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 crossover vehicle - 2009 Honda CR-V
  By Scott - May 26 - 9:17 pm

  Have had the CRV for 1 month. Couldnt be happier. Always owned Hondas and know their reliability and resale value. The biggest adjustment was going from my 2006 civic 30mph to 22 mph. I know Ill be happy this winter with the AWD. A little surprised a 4 cyl doesnt get better mileage but the confidence and satisfaction with Honda compensates nicely. Bottom line is you get what you pay for and the value of what you get is great. The Hyundais and Kias boast a lower price and EXTREMELY limited 100,000 mi. warranty. But my brother in law is a Mercedes specialist and says he doesnt get many Hondas but the Koreans come in frequently and have bad corrosion problems down the road.

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  My 6th Accord and probably my best - 2001 Honda Accord
  By Jr - May 26 - 4:50 pm

  First off, Ive been driving accords for 18 years, and all of them were manuals. I bought my 2001 ex sedan going on 2 months ago from a friend. She got the car in 2002 with 25,000 miles on it; I got it with 217,000 miles. Everything major was recently replaced (timing belt, clutch, seals, brakes, etc). The paint isnt doing the infamous fade/peel like most, its a manual so no worries about the transmission, the engine is clean with no visible sludge, and the check engine light isnt on. The headlights are a tad foggy and the front bumper has some scratches and scuffs, but this thing was well taken care of! Though its 15 years old, I plan on driving this car for several years. I have owned a 92, 99, 91, 93, 02, and now an 01. The 1993 ex sedan holds the title, but this one striving to be the best accord Ive owned!

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  2009 Odyssey EXL RN! - 2009 Honda Odyssey
  By Lorraine - May 26 - 7:55 am

  Very impressed! I love the minivan just like my 3rd child (I only got 2 children)! The engine is smooth, quiet, and powerful. Its the best car weve ever bought! 100% Satisfaction! No complaint at all! Just bought it ~ 3 weeks ago with 1 mile on it when brand new.

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  Love my Civic. - 2007 Honda Civic
  By Nora - May 25 - 11:33 pm

  I really like this car! No serious problems yet, the only thing is the sun visors that I have to replace because they break apart, but everything else is perfect for me. Have gotten many complements. My first Honda and I love it!

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  Love this car - 2006 Honda Accord
  By josh37 - May 25 - 5:17 pm

  I just got this car from totaling my Lexus and like it a lot better. I love the inside and the outside and for a 4 cyl. It has a lot of power and for a two door theres a lot of room for my friends. I have not had a problem with this car yet and hope I wont and I have no complaints. I get complements from everybody at school, from family, and from total strangers.

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  From CR-V to Pilot - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By Dan - May 25 - 3:59 pm

  I just recently brought a Pilot and I love everything about this vehicle because of more space and comfort. I went from CRV to Pilot which was a huge upgrade. The CRV was a great small SUV but wanted something bigger for hauling things for my small business and to tow a camper trailer. It also gets great gas mileage for the sizes of the vehicle and been getting 21 and 22 mpg in town and a little highway mixed. Cant wait to drive it longer on the highway and see if it gets 26 mpg. It looks similar to the CRV but its nicer inside and outside and it drives quiet and rides softer than the CRV.

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  2006 CIVIC SI - 2006 Honda Civic
  By scubalvr - May 25 - 1:23 pm

  I have owned many cars, but I cant remember any of them being this much fun to drive. I would recommend this car to anyone that actually likes/loves to drive.

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  Very Nice Vehicle. - 2008 Honda Ridgeline
  By Thomas - May 25 - 12:34 pm

  Purchased my RTX after coming out of a Honda Odyssey lease. I really enjoy the overall driving experience of this truck. It handles extremely well, drives smoothly and is comfortable inside. I love the in-bed trunk and the numerous storage areas inside the cab. The gas mileage is comparable to other mid-size 4x4 trucks, so I knew what I was getting into. The engine is powerful, but seems to strain just a little when trying to pass with a cab full of people or a load being towed. Love the way the back seats fold up so you can use the flat floor for storage. Dont pass up the Ridgeline because of looks, you will regret not test driving this vehicle when comparing the others trucks out there.

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  Surprise! I really like the CR-V... - 2009 Honda CR-V
  By kimberkook - May 24 - 6:17 pm

  The CR-V is a nice package of creature comfort, good handling, decent economy and overall high quality. I consider it a real bargain. In the first couple of weeks of ownership and after only one long trip I can find no faults.

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  2005 Honda element best vehicle ever.. - 2005 Honda Element
  By HondaBaxter - May 24 - 5:36 pm

  This vehicle drives so smooth for an SUV, it handles so well around turns. This is the best vehicle I have ever owned. It is so good on gas to have all the room it has.