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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  LOVE my CRV - 2001 Honda CR-V
  By betzchaz - May 14 - 2:00 am

  Cant say enough about my CR-V (which has been dubbed Cute Recreational Vehicle in our house!!) Have to turn this baby in at the end of the month due to lease being up. Going to dread every minute of it. It has been a wonderful vehicle and does great in the snow!!! Havent found a thing I couldnt fit in the back of it with the sits folded down either!!

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  The Best Small SUV - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By Sunny Tucson - May 13 - 10:43 am

  Outstanding quality, great fit and finish, great handling. Based on consumer reports recommendations we went out to buy a RAV4, but decided to take one last look at a CR-V. The CR-V ride won us over. This is a great little SUV and Id recommend it to anyone looking for this type of vehicle.

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  My CRV - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By SUV - May 13 - 10:10 am

  Vehicle handles well. Has lots of safety features that are important to me. The inside is roomy and comfortable and rides well.

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  Some Good, Some Bad - 2007 Honda Accord
  By Dagwood - May 13 - 4:46 am

  I like this car, but the manual transmission has become frustrating in cold weather. Difficult 3rd gear shift and it will occasionally throw the stick out of gear. This is not uncommon with this transmission in the sedan, coupe, S2000, Civic si, and Acura TL. I love everything else about the car and I still like the 6-speed even with this problem - I just wish Honda would solve the issue. Comfy seats, good accel and passing power, nice ride, decent handling, nice stereo, heated mirrors & seats. I put Dunlop Wintersport M3s on the car and the are wonderful - better than the stock Michelins. Im not a huge fan of the look of the rear end of the car, but I like it better than the 08s.

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  It aint your grandmas Honda! - 2003 Honda Accord
  By William S. Rannells - May 13 - 3:46 am

  A few more "add-ons" and I would never look at another car. Performs like cars costing $10,000 - $20,000 more. Gas milage on the highway around 32 mph and 20 mph around town. Bought another just like it for my son;he got the 4cyl, I got the jet!

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  weve been through a lot together - 1995 Honda Civic
  By ghst99 - May 13 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car way back in 97 with 75000 miles already on it. I drove it from California to Massachusetts and all the way down the East coast a couple of times then to Texas. In my time in the North East it handled great in the snow, The Body rusted a little, I had to change the brakes and cv joints once. It passed inspection everytime and I recently sold it for 2500 with 140000 miles on it! Great car, great resale value. Good bye old friend.

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  Funny what the editors pick as best - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By Happy Honda Owner - May 12 - 11:06 am

  Funny how the editors pick the Ford as "Best SUV" when they rate it lower than the Pilot, its smaller, gets worse fuel economy, is less safe, MUCH less reliable, and its "true cost to own" by their own rating over 5 years is over $10,000 more. Gee, thats a no brainer to me. Ill keep my Pilot any day.

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  Sweet Ride!! - 2003 Honda S2000
  By grayday - May 12 - 2:00 am

  Ive had my 02 S2K for about a month now and I cant say enough good things about it! I love the 240hp/4 cyl combo. It did take me a couple days to learn how to drive it the way it was intended. It took some getting used to due to the "rev" factor. Although the radio has often been called "weak", I find it sufficient with the top up or down...or you could turn it off and just humm to the exhaust note! This car is not for everyone as the ride is very stiff and the interior is not as plush as say the Audi TTs. However, for those looking for something different and edgy or if you want to feel like a Formula One driver, this is the car for you!

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  1999 Honda Civis LX Sedan - 1999 Honda Civic
  By SLS - May 12 - 2:00 am

  Love it. The only reason I am leaving the Honda feel is to check out the new Passats.

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  awesome car - 2000 Honda Civic
  By Kristeye82 - May 12 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car after having a car that broke down all the time. I was pleasantly suprised that I have had absolutely no problems with it, even after a whole year. I have a half hour drive to work everyday and my civic is extremely reliable! I would recommend this car to anyone and everyone.