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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  CRV - 2001 Honda CR-V
  By Diablomeans666 - April 19 - 2:00 am

  Good car and really reliable

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  Great SUV - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By mvfed - April 19 - 2:00 am

  Great SUV will buy again great service and sales staff, very nice buying experince

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  great for the money - 2003 Honda Civic
  By kimbot - April 19 - 2:00 am

  I have owned 2 jettas an 1985 and 1996. I had terrible experiences 2 years after i bout my used 96 jetta which scared me away from the newer volkswagens. i keep obsessing over jettas because they are so good looking , comfortable and fun to drive yet they are totally unreliable and expensive to maintain. Civic have always been my second choice and if i hadnt had a jetta im sure i would have been a bigger honda enthusiast. ( its hard to get over the interior differences even though the new civics are much nicer than they used to be they just dont compare to jettas.)

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  Not a happy camper - 2003 Honda Accord
  By brknardo - April 19 - 2:00 am

  Serious problems, fast idle when cold, car runs at 20 mph with foot off the gas pedal. Dealer cant fix. Gas milage is at 23-24 mpg, again they cant fix. This is my first Honda, I think it will be my last. After looking at the NHSTA site,others are having problems as well (including airbags that dont work on impact). Im more than a little concerned with the quality of this car. Suggest you do a lot of research before buying. Appears to have a rotten egg smell that enters the drivers compartment, nasty.

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  I LOVE my first Honda! - 2003 Honda Accord
  By MyFirstHonda - April 19 - 2:00 am

  Looking originally at a Civic for reliability and better price and economy. After looking at the over priced Corolla we decided to step up to the Altima. But after driving the Accord we were in love (well my wife was). We were replacing a top of the line Dodge Avenger that had V6, leather, moon, etc. The accord fit the bill, even with the 4 cyl. engine. Plenty of pep even compared the the V6 Avenger, better ride, awesome seats and stereo system.

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  Excellent SUV - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By wendy - April 18 - 5:20 pm

  We took this SUV on a road trip through Yellowstone and the Rockies, excellent gas mileage of 23/28. We never thought we would get such good mileage from a big vehicle. The ride was very smooth and comfortable. According to one of the cons of owning this vehicle is the feeling that one feels to big behind the wheel. I am only 52" and didnt have any problems, I did not feel as though the vehicle was to big to handle. I felt very comfortable driving it. Excellent vehicle!

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  Excellent small SUV for cities - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By Rockwell - April 18 - 7:00 am

  We are of a small family living in Houston and only have a BMW 325 sedan, which has limited carrying capacity (and not ideal for shopping at The Home Depot). We thus need something that can carry a lot of cargo, is easy to drive in an urban environment with reasonable gas mileage. We have tested drove both the RAV4 and the CR-V. We found that the design of the CR-V is very thoughtful for small families and for woman drivers. Thus far, we believe that we have made the right decision. Many people go with the RAV4 b/c of the V6 power but review from this web site has shown that the V6 produces too much power for such a small car to be stable at high speed.

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  not hondas best effort - 2000 Honda Odyssey
  By bellybuttonlint - April 18 - 2:00 am

  After owning a plymouth voyager, i was disappointed in the quality of the hondas interior features and equipment. The cupholders are flimsy causing frequent spills. The stereo system is second rate for a car of this caliber. Doors and body creak. Brakes and suspension are noisy. Gas mileage is poor. The folding rear seat is a nifty feature. The middle row captians chairs do not recline very far and this annoys my children.

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  Element Review - 2003 Honda Element
  By Greybeard - April 18 - 2:00 am

  The most fun, all around useful vehicle Ive owned or been around in years. 25mpg at 75-80mph. Travels very well with wife, 2 dogs and luggage. Very short turning radius makes town driving and parking lots go-cart easy. Honda quality and reliability.

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  My 2nd Honda Pilot - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By mgbarker54 - April 17 - 11:50 pm

  Just bought my 2nd Honda Pilot - traded in the 2003 for a 2006. Great car, but the 2003 didnt have all the extras like the moon roof, 6-cd in-dash, etc.