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:

• 

  Another one - 1995 Honda Accord
  By cte - November 25 - 2:00 am

  Got my first Honda (70) at age 9, Ive had 6 or 7 since (not including geneators, etc.) -- best engine and performance for ANY money! This Accord I purchased with 9 miles on it and its been another great attribute to a car company that does everything right (if you buy it for no other reason, think "resale"). I replaced the heat knob once and the oil once or twice, at 130K miles its wonderful. No, its not built for speed ... but thats why I drive Hondas CBR!!

• 

  Great SUV - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By D - November 25 - 12:56 am

  This is a great SUV. Test drove many, Rogue (no nav), RAV4 (no nav), CX9 (very pricey), CX7 (too harsh), very close to buying the Ford Explorer Limited (great deals), but came down to a couple items Feature for price point, MPG, Roll Over Safety Rating, Resale, space based on overall size. This is a wonderful well built SUV. Our 1st honda ever, and love it. The ride is firm but supple, the leather seats are beautiful and extremely comfortable, worth the upgrade. The stereo is outstanding, the rear seats are very comfy and plenty of space, too many features to list. Drive it, youll buy it.

• 

  Great Fun! - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By Natalie Gonzalez - November 24 - 9:50 pm

  I purchased this crossover after exhausting research! The CR-V has redesigned itself to look and feel like a high end luxury crossover. Lots of leg room. I purchased the EX-L and love the look inside and out. My best friend also has one, and we compete to see who can get the highest mileage on the highway! You cannot go wrong with Honda. Resell and reliability are the main reasons that I purchase one!

• 

  New Civic EX - Great Car - 2006 Honda Civic
  By CEX - November 24 - 2:20 pm

  New Car only 500 miles, exciting design, much better looking that 2005 model. I hope will perform up to the brand name. So farÂ… excellent car. Two thumbs up!

• 

  Loving my Fit - 2007 Honda Fit
  By Indiana Dave - November 24 - 10:43 am

  Our family is really enjoying the Fit. Our small family of three and our full size dog "Fit" perfectly. Great amount of space and our gas mileage is around 38 mpg. I do alot of highway driving. Some things I would add to the base model. Cruise control, cant believe it isnt available. Center armrest. We have had no trouble with the car and would recommend it to anyone looking for a small car with great versatility.

• 

  Good on the outside - 1997 Honda Accord
  By NissanGuy - November 24 - 10:00 am

  Just plan on replacing alot of the stuff on the inside.. ive owned two hondas both of which have had a problem with the power windows.. they like to break. the air conditioning knobs like to fall off.. so you hafta super glue them back together.. and my passenger seat is stuck all the way back.. however, ive had no major mechanical problems and it gets great gas milage and looks wonderful.

• 

  Love it! - 2003 Honda Element
  By Mandy - November 24 - 10:00 am

  I went to the dealership to check out the Hybrid Civic (hated it!) and came home with an Element. With two 50- pound dogs, the interior is wonderful for my lifestyle! I have plenty of room for 2 large crates, or if its a short trip, I dont stress about the dog slobber or hair that gets all over the seats. It does take a while to get used to people looking at your car all the time. Ive gotten used to just waving at people when I notice them staring.

• 

  All That I Expected - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By totojack - November 24 - 10:00 am

  This is my first SUV and I dont think Ill ever go back to a regular sedan after being spoiled by being able to see so much better from the higher vantage point. I wanted an SUV that rode and drove like a sedan and had a high degree of reliability and safety. Resale value is also important to me, as well as decent gas mileage. The Honda Pilot delivers on every point and my wife and I both love it.

• 

  Above all others - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By Spyke - November 24 - 10:00 am

  Well I spent most of the last year looking for an SUV that I like and the CR-V stood above the rest. I test drove all I could between the $15,000 and $30,000 and the CR-V has to be the best for its price. Buy one, youll love it.

• 

  i love my crv!!!!!!!!!! - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By garnerjo - November 24 - 10:00 am

  The car is smooth riding, comfortable, good on gas and has a functional 4- wheel drive. I like the size - its a bit larger than a small suv but not quite a medium sized - so i feel like im not riding a house but its bigger and higher than a car and very roomy.