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:

• 

  hondas run forever - 1994 Honda Passport
  By willoughby who - March 14 - 2:59 am

  i purchased this car for 800 at auto auction and i could not be more pleased a dealer would of been asking at least 5000 for it. it looks and runs great and because of it my next car will be another honda

• 

  2008 Honda CR-V EX-L 4dr SUV AWD - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By nmcdonald - March 14 - 12:13 am

  I decided to buy this car based on Edmunds editor and consumer reviews, track record, price, and purported high gas mileage. I was selecting between the Mazda CX-9 and the Nissan Murano, and the CR-V. Since I was replacing a Toyota Camry, I thought that the size of the CR-V would be fine. The price was lower than the other two and the gas mileage, I thought would be great in comparison to the other two vehicles. Even though I receive about 24 to 25.5 mpg on my commutes according to the car, I can still only seem to average about 300 miles or 20 mpg per tank. I drive mostly highway miles and the mileage range advertised is not for the AWD models

• 

  SI for life!!! - 2000 Honda Civic
  By b164life - March 13 - 2:39 pm

  ive had my SI since 2002, i love it to death!!! poured over 15,000 dollars into it starting with looks, suspension, performance, audio.. would STRONGLY recommend The SI to any auto consumer!!!!

• 

  becoming very rare - 1999 Honda Civic
  By john9818a - March 13 - 10:00 am

  I really enjoyed driving my Si. The only problem I had was a bad strut. This car is very popular with thieves so if you buy one be sure to put an alarm on it. Check the vin to make sure that the car you are looking at is really an Si. Mine was stolen twice and both times the Si specific features were taken.

• 

  CRV - Theres only one - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By dtskiles - March 13 - 10:00 am

  I was heartbroken when we had to trade our 98 Cherokee in for a CRV - I was loyal Jeep driver since I was 14. The market is flush with over-powered off-road vehicles. We just need enough car to get us through the snow and haul some mulch and baby stuff without needing a second mortgage for gasoline. Honda has met a long-needed segment of the market - relatively fuel efficient, all-wheel-drive vehicles which are reliable and spacious. Of course, its a Honda, so its nearly bullet-proof.

• 

  Great car! - 1992 Honda Accord
  By colslaw87 - March 13 - 1:04 am

  I bought my 1992 EX coupe roughly 2 years ago from a private dealer. Since then I have fell in love with the car. It is a blast to drive and gas milage is decent. I highly recommend the EX Accord as a first car for any teen or new driver!

• 

  My new ride - Its a Honda Civic! - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Bcgoad - March 12 - 9:23 pm

  Ive always heard that Honda Civics were really good reliable & economical vehicles. So I went out and bought a new 2006. Due to the gas prices & tired of sinking money into a previous vehicle that was financially sinking me under, I decided to test drive one. Low and behold, I was sold on it. The car gets up and goes for a 4- cyl. and does well on the highway as far as acceleration. I was concerned about the power changing from a 6-cyl. At least this car accepts reg. unleaded.

• 

  Almost perfect - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By Doug Kenny - March 12 - 7:53 pm

  Pros: Its a Honda: well built, well designed. Mileage is a blend of city and highway and averages 19.2 over life of vehicle. Tons of cargo space. Decent versatility with seating/cargo arrangements. Cons: One delivery defect: deep scratch on dashboard. Unlocking rear side doors is very confusing. Exterior green paint looks like they forgot to add enough green pigment. Option packages too pricey.

• 

  Fun to drive, fun to own - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Arizona Aaron - March 12 - 5:20 pm

  The Civic is great, the gas mileage is not what is posted, but what ever is? Before this car I had a Camry and never obtained the mileage on the window either. the long drive feel is great - this has turned out to be a great commuter car. My gas expense monthly has been cut in half compared to my V6 Camry. People love this car, and everyone will want to look inside. Great improvement on putting the controls for the keyless entry right on the key.

• 

  Not for the Young at Heart - 1998 Honda Civic
  By Ken Beaty - March 12 - 10:31 am

  Overall, I am quite pleased with the auto. The exhaust manifold was replaced at 57,500 miles. Currently, at about 72,000 miles, I am experiencing a slip on the automatic transmission. I have developed a knee problem, and it has become very difficult for me to exit the vehicle. I imagine that would be the case with many seniors and those with arthritic conditions.