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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  CR-V is reliable - 2006 Honda CR-V
  By dogrunnr - March 23 - 10:44 am

  This is such a reliable vehicle. I decided to purchase the 2006 to avoid getting stuck with a 2007 (thought the new body design was kinda ugly). I typically put 15-20K miles per year on this vehicle and it has held up wonderfully. I love my CR-V.

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  Its all great - 2008 Honda Fit
  By rajith234 - March 23 - 1:10 am

  Love this car, fun, quick, great ride for a car this size. I test drove several different models before selecting the Honda Fit. I studied reviews of all models for fuel economy, price, resale, and environmental impact. The Fit was my choice and is a purely fun to drive.Handles great!!! Honda has done it again.

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  Awsome Vehicle - 1999 Honda Civic
  By BigNate - March 22 - 11:52 pm

  I recently purchased this car, I have owned many, many Hondas/Acuras and they build a very nice car. My new 99 ex sedan has always had its routine services, and always done by certified Honda Techs. and you can tell it. Its ten years old, but looks amazing inside and out. Has a auto trans and shifts smooth, and rides nice. As long as you do the necessary work when it needs to be done, this car, along with all the other Hondas, will last a very, very long time.

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  the best foreign car - 2009 Honda Pilot
  By Robert - March 22 - 8:35 pm

  This is the first foreign car I have ever bought. I got it at a very reasonable price. It has great mpg, I have got over 30 mpg on the highway and even higher when Im coasting! I love the bass, its crazy! You use up a lot of gas when you accelerate really fast, and it kind of sounds like a tank. My son talked me into getting it and Im glad he did because I love it.

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  Fun to drive - 2009 Honda Pilot
  By Helen - March 22 - 5:10 pm

  The 2009 pilot has a lot of great things going for it. Its fun to drive, has a great ride- has comfortable seating for kids and adults alike, great pick-up, Rear DVD, great storage and easy access to 3rd row seats. We are a family of 4, with 2 small kids and it fits are needs very well. We Love our new pilot.

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  So far Really Good - 2017 Honda CR V
  By Yolanda White - March 22 - 10:40 am

  Im enjoying my CR-V EX very relaxing

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  Worth a look - 2003 Honda Element
  By bharvey67 - March 22 - 10:00 am

  They say the demographic is anyone 30 and younger for this vehicle, well as someone older than this I find this vehicle versatile, utilitarian, and just plain fun!!!

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  Always wanted one - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By rroadking - March 22 - 10:00 am

  I orignially purchased a left over 2002 Honda accord EX-L, but was very upset with the engine vibration. Dealership and Honda said it was charactoristic. Well, after driving it for two months, I went back to dealership and bought a CRV LX. It is my work vehicle, so I didnt need all the bells and whistles that the accord had. No problems with the V and Im very pleased with it. Fun to drive and easy on gas. It is turning into the vehicle of choice every time my wife and I go somewhere. (her vehicle is a volvo)

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  Wow, what great Van! - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By ehg - March 22 - 10:00 am

  It was a tough decision - were a Honda family but after driving the Odyssey the decision became easier. We sold our 1988 Honda Accord and wanted more room - the Odyssey fit the bill. We drove the Pilot but found more room in the Odyssey. No complaints - it is wonderful!

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  This car has been Great! - 2002 Honda Civic
  By LJW71 - March 22 - 10:00 am

  This honda civic ex has great mileage.Ive been getting ctiy/Highway.37mph.The cd player sounds great.This car works for me. I have 17,850 miles and no problems.Reliability has been Great.