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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  2001 Odyssey EX - 2000 Honda Odyssey
  By noburgers - June 2 - 6:26 pm

  Excellent hwy mileage (25-29mpg so far), but poor city mileage (15-18mpg). carefree ownership exp. excellent resale. decent acceleration.

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  Been a GREAT car so far! - 1992 Honda Accord
  By of1accord - June 2 - 4:18 pm

  This car has been a fabulous car from the day we got it! Honestly, this car has not given us one minute of trouble. We are a family of four (2 elementary age children) and it serves us well. Highway fuel mileage could be a bit better than the ~28 - 29 mpg but hey we do not have any car payments and repair costs have thus far been nill. If you are looking for one very dependable car and you find one of these that does not have any rust and the interior is nice, Id say go for it even tho it might have 150 - 200K miles on it! If you are mechanically inclined (like me) they arent that hard to work on either. Just do routine maintenance (i.e. oil changes) and it will treat you good!

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  Great for the long haul! - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By RKHarr - June 2 - 5:15 am

  Turned 190,000 miles after 38 months of ownership and absolutely no major mechanical repairs. We did routine maintenance, replaced tires once and the battery on this workhorse over that time. My company pays a vehicle allowance plus mileage and I could not imagine a better bang for their bucks. I am looking to sell or trade-in for the same car as the new body style becomes available for 2007. I have looked at several other wagons and small SUVs in this price range and the CRV is my winner.

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  Best car I ever owned - 2008 Honda Accord
  By none - June 2 - 3:26 am

  Best car I ever owned, fun to drive and handles really nice around corners. Really quiet at all speeds and Honda quality.

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  honda civic LX - 2003 Honda Civic
  By kingoreo - June 2 - 2:00 am

  just bought my honda and so far i love it. its just the right size and great on gas,however its not all that fun to drive. only bad things is the small engine and someone busted up my tail light

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  2002 Honda Odyssey - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By familydc - June 1 - 10:20 pm

  I bought this car for my wife to drive, and as it turns out I want to drive it all the time. The performance on this vehicle blows the competition away with its 240 horsepower, 5 speed transmission, and 4 wheel independent suspension. It is as fun to drive as any minivan gets. Put that together with the excellent crash test ratings and functional interior and you have a great minivan.

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  8 - 1998 Honda Accord
  By Janice Govostes - June 1 - 10:00 am

  Engine light comes off and on all the time have taken it several times back to the dealer and they put it on the computer and nothing is wrong light goes out for a while and back on againe

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  What a pain - 1994 Honda Accord
  By avp83 - June 1 - 10:00 am

  My car is 98000 miles now. The engine rattles very loud, (very annoying)... Steering is very light (easy to loose control).. but overall, car is very reliable..

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  I love it - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By Oscar M - May 28 - 8:23 pm

  I bought my CR-V in january, and I love it. Its fun to drive, love the performance and styling. Overall I love my CR-V and would never consider the lame competion that is out there in the same segment. If your are in the market for a small SUV this is your best choice.

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  honda always a honda - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By Jose Barrios - May 28 - 10:00 am

  My 2004 Honda CRV is by far the best buy a made so far .good in fuel,ride and handling.Interior needs improvment,like the parking brake is hard to desingage,sits are to tight and sticki.Road noise a bit to high.Tires are cheap and not much grip.Strong engine for a 4cyl,is fun to drive in manual trani.The radio needs more power and better speakers.Overall a great car for the price.