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 - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By roger heights - November 18 - 10:00 am

  Never would have considered this car until this year. It is so perfect for me - that right size, price, ride and looks. Only thing bad is that I constantly see the same car coming and going on the road.

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  Unquestionable Quality Abounds! - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By Musclejock23 - November 18 - 10:00 am

  You could not pay me money to give up my cr-v. I owned a 2002 model, but it got totaled when a Suburban ran a red light...long story. So I got another, because I had no problems with my first. There is always plenty of passing power, granted you pass at speeds less than 100 of course. I averaged 23 mpg in a rigorous birmingham, Ala rush hour commute, and it as an absolute blast to drive. It is larger inside than a liberty or an escape, is faster, cheaper, and of better quality than a Sorento(Kia), and like I keep saying is built like a rock (Arent all Hondas?)hehe. Anyway two major thumbs up on this fine ride.

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  2004 Civic Hybrid a winner!!! - 2004 Honda Civic
  By SierraMadre Hybrid - November 18 - 10:00 am

  The civic hybrid looks and runs like a normal civic. Pros and Cons are that other drivers dont know youre driving a hybrid. The performance and the dollars savings on fuel is worth a serious look at this environmentally friendly real vehicle.

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  Civic Hybrid review - 2004 Honda Civic
  By RNovick - November 18 - 10:00 am

  This is a fun car to drive. It sacrifices little in performance for a dramatic 500 miles before refueling. It can cruise at 80+ mph with power to accelerate. Engine is very quiet.

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  The Roaring Accord - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Mich - November 18 - 10:00 am

  Good pickup, nice color(eternal blue pearl)

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  2003 Honda Accord - EX w/Navigation - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Gomez Houston - November 18 - 10:00 am

  Excellent vehicle; smooth drive, comfortable, great gas mileage, the navigation system is amazing!

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  Used to love Honda..! - 2008 Honda Accord
  By triton189 - November 18 - 9:23 am

  This is my Third Honda Accord and by far it is the worst. I cant believe it! I had an "01" and "04" without any problems. I have had this vehicle a little over a year with 28,000 miles. The first "major" concern is the VCM engine. The vehicle surges at Highway speeds between 60-70 mph. It is enough to drive you insane....! Second is the wind noise on the drivers side. The brakes also are terrible...! I had to have the front replaced and the rotors turned at 20K miles. Now the back brakes are acting the same way at 27,800 miles. I have leather seats and it is like sitting on aluminum seats at a high school football game (Hard as a Rock). I will not consider Honda for my next vehicle..!

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  one great car - 1994 Honda Prelude
  By silver_prelude - November 18 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car since it shipped to United state, been taking good care of it since then. The mileage on my car reads 109K as of November 2002. I do every recommended scheduled maintainence and my car never betrayed me. Definitely a good commute car, heck, its even a good touring car Ive driven it across U.S. (SF to NY) twice and got no problem finishing my trip. This car embodies great performance and excellent fuel economy. A great choice for younger car buyer. But like all sports car, Honda Prelude has little back seat space and tiny little trunk space. Definitely not an ideal transportation for a group of people.

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  s2000 - 2000 Honda S2000
  By gokp - November 18 - 2:00 am

  Excellent all-around car. Best Ive owned. A little bit spartan, but a fantastic value.

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  honda crv 2001 - 2001 Honda CR-V
  By jan - November 18 - 2:00 am

  overall the vehicle is wonderful.... the only things i do not like are the power lock button is only on the driver door and the engine makes way too much nosie when driving on the hwy