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 Car Some Frills - 1990 Honda Civic
  By HondaFanatic - March 19 - 2:00 am

  This car was exactly what I expected, and more. My disappointment lies only with the engine. Its 92HP engine makes me hesitate before passing (the car is very responsive, but weak). The car has great handling, and seats very the front passengers very well. Other than the engine, however, I have to complain about the height. The car sits so low that not only his an interesting experience getting out of the car, but it tends to scrape across the bottom when traveling over speed bumps. Dont get me wrong, though, after seeing friends with other compact cars (even newer cavaliers seem less luxurious), this car simply blows them all away

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  Take a holiday... after work. - 2001 Honda S2000
  By salsaweb - March 19 - 2:00 am

  The s2000 packs a punch. 240hp power this light weight roadster (go-kart) from 0-60 in 5.6 seconds. This car is for those who truly love driving. I have owned this car for close to a year and though its price matches that of the BMW z3... The performance of the z3 does not even come close to the s2000s. Test drive it, that is if you can get your hands on one of these rare beauties.

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  Just bought mine and love it! - 1999 Honda CR-V
  By ehickman - March 19 - 2:00 am

  Just bought my 99 Honda CRV EX AWD (AT, CD, etc) in March, 02. It had only 24,000 miles on it...and is super super clean. Paid $16.5 at a dealership in Bay Area, CA..not bad. I love it! Its so practical and drives like a car, not a truck. Really just perfect for me.

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  Its a blast - 2006 Honda Civic
  By JBONE - March 18 - 6:43 pm

  So I was not really looking to get a Civic until I drove the new Si. I have had classic Chevys over the years and they have all been over 300 hp. I know the the SI is not 300 but it still has guts for a 4 banger. The handling of this car is great right off the lot. I have yet to change anything to do with the suspension and I dont belive that I will. I did put 18" wheels on it with better tires. It made a pretty big difference.

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  Disappointing - 2005 Honda Civic
  By caloosa - March 18 - 5:50 pm

  The car is suppose to be most efficient in the city. However, the hybrid doesnt perform any better than a non-hybrid civic. It averages 34-35 mpg when it is rated at 48/47 mpg. A very annoying feature is the air conditioning. Living in the south, we really need a strong air conditioner, however, the hybrid shuts down when you are stopped. This is to save gas, but the air conditioner also shuts down and temperatures in the car can be unbearable if you are stopped for long! For the price that I paid for the car, I could have purchased a much more luxurious vehicle with more bells and whistles and just slightly lower gas mileage. Hold out for a Prius!

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  Best van anywhere - 1999 Honda Odyssey
  By KevinOMReb - March 18 - 5:08 pm

  Ive test driven every van out there and the Odyssey is in a class by itself. All of the features and quality for less price. And talk about resale! Im selling mine and buying a new one w/leather + dvd. Smooth, big, functional (love the doors and hideaway seat). Dont even think about buying anything else.

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  Great Car - 2000 Honda Prelude
  By Rajesh Oad - March 18 - 5:04 pm

  Ive never owned a car that I love driving this much. No ifs and or buts about it.

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  Everything is all good.... - 1998 Honda Prelude
  By Thomas Nhan - March 18 - 3:46 pm

  no problems fast car......

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  CNG Honda- feels good to drive - 2007 Honda Civic
  By aerodog - March 18 - 2:43 pm

  Cannot choose which I like more, driving by the gas stations with $5 per gal displayed, or looking at the exhaust pipe after 10,000 miles and it looks totally new! The "feel good" factor is strong..stronger than when I drove the Honda Insight, and far more comfortable too! The Civic body styling is light years ahead of the older Civic along with the functionality too. Only one complaint to those who are 510" or taller. That emergency brake hits you just below the right knee and after longer drives is a total pain! Think Im going to remove it, then all is very, very nice. Range is a little short, but my daily drives are not that far. In short, the US should get on the ball and CNG more.

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  Sweeeet, but . . . . - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By pretty happy camper - March 18 - 5:33 am

  Mechanically sophisticated and refined. Reasonable compromise of utility and sporty drive feel. Yet to see advertised gas mileage (~5K miles). Overall, am very happy with the vehicle, especially the fact that it accomodates my 68" frame but isnt too tall for my 52" wife. While obviously taller than its Civic sibling, bears no resemblence to my 98 Trooper which expired when it left me inverted after a modest evasive manuever. Spent many hours researching replacement vehicle and after deciding to sell my sailboat (~3K lb. w/ trailer), realized I didnt need the extra 1000 lb., lower gas mileage, top-heavy truck-like handling and general eco-unfriendliness for a mostly daily driver.