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:

• 

  Very Spacious - 2009 Honda Accord
  By Very Spacious - July 5 - 3:56 pm

  I downgraded to a Honda Accord to save money on Gas, Payment, And Insurance. I am saving over $300 monthly now, happily. I dont have as much power as Id like to have. But thats not a necessity anyway. Very Roomy, I have heard of complaints from discomfort of the seats but I havent came across this problem.

• 

  Small car, big interior - 2005 Honda Element
  By Graverober - July 5 - 9:13 am

  OK, everyone who has seen my car cant believe that I bought such a small wierd car. Let me tell you, the element only looks small! I am over 61" tall and over 300 pounds, Im a big boy! I have over 5 in of head room to the roof, and can streach my legs out fully (sliding up just a bit on the seat, but I still cant do that in most cars). Even in the back I have headroom and a fir amount of leg room. The clam shell doors and smooth floor are actualy a benifit for semi-disabled people. my dad is handycaped, but happily sits in the back of my car. he has pleanty of room, and when he needs to get out, he just plops (his words) onto the floor and slides out, he realy loves it!

• 

  Love this car! - 2006 Honda Civic
  By lindoug - July 5 - 1:03 am

  I have this car for two weeks. First tank of gas I averaged 45 MPG. The odometer right in front of my face reminds me to take it easy when I drive. I was doing too many jack-rabbit starts and always trying to get ahead of the other guy which wasted fuel. The MPG gauge and the odometer keep me from my bad driving habit so now I am saving money. Plenty of pep for the highway and handles very well. Very comfortable, everything is in easy reach, cup holders, radio, climate control. I have mapped out two trips with the navigation and it was right on the money with directions. Want to know where the neareset chinese restaurant is? Just say nearest chinese restaurant and several are displayed.

• 

  I Like My 09 CRV LX - 2009 Honda CR-V
  By Bill - July 4 - 10:15 am

  We have four Hondas (one an 08 CRV) in the family, so sold on reliability. It came down between the CRV and Hyundai Santa Fe. I really liked the Santa Fe for the money, but I drive cars 10-15 years, and felt better about Hondas long term reliability. I have not noticed the road noise problem I have read about. The CRV is fun to drive, and does very well on the interstate. I like the maintenance minder, mpg display, etc. The ride and seats are a little firmer than I like (67 yrs old), but not that uncomfortable. My only problem was "rail rust" in the paint on top. I used a clay bar to help remove it. I do not understand why the top cant be covered in transit. So far, very satisfied.

• 

  happy owner - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By alleygirl - July 4 - 10:00 am

  Love the ease of the size for in and out of traffic. Once removed the middle headrest, external viewing is fine. Bad weather handling great. Like the sleek look and have had many people comment on the interior size. So roomy. Love the freedom on space up front with the fold down center console. Feel comfortable traveling long trips. Gas mileage is normal range.

• 

  CRV - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By Ronbo - July 4 - 10:00 am

  Awesome vehicle. Well designed and excellent engine. Not a single problem the first 1000 miles. Perfect SUV for my wife. Easy to drive and very safe.

• 

  Honda Pilot - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By frank2003 - July 4 - 10:00 am

  My new Pilot definitely lives upto its hypes that I heard of in the News & Views. Heated front seats and some price reduction would be nice!

• 

  4th HONDA EX - 2002 Honda Accord
  By ernestb - July 4 - 10:00 am

  I just wanted to express my happiness of yet another honda purchase. I traded in the 1999 LX and got the EX this time. I think the new styles look like a toyota and the fact I got the 1250 rebate as well as 4.75% for 60 months. I have no regrets, I got the green this time, last time I had the huntermist. Go snatch your honda before its too late!

• 

  Great Car, Get the V6 - 2002 Honda Accord
  By Alpha Phi 34 - July 4 - 10:00 am

  Great car, has an amazingly smooth and quiet ride but still has alot of power and ok acceleration. The best interior design of its class. Great audio system. Fun to drive. Classy looks.

• 

  Bring them back Honda - 1998 Honda Odyssey
  By A Missourian - July 4 - 12:02 am

  After reading numerous reviews on Volvos, Subarus, and old Mercedes diesels, we found out about the 1995-1998 Honda Odysseys. Talk about a car ahead of its time! The 1998 model came with the 2.3L 4-cylinder VTEC, which has excellent V6-like power. These 1st Gens were still made in Japan, and were built from the Accord platform (with the same engine).... because of that, the trannys are much better than what was found in the early 2nd Gen model (1999-2001). We have had ours for a few months, and it has been the best car we have ever owned! I switched to synthetic oil/filter, and get 31+ MPG highway on a tank! No gas car made in 09 that seats 7 can even match that!