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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  Excellent, fun driving car - 2014 Honda CR-V
  By Cliff - February 3 - 7:44 am

  Now that Honda has fix the VTC actuator (updated part installed), I have only one minor complaint. I cant use the text respond feature with my IPHONE. It may be an IPHONE problem. Car has enough power to keep up with traffic. It handles good. I like the electronic power steering. There is plenty of storage for hauling stuff. The backup camera is very helpful. I prefer the wide angle view. The front seat comfort is satisfactory, but I think it could be improved. You need to remember its not an Accord and will not have the comfort of an Accord.

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  An Odyssey indeed - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By David - February 2 - 7:26 pm

  Weve actually owned two 2006 Odys in three months. We returned the first after four days due to the abysmal fit, finish and performance. Our second has proven to be not quite as bad but still not deserving of the Honda name. The MPG is terrible. 15 city with a light foot. The interior fit and finish is poor. The leather is cheap, the plastics even cheaper. It handles well, but plan on checking your tires pressure every week, because two pounds high or low turns it into a ill-handling beast. Avoid gravel roads and high curbs at all costs, due to where Honda mounted the AC. The sliding doors get confused easily. Plenty of cup holders, airbags and fellow owners to commiserate with, though.

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  Best Car Yet - 2008 Honda Civic
  By Richie - February 2 - 10:13 am

  Having just traded my 2001 Civic EX for the new 2008 LX I can truthfully say that this car is a comfortable pleasure to drive. Road noise has been reduced as well. The first thing I noticed was the performance over the 2001. It was much livelier and with the 5 speed automatic, the engine runs considerably slower at high speeds and has plenty of passing capability. Fuel economy is great, first tank fill got me 38 mpg 20% city and 80% highway) I commute 50K a year in California so the gas mileage and comfort are a big plus for me. I would highly recommend the Civic for those folks looking for both economy and comfort.

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  Si: Best Sports Car Around - 2000 Honda Civic
  By PJ Mac - February 2 - 10:00 am

  I have had nothing but fun with this car, and it is the best car on gas, handling, and of course Performance! and they also dont make this body style ne more, so if u find one Grab it fast!!

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  Reliable w/ very good gas mileage - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By Mark Sillitto - February 2 - 10:00 am

  I purchased my first Honda a little over a year ago. It has been very reliable, gets good gas mileage and is fun to drive. Power is a little weak with the 4cyl engine even with a manual stick. The interior is roomy for four adults and thats about it. Engine is a bit noisey on the highway. I feel safe operating this vehicle. Its not so high off the ground that you need a ladder but the view does improve operating safety I believe.

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  awesome - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By brady - February 2 - 10:00 am

  the best suv in the world

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  awesome - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By Brady - February 2 - 10:00 am

  the best suv in the world

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  The Civic from a Technical Point of View - 2002 Honda Civic
  By savou - February 2 - 1:56 am

  The 1.7L EX has plenty of low end power for its engine size. I find its suspension too soft. This is a problem in high speed slaloms when the car doesnt seem to want to follow the line you are asking it to. In turns the car will typically understeer but by letting go of the gas pedal you can easily convert it to a pleasant oversteer. The factory tires are among the worst (mine came with Firestone). The Honda spoiler is quite anoying. It makes the car rear end look bigger than it already is and blocks a rather large section of your rear view. The car is very very reliable and the engine is a jewel. You can drive it right up to the redline non stop and it will always work perfectly.

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  Cupholders - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By mil6 - February 1 - 8:19 am

  There are 2 usable cup holders in the front. There could be more closed storage compartments, as well. But the most serious problems are the vast array of technology controls. These GUIs did not try to use the natural extension of past interfaces which would have made them more intuitive. There is an awful lot of stuff arrayed all over the dash which is a distraction. The icons on many of the controls are too small to quickly scan. The voice commands must be precise and because they are not natural language confusing. The manuals are incomplete and poorly illustrated and indexed. The vehicle handles well and is comfortable.

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  the 2004 handa accord sedan ex/l - 2005 Honda Accord
  By Oneil - February 1 - 4:26 am

  this vehicle handles superbly and its acceleration is fantastic even though i have a 4 cylinder engine accord.The interior is more spacious than the earlier model i had