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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  Fun & Reliable - 2001 Honda Accord
  By jim18925 - September 25 - 10:00 am

  You cant go wrong with the 2001 Accord EX-V6 Coupe. The engine is powerful and smooth ... requiring minimal maintenance and providing good economy. The transmission is top-notch, also delivering great performance. Ive had no trouble with the car at all. My only dig would be that the car feels a bit less solid than it could ... keeping it from "best car" honors. However, Im sure that my Honda will be in service with fewer repairs much longer than the "best car".

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  I would buy it again - 2007 Honda Fit
  By kellogs - September 23 - 1:39 pm

  First of all, I think the fit is an excellent car. After living with it for a year here are the lacking features: no locking gas cap, no dead pedal, no centre arm rest, thin carpet, the front of car is too low (may hit curb), hard to see front of car, blown easily in crosswinds, slightly noisy, seats get slightly uncomfortable after 1-2 hours. When I bought the Fit, I had a budget in which I could have purchased any car. I bought the Fit because: excellent reliability, great versatility WRT interior space, looks nice, fun to drive, good value, good fuel economy, has ABS and 6 airbags. I can easily live with all the minor deficiencies of this car because of the cars good points.

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  CR-V review - 2009 Honda CR-V
  By bobincinti - September 23 - 12:43 am

  I recently purchased my CRV in Nov 2008 to replace an aging Nissan Frontier. While the vehicle drives well and gets great fuel economy (about 25 mpg), there are some minor things that bother me. The seats are very stiff and get to be uncomfortable on long drives, the dash slants away from the driver, so you have to lean forward to get to the the controls (radio, HVAC, etc) and the external mirrors are too small. They LX model has a foldable tray, for about $10 in material they could have put in a full center console as well. Other than those minor issues, this is a great vehicle.

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  First midsize SUV - 2008 Honda Pilot
  By Linda - September 22 - 7:34 pm

  I bought a new 07 CRV 11 days ago but took it back and got an 08 Pilot. I have never had a SUV before but it rides nice and is very comfortable. Gas mileage doesnt look very good but for a 2-ton vehicle I guess it will be OK.

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  New car experience - 2004 Honda Civic
  By k brown - September 22 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car after driving a Buick Regal for 6 years. I can say without reservation, this car is a pleasure to drive. It feels like Im part of the car. It is responsive in traffic and the milage is terrific. I have about 1000 miles on the car. I took it from the dealer and wenton a trip of 250 miles. Half was highway and half city miles. I averaged 43 mpg. I look for it increase. i would recommend this car to anyone who wants a "fun" car to drive.

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  not bad, but... - 2004 Honda Civic
  By max the knife - September 22 - 10:00 am

  I love driving my new Si. It handles beautifully, performs great in gears 1-3, and has very comfortable, firm, well-designed seats. Three complaints: lousy visibility in back (cute small rear side windows a problem), less-than-wonderful turning circle, and it is a mite underpowered.

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  Cute but SMALL - 2004 Honda Civic
  By Hoosier - September 22 - 10:00 am

  Cute LITTLE car. Nice exterior and dash layout. Handles great for small car. Better ride than expected. Good mileage but still waiting for EPA listed mileage. The new accord hybrid should be better with more room. CVT transmission takes getting used to.

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  One Year Later....... - 2003 Honda Accord
  By mazebl - September 22 - 10:00 am

  Having bought the very first Accord made (1977), i was excited to get back in one after too many years of mom- mobiles. The reviews are mixed, but overall, satisfactory.

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  so slick - 2002 Honda Civic
  By Pony Killer - September 20 - 10:00 am

  i sold my integra gsr, and bought this little rocket. its not as fast as the gsr, and its not quite as fun to drive. i think i like it better, though. the interior is better than that of ANY car that costs less than $50,000. the seats? you cant beat them. while this car usually comes in in the middle of the pack in shootouts, one thing to consider, is that this car is cheaper (mine was $17,300), and all the others come w/ 17" X 7" wheels. the civic comes with 15" X 6"s. with the same wheel and tire setup as the others, i think the civic would win most of these camparos. when you factor in hondas reliability and resale value, you cant go wrong.

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  Wish theyd still import it - 1998 Honda Odyssey
  By Honda/Toyota Owner - September 19 - 10:55 pm

  We love this little minivan. We bought it to replace or beloved 1996 Odyssey that was stolen last year. The 1998 with the VTEC is even more zippy than previous years. This is the most car-like of minivans. It s basically a large Accord with more comfortable seating and better visibility. The newer Odysseys simply dont feel as agile as these smaller Japanese vans. Although they have more room and more power. Our 2003 Element with its similar weight and power seems less zippy, gets slightly lower gas mileage, seats less and has significantly worse visibility. I bought it to keep the miles off of the more versatile Odyssey. I wish Honda would still import these.