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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  Satisfaction Survey for my 2003 Honda - 2003 Honda Civic
  By Judy Flanders - November 4 - 2:00 am

  I purchased the car prior to this car six years age, a 1996 Toyota Camry, at the same dealership, Phillipsburg/Easton Honda, and was very pleased with that car as well. I put my trust in this car dealership. I enjoyed driving my Toyota during my ownership. This car, my Honda Civic, is so much fun to drive ( it has a sun- roof). Thank you for the opportunity to voice my review.

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  Yep you guessed it - 2002 Honda Accord
  By Michael - November 4 - 2:00 am

  Bad Transmission. I was luckier than most. I made it to 150,000 before the dreaded check engine light came on. Other than the transmission and possum in my air intake, the car has been a great commuter. Where is the recall on this, Honda?

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  So far so good - 2010 Honda CR-V
  By Teej - November 4 - 2:00 am

  Five hundred miles on the car so far and I am very pleased with the ride and fuel economy Im getting (26-27 mpg). Switched from a 2004 Jeep Liberty. Test drove RAV4 and found it to have more road noise and gauges/clock were more difficult to read. Forester is a slug in comparison to CR-V. There is plenty of acceleration, especially where it matters - when you are trying to pass people at 75 mph on a steep hill. Its a little sluggish between 25-35 mph but you can get the acceleration you need if youre willing to be heavy footed. Interior layout is generally good. Seats are a little stiff and the lack of storage in the console is an annoyance. All in all - very happy with my decision!

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  Good car for the money - 2008 Honda Civic
  By Roger - November 4 - 2:00 am

  I bought my car with 24 miles on it. Its been a good car. Youre not going to blow anyone away off the line with the 1.8L engine, but you will get great gas mileage. I average around 39 mpg year round. Higher in the summer, lower in the winter. Nothing has broken yet, but it shouldnt on a three year old car. I do my own tires, own oil changes, and own repairs. The car is well designed and seems to be well built. I do have some issues with the paint. Honda did a poor job painting the car and I noticed several areas where theres some blob under the clear coat. Like dirt or dust got on the car.

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  Pilot Touring 4WD - 2011 Honda Pilot
  By Dgardner - November 4 - 2:00 am

  Great SUV and hands down the best value for the money. Traded my 2010 for a 2011 due to excellent resale value!

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  HogHondas First Honda - 2011 Honda CR-V
  By HogHonda - November 4 - 2:00 am

  Purchased CR-V 10 days ago ($27,800) and have no complaints. Great Interior Fit,Opal Sage Metallic exterior, great finish. Took first trip to city and ran 60-70 mph on highway with AC on. Set cruise and got 32 mpg if computer is correct. Car runs smooth and does not feel underpowered as others have complained. Bridgestone Duelers tend to be a bit noisy. The blue tooth,voice navigation is great so far as is the audio connectivity. Interior fit is fine but needs a good wood grain upgrade kit! Projector halogens are better than expected at night, but not quite like the Xenons on my Acura RL. Will update review in the future. Look forward to Honda reliability.

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  Super reliable fun CR-V - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By mimic - November 3 - 2:00 am

  I love my CR-V, drive more than average, never have had any major problems just regular expected maintenance. Hondas are just built like rocks, this is my third and not my last!

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  Almost bought one... - 2011 Honda CR-Z
  By WesK - November 3 - 2:00 am

  Honda, please take this engine/drivetrain and put it into a Fit! Having owned a Del Sol in a previous life, I know that a 2 seater car is not practical for me. The CRZ is a very traffic friendly vehicle. Like the Del Sol, when pushed it is surprisingly entertaining, but easy to keep under 100mph. It is balanced, handles well, and is much more solid feeling than the Del Sol. I got 40mpg on the test drive with mostly hills and traffic... Its not quite as fun to drive as a Mini Cooper, but it is so much more fun to drive than a Prius!

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  ok car but not great - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By anna fekete - November 3 - 2:00 am

  Fun to drive, quick acceleration, cheap fabric interior, mileage only 24/gal- not great, very light, hard time drive in winter, tires bad after 2 years.

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  Nice to Drive - 2010 Honda CR-V
  By North Coast Shopper - November 3 - 2:00 am

  First brand new car Ive purchased in 30 yrs. Replaced a 2000 Maxima and, yes, I miss the pickup and comfort that the Maxima had BUT the Maxima rode so low that my vision was constantly blocked by SUVs and trucks and it drove me crazy. The CR-V is comfortable, the interior is roomy and I can see in front of me. I am happy with the trade off of safety for speed. Besides, while the car doesnt accelerate as quickly I find I dont mind it at all. Mileage was low to begin with but since I hit the 2000 mile mark (it only had 4 miles on it when I got it) I am getting about 21 in town and 28 on the highway - better than my Maxima and I dont need premium gasoline!