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 Looking - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By June Cannon - September 22 - 1:01 am

  Great small SUV, I commute 60 miles a day great MPG

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  A real stunner - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By Louisville driver - September 21 - 1:57 pm

  Three if us test drove a RAV-4, Rogue and CRV together. Two of us bought the Rogue. The CRV was a big surprise as we were expecting great things. Performance was sluggish, compared to the others, the ride and noise in the rear seat unacceptable and the touch screen which controls everything a nightmare. Our experienced sales person took 5 touch strokes to turn on the radio and select a station! We couldnt live with the integrated touch screen system for music, climate control and navigation. When we asked about a CD player the salesperson touched a button and the entire integrated screen popped out from the dash and rotated 90 degrees exposing the CD slot in the metal work behind the screen. Try managing a CD change while driving....I think not. Looks like a repair nightmare if you buy this vehicle. The reason for the high rating on technology is that it has outstanding features and lots to offer tech minded folks. As far tech functionality its a big looser.

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  AWESOME - 1995 Honda Civic
  By LukeOlson - September 21 - 10:00 am

  My experiences with my 1995 Honda Civic EX Coupe have been wonderful. My car has never let me down. My car now makes over 200 Wheel Horse Power and it still runs great. And no I am not a kid who puts a big grapefruit launcher on my exhaust, and I dont have a giant spoiler either. I am an adult who likes to drag race.

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  RELIABLE VEHICLE - 1998 Honda Civic
  By ANTHONY - September 21 - 10:00 am

  SO FAR MY HONDA CIVIC HX COUPE HAS BEEN THE MOST RELIABLE AND FUEL EFFICIENT VEHICLE I HAVE OWNED. IT FEELS GOOD TO KNOW THE VEHICLE WILL START AND RUN EVERY TIME I NEED IT TO. I CURRENTLY LIVE IN TEXAS CITY TEXAS AND HAVE TAKEN MY HONDA TO SEE THE GRAND CANYON, COLORADO SPRINGS, CARLSBAD CAVERNS AND ALL OVER TEXAS. I HAVE NOT HAD A SINGLE PROBLEM WITH THE MOTOR OR TRANSMISSION. THE ONLY PROBLEM I HAVE HAD IS WITH THE CLEAR COAT FLAKING IN A SMALL AREA ABOVE THE DRIVER SIDE WINDOWN. I HAVE RECOMMENDED HONDA VEHICLES TO ALL MY FRIENDS AND LOVED ONES.

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  2002 CRV EX - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By oesjc1 - September 21 - 10:00 am

  Our experience with the 2002 Honda CRV has been amazing. The CRV has a very solid feel about it, build quality is outstanding. It has plenty of power to merge with traffic & can hum right along at 70 mph. The CRV can make turns that are nearly 90 degrees from a stop with a quick turn of the wheel. The interior space of the CRV is cavernous. We hauled a large dryer after folding up the rear seats and a recliner in back WITHOUT folding them up. The front 3 cup holders can all handle McDonalds Supersized sodas. This dependable little bugger fits in perfectly for most families & wont break the bank with a top price under $23k. This is by far the best of the bunch in the Mini-Ute Class.

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  Buy It! - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By reviewer - September 21 - 10:00 am

  Just read the mags! Even Consumer Reports rates it #1. What else do you need to know?

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  Honda Van - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By BBD - September 21 - 10:00 am

  Love this vehicle !

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  Hondas gone downhill & cheap! - 2001 Honda Civic
  By WhatHappenedToHonda - September 21 - 10:00 am

  After having several previous Hondas, I am very disappointed in my 2001 Civic. It rattles from everywhere (partly because everything is hard plastic now, not cushioned vinyl), the suspension squeeks and pops, the fuel gauge is never accurate, the windows always fog, the doors leak water into the interior, the carpet is thin and already matted flat, and the paint is pealing off the rear bumper. As far as being cheap (keep in mind this is the top of the line Civic) - - all plastic door and rear panels, no lighted glove box, vanity mirrors or courtesy lights in the doors. Are we sure this isnt a Hyundai??

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  Great car - 2001 Honda Civic
  By JAD - September 21 - 10:00 am

  Our third Honda Civic. We couldnt be happier!

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  Great Car, Great Value!! - 2002 Honda Accord
  By Chuckster - September 21 - 10:00 am

  I spent alomost 3 months doing research on vehicles with regards to reliabilty factors,safety issues,standard equipment,resale value and of course price. I can honestly say that a Honda is by far the best product in all 5 categories as compared to vehicles in the same class. The car drives and handles very well and is exceptionally smooth as well as quiet while driving at highway speeds. If your are thinking Accord, the SE model is the best choice for options without the EX price tag.