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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  Loving my 01 cr-v - 2001 Honda CR-V
  By john - July 21 - 11:50 am

  Heres my story. I bought this 01 crv in jan 2007. With 78,000 miles on it. Ive traveled a lot in it. It now has 174,000 miles and its still running great. It is very comfortable for long trips and very great on gas. Im so glad I bought this cr-v.

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  Review - 2006 Honda CR-V
  By D Bell - July 21 - 11:34 am

  Agree with others in saying that overall this small SUV (that feels and is pretty roomy) was very dependable and easy to drive. Mileage was typical - 21 - 26 mpg around town. It had enough engine power. Had it less than a year due to being rear ended by a heavy commercial truck that didnt brake, it just hit. CR-V was totaled. Bad thing, yes. Good thing, we lived. Not much you can say after that...Glad to be here. I have friends who own CR-Vs from 2005 through 2009 and they all love their particular year models. One friend has two CR-Vs in the family, a 2008 and 2009.

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  Why stop? - 2009 Honda Ridgeline
  By SPANKIE - July 21 - 6:57 am

  Word is that Honda will no longer build the Ridgeline. Too bad. Yes, it is different, but who else has the in bed trunk? I carry enough tools to fill it and I can keep a clean truck without loading and unloading daily. The ride is great and it pulls my boat with ease. I hope someone takes this concept and continues. If you really need a truck, buy one. BUT, if you just need a truck once in a while, the Ridgeline is great. Im on my 3d one, so I was sold by the versatility and pleasant drive.

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  Great so far! - 2008 Honda Civic
  By dmatthews - July 20 - 11:10 pm

  I just bought my Civic EX 3 days ago so this review is more so a beginning measurement. But so far I am loving it. To be honest I really wanted the 2010 Mazda3 but couldnt afford but after a few days in the Civic, I really have nothing to complain about. Maneuverability is excellent, surprising acceleration considering its a 4 cylinder. My only complaint is the speaker system could be a tad bit better and I cant see the hood so it makes parallel parking kinda hard but definitely not a deal breaker for me. If you are looking for a stylish, reliable small car then the Civic is the way to go!

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  Love my honda - 2007 Honda Pilot
  By sneace - July 20 - 9:20 pm

  I have 4 children but didnt want a mini van. Looked at every SUV and decided on this one. The 3rd row can even fit my 62" teenager son..

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  Disappointing - 1999 Honda Odyssey
  By Bill - July 20 - 7:56 pm

  We purchased a 1999 Odyssey new at a local dealership and have owned it since. We are very disappointed in the overall quality and reliability. We have had some recalls, sliding door problems, suspension problems, rear brake problems, and the transmission needed to be replaced around 64,000 miles. Honda covered the transmission, but no vehicle should have that after only 64,000 miles much less one that is known to be very reliable. This vehicle has made me believe that foreign vehicles are really no better than American vehicles as my parents have a Ford Freestar and have had absolutely no problems at all at the 80,000 mark and counting. Buy American!

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  MPG - 2010 Honda Insight
  By Ron Ott - July 20 - 1:57 pm

  Contrary to EPA I get 50-54 MPG on the highway and around 47 overall since purchase.

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  Great car - 2010 Honda Insight
  By mikem1262 - July 20 - 9:31 am

  Great car. Plenty of power for a hybrid. Getting great mileage 51 mpg first 150 miles

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  Poor customer service/backseat danger - 2004 Honda Element
  By Gwendolyn - July 20 - 8:25 am

  Wrote Honda that backseats do not lock, will not take child car seats, very dangerous, was like this when we bought it but did not know as we did not use the back seats until our granddaughter was born 2rs ago when we tried to install her car seat, discovered locks do not lock, never did since purchase. Local dealer said cost would be over $700. Wrote national Honda. Got uncaring follow-up phone call, they hung up when I explained this was NOT about a part under warranty needing repair, but a life threatening problem existing since purchase. We cannot take passengers/children in backseats ever--a huge flaw. But worse was lack of concern by Honda. Probably my last Honda. Safety matters most.

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  Honda needs to pick up the quality - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By Bob L. - July 20 - 7:30 am

  Had a 2000, and a 2005 CR-V. This one is not as good as the 2005. Paint job is the pits. Got black abd between finger nail scratches and small stone chips it needs cover waxing continuously. Road noise is slightly better. Mileage is OK. Tire wear is unacceptable. Power is a joke. When is Honda going to wake up and put a V6 in this vehicle? Interior materials scratch easily. Not durable at all. You took away the big cup holders in front.Dealer added options are non- negotiable pricewise. Far too expensive to make the vehicle look better. Its time to look much closer at the competitors models