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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  99 LX 2WD "Froger" - 1999 Honda CR-V
  By John - June 4 - 6:20 pm

  LOVE this car. 99 Clover Green 2WD auto. Driven her for 6 years after trading in my new off the lot 01 Dodge Dakota. Just put on another set of tires. Went up to 225/65/16s. Fun car to drive. Small, nimble, and green. Reminds me of the Frogger game in traffic. Not too fast up hills but she wasnt built for that. 26 plus on highway trips, 20 plus round town. Just pasted smog again with flying colors.

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  Still the best in its class! - 2010 Honda Odyssey
  By k9doc1 - June 4 - 4:40 pm

  Traded in my 2002 Toyota Sienna to get a 2010 Honda Odyssey EX-L with RES & NAVI. The van rides very smoothly just like a car. We considered the 2011 Toyota Sienna but after seeing/test driving it, we didnt like the fit of the interior trims (cheap material) and didnt find the ride any better than the 2010 Odyssey. Was reluctant about the fact that the 2011 model will be coming out soon but we had an excellent deal on the 2010 model and glad that we did. This is a truly tested and tried model...and I can see the overall quality shining through. One thing negative was that a small part on the bumper had a stain (not noticed during delivery), which had to be wet sanded and repainted.

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  Best Truck Ever - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By Idaho Nate - June 4 - 1:41 pm

  I love my 06 Ridgeline. I have owned Ford, GMC, and Chevy Trucks and the Ridgeline is by far my best truck to date. Pros: AWD makes driving in snow/ice and off road a pleasure In bed trunk is a must I keep motorcycle riding gear, golf clubs, camping gear etc.. and love it. Reliability: Most reliable truck owned to date, I complete scheduled maintenance and have had 0 issues with the truck. Fun To Drive: The AWD handles like a car and has plenty of power to tow around my 18 ft fishing boat and small camper. Cons: Bed Length: I haul two dirt bikes but with the tail gate down Ground Clearance: Like she said, a few more inches would be nice. GREAT TRUCK

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  Not bad, could be worse - 2006 Honda CR-V
  By Lia - June 4 - 12:14 pm

  Cons: Within the 1st 6 months, I had to return it to the dealer to fix the ball bearings? in the back of the car. It came loose, I was told. Paint job is crappy and I got it detailed 2 months after buying it - to try to protect its color. I basically hwy drive. To keep the gas needle from jumping, I use cruise control ALL the time. Even as low as 30 mph. Driving at 25 mph on certain roads will use more gas. Within 2 yrs, it lost its pick up when accelerating. It hesitates when changing gears.

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  Couldnt Be Happier - 2010 Honda Insight
  By Flyer - June 4 - 10:40 am

  Always wanted to go green, but was never impressed by the look of the Prius. The Insight however is totally impressive, from the exterior looks to the interior layout and comfort. It is fun to drive (sporty), quiet and the fuel economy has been better than advertised. The design engineers did a great job keeping things simple yet detailed enough to provide useful formation. Honda hit a home run.

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  Fun Car - 2009 Honda Civic
  By Charlie - June 4 - 8:09 am

  FM Tuner has poor output due to bad antenna in window, Car has trouble starting under 32 degrees, easily scratchable interior.

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  Great Car - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Akaash - June 3 - 11:44 pm

  Not a single problem after 2.5 yr, 30K miles. Accord a great balance of handling/ride-quality and power/fuel- economy.

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  My first new honda - 2008 Honda Civic
  By blondelulu - June 3 - 3:48 pm

  I have had my honda for 2 years. I enjoy my Honda, love the gas mileage. I have had problems with my car not starting on the first try more than once. Also have had problems with my clutch making popping sounds while driving. Had it fixed and not a week and a half later it started popping again. The paneling in the back window rattles when listening to music. Very cheap plastic. The factory tires that came on the car were bridge-stone, they were horrible. They became lumpy and made the car vibrate going down the road. Other than that i love my car its fun to drive.

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  Love my CR-V - 2010 Honda CR-V
  By Melissa Murray - June 2 - 8:34 pm

  My CR-V is my dream car. The ride is very smooth. I barely feel the bumps in the road. The leather seats are very comfortable.

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  Great Car - 2010 Honda Civic
  By Roy - June 2 - 6:55 pm

  I have about 3K miles on my car, and I love it. I recommend the upgrade to the EX-L, since most of my favorite features came with the upgrade. I saw no reason to spend $2k extra for navigation since you can get a good GPS for under $200 & you can always upgrade as the technology improves. I test drove the Kia Forte and Ford Focus. Both are also good cars, but the Civic felt more solid & I preferred its look. The expected resale value of the Civic sold me on the car and made it worthwhile to spend an extra $2K. The design is a little funky. It took me a few hundred miles to get used to the slanted windshield, almost non-existent hood, and interesting speedometer.