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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  Spacious interior design, quiet ride - 1999 Honda Accord
  By runewell - January 7 - 2:00 am

  I love this car. I tested several cars and this one had a very open and relaxed feel, while other cars seem to have the driver "boxed in". The 4-cyl is a fairly quite engine. My only complaints is that my gas mileage so far has been 21/27 and the specs (which may be merely an average) I recall as 23/30. But I havent taken any serious road trips yet, so maybe its better on the highway. The dealership Poquet Auto was great. No haggle-pricing, speciailizing in cars coming off leases - just the amount of depreciation we wanted on our vehicle. The cars paint job was meticulously touched up and we got new tires & brakes.

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  CR-V - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By W Miller - January 6 - 4:10 pm

  Two complaints with my CR-V, 1. The ride is a little rougher than expected. Second and most important there is a design flaw with the A/C. A rock damaged the A/C under and the entire unit had to be replaced. So with only 2000 miles on the car I had to replace the A/C, and since it was road damage it is not covered by the warranty & I had to pay for it.

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  Orange BOXX - 2005 Honda Element
  By DirtGhost - January 6 - 2:13 pm

  If you are looking for a cool ride with a "fun to drive attitude" you have choosen the correct ride. Lots of interior room. Rear sets can fold up and out of the way or can be removed or out into a bed if needed for those camping nights. Front seats are comfy fully adjustable ride height. Easy to operate right off the lot. Nice large wndshield area . Comfy sport ute to play with . Awd model is what I have . I will say this one thing it takes only 1/2 second for the rear wheels to kick in when need it. Last thing FUN TO DRIVE

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  Good engine - suspect build quality - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By VRM - January 5 - 2:06 am

  The initial build quality is disappointing with lots of rattles, squeaks and brake noise. I had to go the dealer two times to resolve these initial problems. Honda needs to pay more attention to initial build quality and testing. Dont they drive the vehicle outside the factory before sending it to the dealer?

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  05 CRV. Its a honda!! - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By calexanian - January 4 - 10:54 pm

  Somebody was really thinking at honda about this car. It has lots of little nifty features that work well. The EX package is just the way i wanted it and its built the way you would expect a honda to be. I can cram far more into it that i thought i was going to be able to, and it has pleanty of pep for a little 2.4 lt motor. Have had it over 9,000 feet and its not winded and it handles well in up to about a foot of snow. On the highway its smooth clear up to 90 and it holds the road more than anything else in its class. This little car has impresed me in the snow and ice. Solid feel but not bulky and it really digs into hilly corners. I see many on the road and i can see why.

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  Cats wont eat it. - 2013 Honda Accord
  By Doug Burkhart - January 4 - 5:17 pm

  It is a very good car overall. The last car I had was a 2004 EX V6 which I thought was an excellent car. This car has more tech and safety features but less luxury features. Also, the drivers seat is too soft for me. Ive had more problems with this car in 3+ years than my last one in 8+ years.

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  Car for future teen driver?? - 2008 Honda Civic
  By Su - January 4 - 12:40 am

  With gas prices rising I knew it was time to trade in the F-150 King Ranch. I test drove hybrids and did the math. This car made the most sense to me. I drive 50/50 city/hwy. Right now I have less than 1,000 miles on the motor, waiting to see if the mpg meets my expectations. Also read the "cost to operate"...Civic looked good! This is a cheap car and so you get what you pay for. If you have champagne taste, this is not the car for you. Have your list of extras that you like, and find the Honda that fits you. Dont complain later! Youre suppose to be an adult.

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  Best SUV for the money - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By Chris Russo - January 3 - 8:58 pm

  I love my new CRV. I sold my mustang GT so that I can drive my newborn son around with me. The babyseat never fit in the mustang, not to mention i had no trunk space whatsoever. The CRV has been a blessing for my family. We zoom all over town, while getting great gas mileage. I opted for the Blue LX version, and I put in leather interior (baby formula proof) and I ordered much cooler after market rims. My truck is very sporty looking now. I am very happy with my CRV.

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  Dont change it - 1997 Honda CR-V
  By Ross Carley - January 3 - 6:40 pm

  I have owned this little guy since new and have had it serviced on a regular bassis. No problems at all.At 170,000 miles I have yet to put a dime in her other than tires, brakes every 33,000 miles, and one batery.Original exshaust.It has gone throught the roughest New England weather without a whimper. Lots of snow and I live on top of a mountain. It burns no oil inbetween oil changes and seems to get better gas milage as it ages. No rattles or clunks and I am not easy on her at all. I have hauled far more than 1000 lbs. reccomened without complaint or even any sluggishness. I am looking for another 1997 to put away for after 300,000 milles. I might give it to one of my kids then. Maybe

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  civic ex - 1997 Honda Civic
  By kedgman - January 2 - 3:33 pm

  seems to be a well put together car. handles very well, has better than average gas mileage, a bit hard to get in and out of (due to the fact that Im 6 ft tall).