! - 2002 Honda Civic
  By Eric Smith - May 30 - 10:00 am

  After seeing the demise of the Civic Hatch, I was thinking about picking up a used Hatchback DX or CX from the dealer.... but you cant find them! Honda Hatchback owners are SO LOYAL it isnt even funny!! What can I say... The Rally stick is awsome, the car is fast and handles beautifully, even at 130MPH !!! It looks awsome too!!!! (Especially on the inside). Take a test drive, you wont regret it... Oh, word is there will only be 18,000 of them made/sold in the US, then the Hatchs may be gone for good this time! Pick one up now!!! (BTW, most dealer are tacking on an addtl $1000 for the privlidge of buying one!)

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  Reliable versatile economical - 2004 Honda Element
  By John Wilmot - May 30 - 3:53 am

  Very reliable vehicle...low maintenance and very versatile rear seats for hauling various things. Rear "suicide" doors are somewhat awkward in parking lots..city mileage 20mpg with 5 spd manual trans.

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  Homely but sturdy and amazingly reliable - 1991 Honda Civic
  By NWTransplant - May 30 - 2:00 am

  I bought a 91 Civic 5-speed stick wagon for its reputation for dependability, reliability and fuel economy. It delivered well on all three counts. Also very spacious for people and cargo in the interior. Always ran well and got me where I needed to go without incident. I had it only a few months and only sold it because I desired something more stylish. I learned later never to part with something this dependable. Makes first- rate budget transportation with room.

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  Get an ACCORD - 1994 Honda Accord
  By niceguy - May 30 - 2:00 am

  I had a 1989 model and purchased the 1994 model in 1998. We are so proud of our purchase and yet more please with the reliability that we had through the lifetime with this wonderful car. I had minor repair issues throughout the 6 years we owned and never once would complain. Technology always breaks but for some reason not with a Honda. Very please and will stay within the Honda family of vehicles for our next purchase.

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  Best car Ive ever owned, period. - 1997 Honda Civic
  By NWTransplant - May 30 - 2:00 am

  Ive had mine since 3,300 miles and couldnt be happier. No reliability issues whatsoever. Built like a fine Swiss watch. Follow the maintenance schedule according to the owners manual (as I do) and the car reward you with amazingly trouble-free motoring. If deprived of my Civic, I would immediately seek another one just like it with no hesitation. Its like a premium motorcar in a smaller, less expensive package.

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  Wishing for off road capabilities! - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By Michael A. Whited - May 30 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle is awesome! The new Honda crv-2002 perfoms great. This vehicle is especially comfortable to drive. It literally purrs like a kitten. BUT, I and many other consumers wish and hope for future off-road endurance. I wish the 2002 Honda-CRV had just a little more off-road capability.

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  Love my CR-V - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By GEENEE72 - May 30 - 2:00 am

  Bought my CR-V EX a few weeks ago and I love it. I wanted EX and most I could get off MSRP was $500. So my brother found a demo model with 5,000 miles with a roof rack .....I got 1500 off MSRP with the roof rack. I think I got a good deal. People dont pay sticker....they will give at least 300 off. Trust me I called every honda dealer in new york new jersey area. So far i love this car. Only complaints is this whisling noise (sounds like wind) i hear when driving on highway....anyone else have a problem with that??? Maybe a small air leak in sunroof?????? Otherwise it is so smooth and quiet.

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  HONDA CR-V FEEDBACK - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By littlering2223 - May 30 - 2:00 am

  I compared the CR-V to everything in its class and couldnt find anything worth a look. The 160 hp 4 cyl. motor has plenty of power and feels more like a V6 than a 4. Most of the major reviews on the CR-V listed "No available V6" under "CONS." Yes they are correct but I dont see need for a V6. Lets face it, your not intending to do a lot of hauling or pulling if your in the market for a MINI SUV? The All Wheel Drive is also a perfect fit for a vehicle of this type since regular 4 wheel drive is only used a small percentage of the time unless you live in a pretty nasty part of the country. So why pay all that $$$$$$ and not be able to use it?

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  Windstar Rules - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By Coolperson - May 30 - 2:00 am

  Gave me a ton of problems.