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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  2008 CRV-EXL w/Nav FWD I think - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By Jennifer - September 29 - 7:50 pm

  Just purchased the CRV last week after 3 months of research. It was a tough decision going from a large Pathfinder to a small SUV but we could not afford the gas anymore. Very happy with the whole dealership process, internet buying was easy and in 5 days they had my CRV. Love the quiet ride, the Nav w/touch screen is great, the voice activated controls are good, as long as you say things slowly. Still reading the book on all the extra features. Rear seats have more room than expected, and love having so much visibility of the other lanes around me when I drive. The Pathfinder was boxy and limited. Cant comment on the fuel economy yet, and still trying to find the FWD button!

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  A few little quirks - 2008 Honda Accord
  By George m - September 29 - 3:53 am

  I have certainly enjoyed driving my new Accord coupe. The few areas where I have been a little disappointed is in the fuel economy. I have been babying the gas pedal for the first 1000 miles, but Im still averaging about 21-22 mpg. Some of that is likely atributed to warming the car up for about 4 to 5 minutes on cold mornings. Also, about 60% of my driving is on local roads. However, my old Audi A4(4cyl turbo) would average 26-27mpg driving the same routes (but driving a bit more agressively). My cd changer also makes some noise every few minutes as if its changing cds (even when the audio system is turned off). My overall experience is possitive, but I expected a little better.

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  SI Better Than I Thought - 2007 Honda Civic
  By BB - September 28 - 5:30 pm

  Wanted an affordable commuter with room for the family or friends, decided to add a bit of "performance and fun", and so far have had a blast. Sports suspension not overly harsh, but really have to hang on to the wheel while turning down-shifting, as expected. 6th gear really drops RPMs down, at 90mph was only hitting 4,000rpms, great for mileage and engine wear. As reported, not great lower end torque, and while noticeable, not even close to being a performance issue. Red panel glow more for younger demos, but its OK. Really need the radio/CD controls to be lighted at night, hard to see and use.

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  great sports car on a budget - 1999 Honda Civic
  By rmcdaniels - September 28 - 10:00 am

  Great car, fun to drive, good performance, good handling, looks good, and reliable too. I love tearing around in this car every day. It had no torque, but Jackson Racing fixed that. I still cant believe how much power I can reliably squeeze out of a 1.6L motor. The brakes were also mediocre, but AEM took care of that. A few more mods and this car will be more fun than my M3 was, at a fraction of the price. If you get one, put a good alarm on it because people like to steal stuff off of it, like the wheels, and especially that little red Si sticker on the back.

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  first time love for a car/49yrs old - 2003 Honda Element
  By ideacandy2112 - September 28 - 10:00 am

  the car is roomy, drives very well, has good speed pickup and is cute..i have yet to go to anywhere ... where someone has not inquired about my "baby"...i have bought many, many cars in my life and the experience w/santa ana honda makes we want to go back every week...they were the 5star hotel of car sales...thank you again

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  Just picked mine up - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By Hammer12 - September 28 - 10:00 am

  I just picked up my 2004 Honda Pilot EX with cloth interior. What a quality SUV the cloth seat are the best Ive seen yet from Honda and Ive owned two others. Very comfortable double stiched seams with a great gray color. Overall Im impressed with the entire package lots of nice features you can tell honda did there homework before releasing this SUV.

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  Honda CR-V - Great SUV!!! - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By Karen RN RRT - September 28 - 10:00 am

  The Honda SUV is the best vehicle I have ever owned. Of course, it is a Honda... enough said. But, Honda has always been my favorite vehicle and the next car I purchase will be another Honda SUV as well. Not only is it a great vehicle, but it is the most reasonably priced for what you get and the most reliable.

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  Loveit - 2003 Honda Civic
  By SiLover - September 28 - 10:00 am

  I love driving this car: It accelerates well, the shift is crisp, the ride is smooth (a bit bumpy at low speeds as the suspension is stiff), it corners unbelievably well and the steering is precise. The engine purrs quietly and yet is powerful and smooth. A fine machine!

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  Great Car !!!! - 2003 Honda Accord
  By ItalianPaul - September 28 - 10:00 am

  Before buying my EX V6 I took a look at all of the other mid size cars out there including the Acuras, BMWs, Toyotas Audis, Mercs, GMs ,etc. This Honda V6 has the a better combination of power, comfort, build quality than them all. Its roomy, fast, and very comfortable.

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  Satisfied owner - 2003 Honda Accord
  By mnsmiley - September 28 - 10:00 am

  Our 5th Honda Accord, and the best one yet. Each one has gotten bigger, more powerful, and friendlier. This one feels more like a floater than a quick fighter. Great engine, brakes, and interior finish. Much better air control and comfort. Cant beat heated seats in Minnesota.