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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  Almost Perfect - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By Nick in Canada - July 3 - 1:10 am

  Ive been researching small SUVs for a few months now and decided to go with the CR-V mainly because Ive owned Hondas and always been happy with them. This is a really sharp looking little truck and a lot of fun to drive. I love everything about it with one exception, I wish it had a tad more leg room. Im 6 tall and I wish the seat moved back another 2" so I could stretch out a bit better on long trips. The gas mileage is good but not as good as they list on their web site. Ive been driving like a granny trying to see how good I could do with mileage but I have not gotten very close to the listed mileage yet.

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  STIFF AND THIRSTY!!!! - 2009 Honda Accord
  By stadium722 - July 2 - 11:50 am

  How do these companies get away with misleading mileage estimates? I have had my 4CYL Accord EX-L for almost a month and have yet to break the 22 m.p.g barrier on mixed or extended highway trips!! The acceleration for the 190 h.p is very good and the steering is nicely weighted. The ride though is very stiff and the leather drivers seat is even stiffer. I have a 37 mile one way drive to work and it is annoying trying to find a comfortable seating position. Honda please isolate the road noises luckily it has a good radio to try and drown out the LOUD road noise. I think higher profile tires might soften and quiet the ride...MAYBE!! Ill need the high resale value on the trade in SOON!!

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  Very well designed - 1996 Honda Civic
  By MR - July 2 - 2:00 am

  Never had a single problem in 2 years. Love the utility, reliability and looks. Plenty of room to haul stuff (if you need to). Not sure why so many people feel they need an SUV.

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  Love our Honda CRV - 2009 Honda CR-V
  By mac - July 1 - 9:30 pm

  This is our second Honda, having a civic before. The drive & handling is very nice. The CRV is very comfortable. We bought the EXL and are glad we did - added extras are worth the money. We looked at both the CRV & the Rav4 for several weeks before we bought. We know we made the right choice. Everything about this car is quality. We love our CRV -- The engine does the job quite well - its not a hod rod and we did not purchase this vehicle thinking we could go 0-60 in 4 seconds. It cruises great at 70 on the interstate. I would have bought a six cyl. had they made it, but its not necessary.

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  Bulletproof reliability, short on zoom - 1997 Honda Accord
  By honderfan - July 1 - 10:00 am

  I have had this Accord LX for over 6 years now. Never had any trouble with it other than a couple of minor issues. Change the oil and put gas in it, and it will go... The engine is extremely anemic for a car this size, and this is *with* a manual tranny!! And ift he AC is on, foeget about any accelerations... The performance and corenering leaves a lot to be desired as well. But if you are ever looking for a good, reliable tranport to get you from point A to point B, look no further than this car.

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  Mini Hummer but reliable - 2003 Honda Element
  By Chipper - July 1 - 10:00 am

  Great ride and handling. Last tank on the road I got 25mpg. Looks like a refrigerator on wheels but lots of storage space -- great for my dog. Reliability to date outstanding.

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  Great car...few problems - 2000 Honda Civic
  By C. Whaley - July 1 - 10:00 am

  Very nice car to drive.Clutch is easy to push in and out.Power is wounderful.suspension is good..could use some work on the performance side.But rides great.One PROBLEM: Transmision mount went bad.

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  auto enjoyment - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By dennyhow - July 1 - 10:00 am

  Great motor, good transmission, driving enjoyment. Good handling, excellent cargo space, seating capacity good, 4 wheel drive feature excellent for light to moderate heaving going. Gas mileage is good.

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  I love my Pilot - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By Su - July 1 - 10:00 am

  Best ride for a full size SUV, great gas mileage. Very comfortable all the way around. After having owned a Ford Explorer I feel like I moved into a luxury vehicle.

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  HORRIBLE - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By kimo - July 1 - 10:00 am

  Worst quality ever, less than a month owned and twice to the dealer for loose junctions, a third for the AC, cant believe the nightmare im having since i got this car