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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  Met my expectations. - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By My first Honda - February 17 - 11:40 pm

  I had a Trooper and I wanted a SUV with better fuel economy. I considered the RAV4 but I went with the CR-V because I thought it was a better built car. I think I made a wise choice and it has been what I had expected.

• 

  Best In Its Class - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By Darwoody - February 17 - 12:10 pm

  2005 Honda Odyssey is the way to go when buying a minivan. It drives and handles the road like a car. Its very comfortable and easy to fall in love with. A five-star rated minivan in my opinion. I could sell these vehicles all day long....and Im not a sales person.

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  It is what it is. - 2003 Honda Element
  By Alias/Username Uh - February 17 - 10:00 am

  This rig is very utilitarian. Rides pretty rough and is pretty spartan on comfort. There are not many little features or even big features. That said it will be used to bike and camp, and for that it should work. Needs more driver leg room. The aux jacks should work when the key is off. The plastic scratches way to easy and the seats are a pain to remove.

• 

  grandpa mobile - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By fatherbear - February 17 - 10:00 am

  my first new car in 20 years boy am i cheap!..... I LIKE IT !!!!!!! i bought it cause they wanted $1500 to plow out my NJ driveway this winter..I GUESS EVERYBODY IS A CRITIC...these could be improved..........the column gear shift knob has [NO STOP GATE TO DRIVE] so you always put itthe wrong drive instead of just drive...the emergency brake PEDAL is to close to you pant cuff it gets cought every once in a while..other than that 15 MILES TO THE GALLON it only has 7500 miles on it.....supposed to get better

• 

  Excellent vehicle overall - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By roticanai - February 17 - 10:00 am

  The Pilot has a great ride. Easy to drive with excellent visibility from the drivers seat. Had a minor setback when the a/c did not come on for about 2 minutes when turned on a couple of weeks ago. It eventually came on and weve had no other problems since.

• 

  A Different View - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By DanaT - February 17 - 10:00 am

  1) The car is downright boring to drive. It doesnt handle like a car and off-road, is a joke. Is is not powerful. It really doesnt do anything bad but also nothing great. 2) The CRV is one of the noisiest vehicles I have been in lately. There is more road noise than can be imagined. 3) Quality: not what I would "expect" from honda. the wheels are already corroding (and I live where there is no humidity). The black plastic is fading horribly. The car has been in and out of the shop constantly. Everytime the oil is changed there are huge oil spots on my garage floor. Overall, i would give this car a 5 out of 10.

• 

  Is this a luxury car? - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By MissGriss - February 17 - 10:00 am

  Just happy to get rid of Subaru Imprezas after my brother and I both havings major problems with 2 of them, both under 45,000 miles. I looked at Vibes, Matrixs and RAVs, the CRV wasnt even on my list until I stopped by a dealership. I was sold on this car on the interior design and quality of the car. Compared to the others in this price range, the CRV is like a luxury car, smoothest ride, easy handling, great features on the EX and so incredibly roomy (bigger and more comfortable backseat than even a Blazer). A friend with an Escape was amazed how much roomier the CRV was than his. When groups of us go places, everyone wants me to drive now.

• 

  good value - 2000 Honda Accord
  By howardn - February 17 - 10:00 am

  Although it is not the most excitingly style or fun to drive car...or the most comfortable on a long trip,it is what it is supposed to be...a practical, reliable family sedan which dollar for dollar is a good value compared to Toyota Camry and Nissan Maxima.

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  a LOT of car for the money - 2003 Honda Civic
  By GregSi - February 17 - 10:00 am

  I dont mind that this car is not popular because I got mine for $15.6K ... nearly $4K off sticker. The engine is peppy , but could benefit from an extra 20 hp or so. The rally- style shifter, although weird initially, has become intuitive now. Close gear ratios make for fun driving, but a sixth gear is needed for highway crusing (4K rpm at 75 mph). This car is a blast to toss around, but the wheel/tire combination leaves much to be desired. Suspension is a bit bouncy, but well mannered when taking corners at speed. Aftermarket suspension and wheels/tires are a must, in my opinion. Also, the tranny doesnt like 1-2 shifts after a while.

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  Nice Car...Not crazy about Automatic(V6) - 2002 Honda Accord
  By MikeO - February 17 - 10:00 am

  Purchased this car slightly used w/ 5k miles, honda certified. Have had small issues, brake rotors, door sticking, several squeaks/rattles which surprised me given Honda rep. Traded in Audi A4, completely unreliable, for Honda quality. Unimpressed w/ auto. trans performance (V6) overall, slow to downshift, very abrupt, sometimes bucking at low speeds. Hopefully it will be reliable overall...