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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  Not a bad SUV - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By Eric Eman - December 12 - 5:21 pm

  We purchased an EX in November of 04. WE had decent snow traction the first winter but this week, BLAH. Scary. The tires Bridgestone Duelers are horrible. My wife loves it but I think the seats need more support and they move to much. OK gas mileage but we expected more from a 4cyl. Performance is ok. It is a safe car with all the airbags and ABS etc. We had it in dealer last month for an alignment, now the steering wheel is off and it still pulls to the right. The door panels are thin and it is kinda noisy. A safe vehicle and reliable but we {ok, ME} expected a quieter more comfortable SUV from Honda.

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  Reliable and Economical - 1995 Honda Civic
  By EBBcVc95 - December 12 - 10:00 am

  i had my civic vx for 7 years now and it just given me fun memories from san francisco to san diego to las vegas...If i know someone from any part of the united states, id drive it there...great milage, trouble-free, and still looks great...Ive taken it on and off the highway at big bear, ca where no other car would dare to go...2 of my friends did a 15 miles off-roading and i see people driving trucks laughing at us...the most damaged i got are dents from rocks....that was when my car was 4 years old...still running with no problems now.

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  My accord isnt fun a fun car - 1994 Honda Accord
  By Disappointed owner - December 12 - 10:00 am

  It has good looks and interior. However, while the car is quick, it doesnt provide driving fun as I have to slow down upon corners due to its imprecise steering and mediocare suspension (not as good as my 93 Mazda 626ES). Reliablity? Good for the first 5 years but only ok at 57,500 miles (serviced regularly). Quite a few rattles, silly alarm often cut off my fuel suddenly in the middle of a highway (dangerous), right headlight burnt out twice per year, engine stalled a few times and master cylinder of my power brakes failed. But according to the many nice reviews here, maybe I am the only one who got a lemon.

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  Biggest Bang for the Buck - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By DocS - December 12 - 10:00 am

  Weve had the new CR-V/EX since April, and its proven very capable all round. It carries 64" passengers comfortably (even in the rear seat), loads of gardening supplies, and provides a nicely versatile cargo compartment. Storage spaces are everywhere, which is really cool. Ride is excellent, quiet, and amazingly refined for a vehicle which is essentially a Civic on steroids. It exhibits a slight amount of torque- steer on hard acceleration from stop, but other than that it drives wonderfully. Priced just right, with a good feature set.

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  My Civic, "TIMMY" - 2001 Honda Civic
  By k&spharris57 - December 11 - 3:51 pm

  I love my civic, but it does have a few "flaws", such as the horrible shaking of the steering wheel when it gets to about 60 mph, i thought it was the tires or something, so i got them balanced and rotated and my car aligned, but no better. SRS light came on, because the seat belt buckle is going out, and i wish it had a little more "omph", kind of sluggish from the get-go, but once that VTEC kicks in,its on!

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  A jack of all trades... - 1999 Honda CR-V
  By gericked - December 11 - 3:18 pm

  I moved to the mountainous region of Tenn. from Florida and had to reluctantly trade in my BMW 328 for a vehicle that was more suitable. I loved my BMW... dont get me wrong, but I have no regrets. My CR-V was used with 72000 miles and have now 104000 miles. I have had no problems. Maintenence is too easy! This vehicle does what a vehicle is supposed to do and more. It performs and handles like a car, yet can haul a washing machine. It can go off paved roads, as well as take my business associates to lunch and I always get comments on it. This car is a status symbol: means you are can do it all.

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  Good Solid Appliance - 2010 Honda Accord
  By canso67 - December 11 - 7:46 am

  Its my 1st Accord and though only 2,000 miles on it, I like the cars tight steering and solid handling. Its far from exciting. If I had the choice I would have gone with the 5 spd manual but my wife drive the car daily and cant handle it.

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  E is Excellent Everyday SUV - 2005 Honda Element
  By RAMZOHIO - December 10 - 2:03 am

  After 6000 miles in 5 months. I love it, but it is not sporty enough or fun to drive with the automatic transmission. The Element is an excellent work vehicle if you need cargo room and ease of use and loading/unloading for delivery. The Element is great if you have small children, or dogs, or get messy, because it is easy to clean...I recommend it, but not for everyone. I carried a 7-foot sofa without removing the rear seats, just folded them up. WOW! Hey, it is a HONDA!!!!

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  Its OK - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By Jerry - December 9 - 6:50 pm

  This Honda has been OK. To many small warranty items. Elasped time computer is not programmed logically. Radio is not the quality I was expecting.

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  Too Much For No Power - 2004 Honda Civic
  By car_man - December 9 - 10:00 am

  I bought my Civic just over a month ago and have put about 1600 miles on it already. Initially, I was impressed by the look of the car. Nice design, and you know Hondas are reliable. However, after I was able to really get into the car and drive it for a good bit, it became very disappointed. Honda could have done a lot more to make you feel like youre driving a top of the line Civic. There is nothing better about this than any other Civic. The VTEC is way over rated and under powered. I am disappointed in this car and will probably not buy another one ever again. It is good for a commute I would guess, but my job is only about a mile away.