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...Going to miss it... - 1997 Honda CR-V
  By Mike Hyland - September 14 - 11:28 am

  Looking forward to buying a new 2017 Honda, now that my current Honda is 20 years old.

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  Great Car...Going to miss it... - 1997 Honda CR-V
  By Mike Hyland - September 14 - 11:28 am

  Looking forward to buying a new 2017 Honda, now that my current Honda is 20 years old.

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  Car of my dreams - 1998 Honda Accord
  By Psalministry - September 14 - 10:00 am

  This car was my first pick. I am a manual transmission lover. I got rid of my 1995 Nissan Sentra, and went looking. I wanted a Honda, and I wanted it the way I wanted it... and EX, with power everything. I took it home to my wife to show it to her, and she liked it a lot. I then started looking at 2002s but could not get one with the right monthly payment without LEASING (to me glorified RENTING). So I then settled on the 1998, and boy am I happy! In fact, when we go anywhere together, we drive my car! Good on gas, drives smooth, quiet and is a classy vehicle!

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  Dodees 1997 Civic EX - 1997 Honda Civic
  By dodee - September 14 - 10:00 am

  The best car Ive ever had (over 40 years of driving). NO problems. LOW maintenance.

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  Cool Car--Car salesman Sucks! - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By nocrv4me - September 14 - 10:00 am

  I liked the car overall. I did not purchase it though unfortunately because the dealer lied to us about the price all the way up until we were about to sign the contract, by an amount of nearly $2000.00. Luckily, I found it while getting ready to sign the final contract. I kept asking to see the price that I was being offered for my trade in and they said, "no problem, your trade in will be at that price or more." This was a LIE! Just a reminder to anyone out there--be sure that you like your carsalesman or woman from the beginning. If you do not, dont hestitate to switch.

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  2002 Honda CR-V is much improved! - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By trav2002 - September 14 - 10:00 am

  The 2002 Honda CR-V has been improved in every area that was lacking in the previous model. Engine has more power, transmission shifts smoothly, seats have great support, ride is not bumpy, power window buttons located on doors. The three dial climate controls are easy to see and use. Every button and is easy to reach without distraction. Rear seats fold up in a snap to add cargo room and head rests no longer need to be removed. Better sound proofing for quite ride. Excellent dash compartments to store things. Over all body stiffness is gone from old CR-V. Less rattles, aerodynamic doors and body. Im getting 24 mpg city/highway combined.

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  HONDA TRADITION - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By WILL - September 14 - 10:00 am

  WE PURCHASED THE HONDA ODESSEY EX TO REPLACE OUR CHRYSLER MINIVAN. AT 70K MILES IT BECAME UNRELIABLE FOR LONG TRIPS. OUR NEW HONDA HAS BEEN A PURE PLEASURE. FROM THE HIGH QUALITY AND RELIABILITY TO THE CAVERNOUS REAR STORAGE WELL, WE COULDNT BE MORE PLEASED. MY INLAWS PURCHASED A NEW CHRYSLER T&C LIMITED AT THE SAME TIME AS OUR HONDA. THEY HAVE SPENT SO MUCH TIME AT THE DEALER HAVING ITEMS FIXED OR REPLACED. WE HAVENT BEEN BACK TO THE DEALER IN 8 MONTHS.

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  A perfect family vehicle - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By Canadian Sikh - September 14 - 10:00 am

  I just got my Pilot yesterday. Its a great family vehicle with features that please both my wife and I. I love the 240hp and its output. I took it out on the freeway and it had great pickup, visibility and manovourability. My wife thinks that it is easy to drive/park and that it can carry our child and a bunch of his friends for outings. My son loves the panoramic view and the space in the very rear seat is more than enough for his age (5) . Although we paid full price for the SUV we were lucky to get the black color so soon. Right now there is a two month wait, but the dealership really worked to get ours in a few weeks. Sure to be a favorite for families.

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  Hondas are good.. - 2002 Honda Civic
  By hc_ca - September 14 - 10:00 am

  So far, Ive got 2000 miles on my black LX. I like it very much! It handles very well, is stable, safe, and accelerates just fine. Its very comfortable to drive and most accessories work flawlessly. The ac can take forever to cool a hot interior, but when the interior is cool, it works great in any weather. All the controls are also very easy to use and have a good feel. A few things on this car need a little improvement, but overall Im very satisfied. Defects from day 1: -off center steering wheel (fixed under warranty)

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  Worry Free Commute - 2002 Honda Civic
  By Enjoyable Commute - September 14 - 10:00 am

  Bought my EX auto last Feb. Drive 70 miles round trip on my daily commute. Over all I would rate the car and the dealer experiance as excellent. Bought at a one price dealer. Paid right at TVM.