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 EVER - 1993 Honda Civic
  By groll - October 11 - 2:00 am

  i love it i love it i love it i love it

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  Excellent Handling, balance, & Power - 2002 Honda S2000
  By REVHRD - October 11 - 2:00 am

  Exactly 1 yr as a S2K owner, for the price you pay, and the power, handling, style, its a deal. This is a pure SPORT CAR. Not a GT at all. You wont believe how great handling this car can take. In CA the HWY1 for test drive the ability of this car. Power & handling. Just cant beat it. I dont think you can find another one to replace it with the price range.

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  We love it so far - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By wrighth - October 10 - 6:23 pm

  After researching and looking around at other minivans we decided on the Odyssey, we are not dissapointed. It takes a while to get used to the big vehicle, (coming from an Audi, A4). Cant beat the practicality and style. The 2 kids love it.

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  I made the right choice! - 2009 Honda Pilot
  By Anne S. - October 10 - 4:46 pm

  I know I made the right choice the minute I sat in the Pilot. I loved the new design and all the features it has to offer - all included as standard (depending on the model you choose). It has an amazing amount of room, smooth ride, and lots of storage. Compared it to the Highlander and the Acura MDX and know I made the right choice!! Go for it. You wont be sorry!

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  All good, but ... - 2010 Honda CR-V
  By dmr - October 10 - 4:23 pm

  This is my 4th CR-V. They have all been an improvement over my first 2002. The 2010 is quieter, smoother and more refined. I bought this one because I wanted to give it to one of my kids and because I wasnt that impressed with the drawing I had seen of upcoming 2012 model. The only complaint I have up to this point is the fog lights. I bought and paid for them to be installed at the dealership. At no point did any one tell me that it would disable my auto headlight feature. Pretty disappointing. Other than that; it is great! This is our 7th Honda and I am still happy with the product and the value.

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  Basic Transpo - 2010 Honda Civic
  By Fudbutter - October 10 - 10:03 am

  My 99 Accord was finished at 155K and I needed a replacement fast. In this economic environment, I did not feel fiscally justified to get a higher end car. Honda offers very affordable leases (thank goodness for a weakening yen and high Honda residual value) that are unmatched in this class. The Accord is now too large so we downgraded to the Civic. Value for dollar is astounding, but it is still a basic cheapo transportation device. Interior materials are a preponderance of plastic. Trunk has no nooks and cranny space. Interior storage bins are smaller. All what one would expect at this price point. Ride and handling OK at best.

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  Swiss Army knife for the family - 1999 Honda Odyssey
  By dogwork - October 10 - 2:00 am

  Great vehicle...NO transmission/major problems at all. The ultimate "family mover"!

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  I love it! - 2002 Honda S2000
  By bejoold - October 10 - 2:00 am

  If youre having a horrible day, driving this little beauty with the top down is the best medicine.

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  Good car overall - 2000 Honda CR-V
  By mjkvabeach - October 10 - 2:00 am

  Good Quality Build but needs lacks power. Built well for tall people (Im 6 2" and has a lot of room for cargo with seats down. A little noisy and the radio isnt the best

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  Do your home work - 2009 Honda Civic
  By Roadie - October 9 - 9:03 pm

  Ive always liked the Honda Civic. Its got great looks and the mag tests say it sets the standards for other small cars to match but Im disappointed. The road noise in the cabin is just horrible with the Civic and for me its really a big distraction thats keeping me from enjoying this car. Too much gear whine from the drivetrain too. Road noise in the cabin is the biggest flaw with this car. I like the rest of the car, but its not really any better than the other cars in its class and you pay more for a Honda and get less features for your money compared to say a Toyota. The Civic is a nice car, but its a noisy car and pricey for what you get. Do you homework before you buy.