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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  Love it - 2003 Honda Civic
  By HondaPride - January 16 - 2:00 am

  you cant beat the gas milage along with the reliability and with a stick on a hx is nice. i like the HX for a reason because it is hard to get so if u see one i would get it HXs is so hard to find trust me i know.

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  New CRV lacks power!!!! - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By joe - January 15 - 8:46 pm

  My wife purchased this car and overall I would rate it as OK, but not outstanding. The big issue is no horsepower. The CRVs engine is horrible. Throwing a low powered 4 cylinder engine into a heavy SUV body really doesnt give the power it needs to move, especially on hills where it is very noticeable. As for safety Honda is forward thinking but many of the other Japanese SUVs out there have identical safety features. The new styling (interior and exterior) was a much needed change to bring the CRV in line with all the other crossover vehicle.

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  GOOD IN CLASS - 1999 Honda Prelude
  By O-MEGA36X - January 15 - 2:00 am

  For its class-prelude outperforms other cars like celica gt-s and eclipse GT and is less common than its competitors with a more original look--even the cheap model is not cheap compared to competition the competition. Good redline, good speed in top end, and nice look especially from the sides. Interior is comfortable and offers room for 4. Shifter is nice, quick, and quiet also and hydraulic clutch engages smoothly with little effort.

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  CANT HANDLE 9000 RPM - 2000 Honda S2000
  By O-MEGA36X - January 15 - 2:00 am

  Incredible car for a sports car-most amazing 4cyll and I beat 8cyll. ugly mustangs gts all the time--just like a nice car like this should. Should make it with a permanent non- convertible option which will also keep the weight down-its heavier than it looks. Engine sounds incredible. Car was once mistaken for an exotic car and not a honda. Supercharged option should be considered for rediculous speed. Nice controls and dash board-car is a little cramped but you can expect that.

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  Rated: A+ Experience: First Hand - 1996 Honda Accord
  By Skibunie - January 15 - 2:00 am

  Jester, my Honda, has about 140,000 mi. The driver is #1, itÂ’s fun to drive, with a wide but tight suspension the 5 speed transmission is powerful a comfortable bucket seat (power) there are 99.9% non-blindspots with huge windows all the way around the sound system is good, but the CD player is better the trunk is unbelievably large (width and depth!).

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  love it, love it - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By LOVE IT, LOVE IT - January 15 - 1:10 am

  Better price then toyota, more horses, bigger tires, nicer exterior design, more interior room then toyota. (After test drive the toyota). The odyssey price and reliability has made toyota looked over their shoulders these last few years. The bottom line is I can "BRAG" that I got more "BANG" for my minivan than TOYOTA.

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  My First Honda And Fell in Love!!! - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By Harry Maryland - January 14 - 10:30 pm

  Test drove 4Runner, Pathfinder, Explorer before I bought the Pilot. Pilot satisfied me the most. Pathfinder and 4Runner "maybe" stronger in power but both are noisier. Pilot gives the smoothiest ride, acting like a car. I hear some people say that when in 70-80 mph, it vibrates, never happened to me. The problem for me is it is so smooth that you could easily get a speeding ticket without noticing anything. Gas mileage is decent, my calculation justified the 24 miles/gal claim for highway. This is my first Honda and will have more. The interior space is much bigger than Pathfinders (at least feel like). By the way, I got the EXL 2 front wheel drive w/navigation systems. Price is reasonable.

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  Just Starting - 2007 Honda Fit
  By Orange Blossom - January 14 - 8:16 pm

  This is an excellent economical car with high quality features. Little engine that can, does the job. Excellent handling and braking characteristics with a firm ride on rough roads. Great head and legroom front and rear. Very good space with flexible interior for carrying wide variety of stuff. Interesting maintenance reminders via the screen which also tells you how well your oil and filter are performing.

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  Great Value with Style - 2007 Honda Fit
  By drkeeling - January 14 - 8:16 pm

  I drive this car nearly every day and I still cant get over how nice it looks inside and out and how it zips around in traffic. No problem keeping up even passing at 80+ mph highway speeds.

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  excellent buy - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By Mack - January 14 - 7:36 am

  What a Blast!! A really outstanding vehicle and fun also. Not only fun to drive but good looks also.