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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  97 TYPE SH - 1997 Honda Prelude
  By HYELUDE - February 11 - 2:00 am

  Awesome car! For the price nothing comes close to its performance. I get a lot of attention in this car. I average about 22mpg in town driving. I have 86K miles on it and have only changed the timing belt, water pump and slave cylinder on the car.

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  i love my honda - 1994 Honda Civic
  By mjbotti - February 11 - 2:00 am

  Its been the the most inexpensive, reliable, fun to drive car ive ever owned. With 130,000 miles it still runs like it just rolled off the assembly line, and as a plus, on a warm sunny day you cant help but get in ur civic roll down the windows and cruise! My next car WILL be a honda!

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  My First Honda - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By George - February 10 - 6:03 pm

  I have had my new CR-V for about a month. Overall, I am fairly satisfied with it. However, in the first week of ownership, I developed a "tire shimmy" which could not be corrected by rebalancing the tires. Therefore, the dealer had to switch out the tires from Bridgestones to Continentals. And, it solved the problem. The service manager also found 4 more CR-Vs on his lot with the same problem. New buyers should be aware of this potential problem. I also pulled out those marginal floor mats and replaced them with indoor/outdoor carpet runners with rubber backing from Home Depot. I cut the strip into 4 pieces to full size thus protecting all of the base carpet Cheap, but very effective.

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  If it werent for those PAX tires... - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By John - February 10 - 5:40 pm

  I put on 2000 miles a month. I get about 20 mpg in town, and 23-25 on the highway at 60-65. At 70-75 on the interstate, its about 22 mpg. Nothing to complain about there. The car is more comfortable than the Grand Caravans Ive owned, or than my sons 08 Sienna. The feel on the road is much better than the Sienna for me as a driver or passenger. Ill get about 35K on the PAX tires, and then Ill dump them and the rims. WheelMax has the replacements, and various Honda dealers online have the tire pressure sensors at $35 apiece. The whole switch will cost what new PAX tires would, and then anyone can repair/replace a blowout.

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  Nice SUV - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By Kevin - February 10 - 3:53 am

  Have had the CRV for a few weeks and like the vehicle with some minor tweaks. Went against my better judgment when buying a new car the first year it has major changes but love it none the less. We have a pilot so this was a great addition.

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  1995.5 Honda Passport DX - Manual 4cyl - 1995 Honda Passport
  By Coco - February 10 - 2:00 am

  At 100K, I have had no major problems. The clutch is still in tact, all other mainteance has been routine. It is a pleasure to drive on cheap to repair.

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  Great little car - 1997 Honda Civic
  By freudy - February 10 - 2:00 am

  Ive had my car for 7 years now, and Im just looking to sell it and get a new honda. The only recall this car has ever had was with the floor mats - seriously. I still manage to get 30-34 MPG. Still handles very well, and Im only now starting to hear some rattles - mostly in the drivers door - and that is because ive had issues with my windows. my cousin, and my best friend also have similiar style honda civics and have experienced the same problem - the windows fall off track or get stuck. you can fix it yourself pretty easily, but i had my mechanic do it for $50 and the window works great now. thats my only complaint.

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  Love my V - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By timz59 - February 10 - 2:00 am

  We bought the CRV EX with the intent of using it as a second car and tow vehicle behind our RV. It has since become the primary transport vehicle over my wifes 99 EX Accord. We both like the way the car drives and the convenience of a wagon with good back seat and cargo room. I can haul three FULL SIZE golfing buddies and their golf bags without strain and still get 23 - 25 MPG. The car works great as a tow vehicle with all four wheels down. In the year that we have had it, it has only required routine service.

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  Another Great Honda - 1999 Honda Accord
  By boundsn - February 10 - 2:00 am

  Great car. Seems like itll run forever. Very confident suspension. Comfy on long rides. Built for the interstate. I travel across country a lot, and this car has never let me down.

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  Keeps on tickin! - 1999 Honda Accord
  By Randman - February 10 - 2:00 am

  Celebrating my 5 year anniversary with my Accord and for the most part have been extremely happy. The car is incredibly reliable. Other than a new set of brakes and tires, all Ive had to do is change the oil and filter. It is fun to drive, easy to maintain and holds four adults comfortably. The interior, in particular, has held up very well, no cracking leather seats like my previous Acura Legend.