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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  Best Car I Have Owned - 1999 Honda Odyssey
  By Scotty "beam Me Up" - October 31 - 2:00 am

  This car is a pleasure to drive. It doesnt handle like a big car, yet it has great size and flexibility. It responds very good under all driving conditions. The interior is laid out very smart, and the folding rear seat is fantastic. Minor brake and rear wiper problems. Definitely, the best minivan ive driven, and looking forward to it lasting with Hondas reputation for longevity.

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  Love-hate relationship - 1994 Honda Accord
  By JRollins - October 31 - 2:00 am

  I bought my accord new and have put over 200,000 miles on it since college. It has been extremely reliable with a very concerning exception. The lower ball joint in front end has failed 3 times causing the wheel to disengage and the car to skid off the road in a shower of sparks. It has happened on both the right and left front ends. Honda corp and the various mechanics involved couldnt pinpoint a cause. I have never abused the car and I am the only driver. Other than that, I havent replaced anything other than tires, batteries, brakes, and pipes. It has its original clutch!

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  Excellent - 2000 Honda CR-V
  By Rathan - October 31 - 2:00 am

  This is the best of all the mini SUVs. fun to drive.

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  Honda Civic LX Sedan - 2012 Honda Civic
  By Anallely Bravo - October 30 - 10:59 am

  Its a great car overall, its a standard model for those who are just in need of a very reliable car. Horsepower/ throttle arent the greatest but it does save lots of gas. When I first bought it I was a little nervous because my car would shake a lot white shifting into gear TWO. I told me dealership about it and they said it was nothing because the cars sit there without being driven. A month later the shaking has gone away & its been good so far.

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  My - 1993 Honda Accord
  By Freehold Jimmy - October 30 - 2:00 am

  I bought my Accord with 19,000 miles on it a year and a half old. Since then Ive put on 157,000 over nine years of trouble free ownership. Nothing has needed replacement on this vehicle other than normal wear and tear (muffler, brake pads). Biggest tips: Mobile 1 synthetic evern 4k, and cross drilled front rotors. For some reason the rotors extend the life of the pads while giving the predicted benefit of enhanced stopping power.

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  I love my Odyssey - 1999 Honda Odyssey
  By GSJ333 - October 30 - 2:00 am

  My 1999 Odyssey has 89k and looks and drives great. I get 22/26 mpg. which is impreesive for a heavy van. The engine is smooth and has pep. I would rate this one as one of the best vehicles I have ever owned. The only dowside that I have found is the brakes.

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  Happiest Owner - 1994 Honda Accord
  By cfkjr - October 30 - 2:00 am

  This car has character, reliability, and I am proud to own it. It has 70000 miles on it, and it had 34000 miles on it when I purchased it used. I have been driving since 1950, and never enjoyed the driving experience as much as I enjoy this Honda.

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  F to the 5th - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By car review person - October 30 - 12:30 am

  Awesome SUV

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  Best car - 2008 Honda Accord
  By John - October 29 - 7:56 pm

  Bought LX-P for 22000. I usually only bought buicks since 1995, but they didnt last. I drive about 36k miles a year. The Accord is a great car, quiet, and i wouldnt trade it for anything. Camry vs. Accord, hands down Accord, test drove both. The Accord is so large, comforting, and easy to understand radio system. I currently have 45k on the car, and no problems. I also own a 08 Sentra w. 31k on it, and the Accord would beat it in every way possible, any day. I got into an accident w. the Accord, a Jettas brakes failed and crashed into me at 35 MPH. The Accords bumper had some scratches while the Jetta had to be towed! Great safety. it is so good, i would recommend to my enemies!

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  Utility and practicality cant be beat - 2009 Honda CR-V
  By highway24 - October 29 - 7:16 pm

  I carefully considered the Forrester, the RDX, and the Jetta TDI wagon. I came to my senses and committed to the CRV and Im loving it. The reviews mention a slow 0-60. I havent noticed much lag in city traffic. The 0-35 I have to do almost every other block around town is zippy. I love the look of the redesigned CRV. They borrowed from the best. The sculpted hood, the curves and points of the headlights...very appealing. Tail-lights were transitioned from an earlier model which evoke the design of certain Volvos. Mileage is around 23 mixed. Hint: go with good gas. I noticed a remarkable drop in engine noise when I didnt skimp and that V-Tec 4 went butter soft, in a good way.