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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  Honda CRV-SE - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By John Thomas - January 7 - 11:13 pm

  This is one fun car to drive. It handles well and we have found that the gas mileage is as promised. We love the appearance and convenience of the back door that works two ways. We are able to carry a lot in the back even without putting the back seats down. The heated seats are a bonus and we got this car fully loaded and really love it.

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  The Worlds Best Hatchback - 1993 Honda Civic
  By Tom - January 7 - 4:25 pm

  I received this car from my father after another driver took an early left at an intersection and totaled my 1999 Honda Civic coupe. Needless to say, I adore this car. The interior is minimalistic and easy to use right away. The exterior is genius and I love the shape and design. With this car stock, I can rev this car as much as I want and it eats it up. The transmission is still sound after all these years and shifting is always smooth. Its the perfect size car, and I will always love this car very much. I intend to keep this car for a very long time, which even after 16 years on the road seems like no problem (no mechanical problems ever!). This is one of the best cars you could own!

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  Best Mid Size SUV - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By Karthic S Bharathi - January 7 - 2:05 pm

  This is an excellent mid size SUV I have ever seen under $30k. The build quality is very good and fuel economy is good too. The Maintenance minder is an excellent option. But with AWD option need to change the rear fluid around 15000 miles which is not very good. Other than that, overall it is value for money SUV.

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  The Ultimate Vehichle - 2004 Honda Element
  By JD - January 7 - 6:20 am

  I cant say enough about this car! Im stopped by people in parking lots asking about my Element. Im an advertisement on wheels for this car. We purchased the Element to replace one of our 2 Honda CRVs, still love our CRV but the Element suits my business needs better. I am an artist, I sell my work at arts and crafts shows. With the back seats out I can haul all my inventory, my entire display, tent/canopy, chairs, floor mats, rugs, EVERYTHING I need to do a show including my luggage and a friend and their stuff! If it rains and the field gets muddy I know that the 4WD will get me home. The kicking stereo keeps us going and I never have to worry about gas money!

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  Wish I still had it - 1991 Honda Prelude
  By SYL357 - January 6 - 11:44 pm

  I used to own one of these. Some dont know, but in 90 and 91 you could get a from the factory built up 2.0L that was actually closer to 2.1L that had 197 hp. That is what I had. The car was amazing. It beat damn near anything you could possibly race on the street. Sadly it was an automatic, but it still did 0-60 in 6-6.5 seconds depending on tire spin while taking off. All that I can say is that Im sad that I no longer have the car.

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  05 S2000 - 2005 Honda S2000
  By rd118403 - January 6 - 12:17 pm

  I have always wanted one of these cars since they came out in 2000. I finally found myself in a situation where I did not need practicality and had an extra car for rain/snow driving, so I bought a Certified Pre-Owned 2005 S2000 about 4 months ago with 30850 miles. Whenever I go out and drive this car I dont want to go back home. I just want to keep driving. People have called it a 4-wheel motorcycle based on its handling, high-revving 4-cylinder and open-air nature Ive found that it is also like a motorcycle in the sense that when you drive it you just want to keep going. (The only other thing thats given me that feeling was a motorcycle.)

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  Great SUV, just like all Hondas. - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By jda - January 6 - 5:33 am

  This is the 10th Honda our family has owned. First SUV. Have had it 3 months and it performs more like a car than an SUV. Has excellent performance and if fun to drive. So far, no problems, build quality is excellent. I think the transmission "hunts" for gears and downshifts more often than I would like, but I am told this should improve as the transmission "learns" how we drive it. We bought it as a 3rd vehicle to have when we have more than 5 people to take somewhere or need more space to haul something larger than a "breadbox".

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  Excellent SUV - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By ando - January 5 - 10:00 am

  Ive had this vehicle for two months and I absolutely love it. Its roomy, comfortable and fun and easy to drive.

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  First timer and proud to own it. - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By Espeedy - January 5 - 10:00 am

  First Honda ever and after much research definitely made the right choice. Great styling, very good handling and lots of interior room. High seating position is very nice and gives a great view over smaller cars. AWD is reassuring. Short throw shifts are very sporty as are the seats. Fold down, reclining and sliding rear seats are fantastic.

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  I love my honda - 2005 Honda Civic
  By Gina Houser - January 5 - 2:40 am

  Although I have only had my honda for a few days now, I can already tell that it is going to be a great car. I love the way it rides and the look of the honda civic. It gets great gas mileage and it is fun to drive.