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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  Super Car - 2004 Honda Accord
  By leroy - January 22 - 2:00 am

  Great car -- combines the best of both worlds (family sedan and guys sportscar). Plenty of horsepower, great handling, with Honda excellence.

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  Honda reliability is not just a catch phrase - 2003 Honda Civic
  By stingrey13 - January 21 - 10:53 pm

  Honda reliability is not just a catch phrase its real. I just purchased this car. For a 13 year old car I have to say its humble, slightly under powered but cost effective commuting car. Its nothing fancy, but it will last in years to come. BEST part of this car is the low maintenance fees. Newer Hondas dont have fuel filters and have instrument clusters that constantly tell you to take them into the dealer for maintenance. Honda figured out they were building their cars too reliable. There will never be a new Honda like these older Civics.

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  Mid-life crisis car gone hybrid - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Paul F. Lintelman Jr - January 21 - 8:40 pm

  Solitude npr on the radio on the back roads for the morning commute. Its jazz, cruise control and meditation for the freeway. As for the orange barrels and the Emerald green berm it has to a chieftans cd to calm the sea of glistening red tail lights ahead. Then at the end of my day I start my commute home only this time wide awake it be comes a game watching all the gauges maximize speeds, timing lights, taming curves, using hills, and choosing alternatives. No crissis here just a middlelaged man driven to hybrid instead of hemi in the slow lane.

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  Pretty Nice Car!!! - 1998 Honda Accord
  By handler - January 21 - 10:00 am

  I bought my Accord used with 60,000mi I like it alot. Only if it had a manual tranny, I would love it. I think Honda should decide if they want sport or luxery, or a little more of both would be nice.

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  By far the best on the road - 2000 Honda Odyssey
  By TKofColorado - January 21 - 10:00 am

  I am quite surprised to hear so many have problems with their van. Our 2000 LX has performed without a glitch. I couldn’t be more pleased to drive this van. I’ve driven vans from Dodge, Ford, Mazda, and Chev. All don’t hold a candle to this van— especially the loose-goose Dodge.

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  Not bad for a van - 2001 Honda Odyssey
  By R Van Siclen - January 21 - 10:00 am

  This is our second van. The first was a Dodge Caravan, still rolling after 118K, so no complaints. But the Odyssey is tighter in turns, much more stable at speed, much more fun to drive, much easier to drive many miles a day, and so far has not even hicupped much less caused any problems.

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  Almost bought a RAV4 - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By Happy CR-Ver - January 21 - 10:00 am

  I had a Toyota Camry but wanted something with a little higher profile so decided on a RAV4-couldnt make a deal though so I checked out the competition and discovered the CR-V, which is roomier and has more standard features than the RAV4. Im so glad I checked it out. Its got a peppy 4cyl engine that likes to go and a smoother ride than I was expecting from an SUV- its not trucklike at all. I loved my Camry for its smooth, quiet ride and this vehicle is not comparable in those areas but it is more fun to drive.

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  huh! - 2001 Honda Accord
  By alberto - January 21 - 10:00 am

  After driving for an hour or so. Vehicle starts to rough idle.

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  Better to drive than to look @ - 2002 Honda Civic
  By Nautiker - January 21 - 10:00 am

  leasing this 02 SI for 3yrs. have had nothing but Hondas in the past. Wasnt too crazy about the looks, but once I drove it. Sold! A great combination of handling, power, and interior asthetics in a fun to drive car. Considered the Protege 5 and felt more confident in the refinement and dependability of a Honda. Not crazy about the looks, definitely needs larger rims and tires, and maybe a body kit. High cowl doesnt help. Otherwise, a great car for the money!

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  Loyal Honda owner loves this one - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By Jennifer - January 20 - 11:43 pm

  I bought the 2007 CR-V just a few days after it was released. Having previously owned an earlier model CR-V, I am thrilled with the changes theyve made to this model. Ive had people follow me through parking lots to get a better look and ask me questions. Ive always loved Hondas, but this ones a real winner.