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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  I love my new SUV!!! - 2010 Honda CR-V
  By Mindy - April 9 - 12:53 pm

  I just replaced my 2001 Accord with this new CRV on October 3, and just love it. The seats are quite a bit firmer than the Accord, but not uncomfortable. The blue lights in the dash are easy on the eyes and nothing is obstructed from view. Also, love sitting up higher. Always hated following behind other SUVs because of the blocked view of the road ahead. Now Im one of them and it feels great.

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  Happy driver - 2005 Honda Element
  By ibasc - April 9 - 11:16 am

  Great cargo space, superior seat comfort. Incredible pick-up. Wonderful storage nooks, drawers and crannies to discover. The overhead reading lights are great! There is just so much car in a small space, Ive never enjoyed driving and been so proud of a vehicle!

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  First NEW Car! Way cool! - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By Honda Family! - April 9 - 10:00 am

  Been the owner of a 1990 Caravan for 13 years, and have poured a ton of $$ into it over the years. Tried to avoid a car payment, but this van is soooooo worth it! Weve owned a Civic, a Prelude, have an Accord and now the OdysseyÂ…the Honda product is just amazing. The drive, the safety and reliability you just cant find in many makes. Ill have this for at least til the kids go off to college (15 years) and have no doubts it will still be a great van. And Auburn Honda is the most amazing dealership too! Well worth the drive.

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  I love my CRV - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By Pamq - April 9 - 10:00 am

  I purchased my CRV in 2002. Have absolutely no problems, lots of power for a 4 cylinder and feel great about driving a car with lots of cargo room and comfort without poluting the air and wasting gas!

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  almost perfect - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By Hondamom - April 9 - 10:00 am

  For the price this is an amazing value-- the comfort level is wonderful and it is much more spacious than other small SUVs. Really can fit five adults comfortably while also achieving great fuel economy. Also holds a LOT of camping gear, and the kids love the picnic table that comes with it. The only drawback is somewhat boring exterior design, but on the other hand I dont really want to draw too much attention to myself.

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  I love my honda civic, but - 2002 Honda Civic
  By joanjean - April 9 - 10:00 am

  I love my honda civic, but Since I bought it new in 2002 i have haad a few problems with it. At my 15000 miles check they had to change the strut. At 29000 they had to put in a new altinator. My defogger does not work well and who knows what else will begin to happen after the warranty runs out in a few months I have 33000 miles on it so 3000 to go I hope it last nice car but not as well built as I thought

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  fun car - 2003 Honda Civic
  By ghst99 - April 9 - 10:00 am

  Bought this car brand new but the previous model year. Its been a great car so far although the side panels seem to get dinged very easily when people parked next to you open their doors and hit the car. I was also rear-ended by a large F-250 on the highway going about 5-10 mph and the bumper held up better than I could have imagined.. I was expecting the worst but all I saw was two small dents in the back bumper.. no damage underneath.

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  Civics are my Heroes - 2004 Honda Civic
  By nirvanababy3 - April 9 - 10:00 am

  This is the second Civic Ive owned and I dont think Ill ever own a different car. When it comes down to it, anything I ever need to take with me fits in it. Its so versatile I can use it for everything, easy off road trails, highway driving, or city driving.

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  OWNER 2002 - 2004 Honda Civic
  By ROGER YOUNG - April 9 - 10:00 am

  MY MODEL IS A 2002: 1ST YR: COMPRESSOR A/C REPLACED. 2ND YR: FRONT STRUTS REPLACED ALONG WITH HEADLIGHT BULB. 1ST & 2ND YR: DOORS RE-ALIGNED AS A RUBBING SCRATCH SOUND IS STILL HEARD TODAY AS THEY COULD NOT LOCATE AND ELIMINATE. I WILL BUY A TOYOTA CORROLA THE NEXT TIME!

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  Handling is questionable - 2004 Honda Civic
  By Raygunshabadoo - April 9 - 10:00 am

  Love the car for what it is, but if youre coming from an older generation of Civic be warned that the high-speed (55mph+) cornering is poor and sometimes scary. Tires grip well, but the chassis lists unpredictably on the soft rubber bushings and new front suspension. Gone is the predictable understeer, replaced with body sway and feelings of impending doom.