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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  Small yet big on the inside - 1992 Honda Civic
  By Lukas - January 16 - 2:25 pm

  Overall a great car. Small yet roomy on the inside. Superb car on the gas! Small engine but w/ 5-speed was able to keep up w/ "big guys". I ended my Honda experience being crushed by a tractor-trailer at the stop sign - I am alive but I cannot imagine surviving a real crush

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  2007 Honda Civic EX - 2007 Honda Civic
  By Civicdriver - January 15 - 1:13 pm

  Really like our 2007 Civic. Pros: Styling, ergonomics, gas mileage, fit and finish, standard safety features. Cons: Somewhat squirrelly in the rain, road noise, over the nose visibility/low front end.

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  My 2003 CRV - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By Yulisa - January 13 - 1:22 pm

  This is the easiest car to maintain I have 56000 miles on it and havent needed anything done other than oil changes every 5000 miles,tires, wipers well only basic things. The brakes are not even due to get changed yet. Its great on the highway, in town and in the snow and I dont need a shovel to get me out of the snow most of the time, 6" of snow not a problem, in or out. Its great, only 1 rattle in 56000 miles.I plan on trading it in in about a year for the new CRV.

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  Everyday Gocart - 2007 Honda Fit
  By Dave - January 12 - 6:56 am

  I bought the fit as a commuter, It is the most fun car in the economy class. Makes a boring 20 mile commute a little more bearable. Great Interior room, (my truck sits idle now that my fit will carry all but the largest and dirtiest stuff). Decently built for the price and tons of safety features for the kids and myself. Looks like a smaller Matrix, Not a goofy echo or yaris

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  just what I needed - 2001 Honda Civic
  By D Brown - January 9 - 10:00 am

  I love Hondas. Ive owned many cars over the years and nothing Ive had compares. I got this after my 87 Accord LXi finally died. This one is the right mix of sportiness and practicality for me. Ive never been a 4-door guy before, but with two small kids now, it makes sense. Installing their car seats and getting them in and out is a breeze. A five star crash rating, ABS, and good handling are all pactical plusses. The roominess for its class is outstanding. Im 63" and am quite cofortable behind the wheel. The VTEC gives me almost as much power as Id like and the acceleration is enough for me to pass with confidence.

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  I expected better - 2006 Honda Civic
  By jmartin - January 8 - 11:36 pm

  Bought this car after EXTENSIVE research. Used primarily as a commuter vehicle to work.It does live up to its mileage promise (average 33-40mpg) It,however, lacks passing power-the price you pay for economy. Has a dash rattle, lacks enough cup holders, road noise is HORRENDOUS on anything but smooth pavement. Hope the 07s are a little more refined.

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  I love my CRV - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By MikeyMike - January 8 - 5:44 pm

  I can truly say that this is one of the best vehicles I have ever owned! It drives nicely, is very quiet in the inside....and gives me lots of room to carry things -- which is helpful when you are an active teacher who likes to go to Home Depot. The fuel economy is a little less than I would like...but you take the good with the bad.

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  Good car - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Rob Abney - January 8 - 5:34 am

  Good little car for daughter

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  Very respectable car.... - 1997 Honda Accord
  By Steve-n-Beantown - January 7 - 2:00 am

  Ive owned my 1997 Honda Accord SE since 2/02. I drive about 20k mi/yr. Its a good ride, but the very annoying, creeky suspension in the winter (which is a known problem-refer to Hondas service bulletins) drives me mad! Also, for as long as Ive owned it, whenever I hit a pothole, I think the car will break apart...Dealership says thats "just the way the car rides..." The only major work done to this point has been the exhaust...The car is still on the original brakes! Ill be replacing them soon, but its remarkable that theyve gone this far! The seats sit a bit low for my taste, but its comfortable....In the Summer, the car cleans up nice.

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  NOthing like it - 2003 Honda Element
  By VA-ELEMENT - January 7 - 2:00 am

  I think the element just looks really good. I wanted a hummer but couldnt afford it, but I guess the baby hummer will do for now. Nice car, lots of fun.