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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  Great - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By Shaun Caldwell - March 30 - 10:00 am

  Overall the CRV is a good car. It gets around 22mpg on the highway with the ac on and around 29 with the ac off. The vehicle has good pick-up on take offs and shifts smoothly into gear.

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  Blue Coupe Honda - 1999 Honda Accord
  By phyllyp26 - March 30 - 10:00 am

  Reliable Car. 4 Cylinder engine which makes for a slow take off. Lately one very hot days, over 99 degrees, my car has been having trouble starting. Have taken the car to the dealership and they have not found any problems. Car tends to idle too high sometimes. But have not had any major problems from this car.

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  Nice SUV - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By loyalgmcguy - March 30 - 10:00 am

  Difficult to find and tough to negotiate a deal. My area dealers all wanted at least $2500 over MSRP and it took a no trade deal to get a reasonable price. Fit and finish are typical high Honda quality. Overall, a great vehicle that is fun to drvie. We are pleased and believe this was a great replacment for our seven year old mini-van.

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  Youll love it!!! - 2001 Honda Accord
  By Nickole - March 30 - 10:00 am

  You Cant Go Wrong!

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  GREAT - 2001 Honda Accord
  By ANDRIA - March 30 - 10:00 am

  Between this and the Toyota Camry the Honda won by a thousand miles!

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  junk car - 2002 Honda Civic
  By against Honda - March 30 - 10:00 am

  I made a big mistake to buy this junk car. It is so noisy and it is not reliable. I changed the springs in the front suspension and I will have to fix the noise come from the brake or steering.

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  Solid But Uninspiring - Accord EX 5-spd - 2002 Honda Accord
  By J. Kent - March 30 - 10:00 am

  My Accord is dead-solid reliable, but the driving experience is plain-vanilla and road noise is a problem. The ride is relatively quiet on smooth pavement, but when the macadam gets coarse, it sets up quite a roar in the passenger compartment. Ive experienced poor road-noise isolation in other Honda products, including a relatives Acura. My Accord also is generating a disappointing number of rattles and squeaks. Fit and finish otherwise are very good, and the quality of the interior materials is superb. If reliability and economical operation are what youre after, this is your car. If youre looking for pulse-quickening performance and silent running, look elsewhere.

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  My second Civic - 2009 Honda Civic
  By Rubired - March 30 - 3:30 am

  Ive owned a 2000 civic before this one and also an accord 2008 right now. This car is smaller than the Accord, but the quality is no less. This car is a great little 4 cylinder, very easy on gas, very quiet high quality Honda engine and nice handling. As I said on my accord review, I have own them all dodge, ford, chevy, toyota and Hyundai and where the Honda leaves the rest behind is time. After 3 or 4 years, the Honda still feels and runs like the day you purchased it. The others slowly show their age with squeaks, garage visits and part replacements. If you want a little car, easy on gas, top notch quality that will be trouble free for many years to come and hold its value - this is it.

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  Worth Every Penny - 2009 Honda CR-V
  By Lisa - March 29 - 6:00 pm

  I am not an impulsive buyer, however once I compared the Honda to its competitors, there was no comparison. It is compact, yet very roomy. My husband is 67, 280 lbs., and is comfortable as driver and passenger. I live in the burbs and when driving the back roads it handles like a dream. It is smooth and sporty. Sound system is great, and the car, holistically, has been well thought out. I dont feel there is excess noise, however slightly bumpy over potholes, but this is an SUV. The backseat is roomy and reclining seats are a nice touch. Love it!

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  No More Accord - 2007 Honda Accord
  By Zzzooom - March 29 - 3:23 pm

  I hated it, but i had to get rid of my Accord. The drivers seat is so uncomfortable - my back hurt all the time - I was miserable. This is in spite if the fact I have teh EX-L with all power seat adjustments. Additionally, for the second time in 1 year my brakes rotors had to be turned and new brake pads installed. Honda would not replace the rotors so I know that since they have been turned twice, its only a short time until the vibration when braking returns. Beware of Honda Seats.