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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  my judgement - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By dondy - November 30 - 2:00 am

  This car is fun to drive, stylish ( similar to Mercede ML Class ). Roomy Interior provide more legroom. But the fuel consumption in acity is quite inefficient. But the overall performance is good, it is an eye catching mini SUV I think. You shouldnt lt new models out within 5 years.

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  Best little SUV You Can Get - 1997 Honda CR-V
  By The Best "CR-V" - November 29 - 11:03 pm

  Ive had this car over one year now. Ive had no problem with it even with rainy Portland summer and winter. The car drives great and it has a great view. The things Ive done on it are the regular oil change and tire rotation. I would suggest people to do the tune up once it reaches to 100K. I did mine around 95K and it gained more horse power after the tune up. It drives so much better now. CR-V alos work great in rain and snow. Ive had no trouble with ice roads and snow (just have to drive slow).

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  They dont make em like they used to - 2006 Honda Civic
  By fjmneworleans - November 29 - 7:23 pm

  Have had to bring it in to the dealer 5xs for defects. Received the car with a scratched lense on the tachometer (from the inside). The back windshield would pop-out whenever I closed the back door. The seat belt sensor on the passenger side was defective and they had to change a computer in the dashboard. They recalled it because the accelator woudl get stuck, and NOW the passenger door handle came off when simply opening the door.(I never even use that side).

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  Nice but noisy - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By libby - November 29 - 3:36 pm

  I love this van but.... It makes a squealing noise when you drive fast. Honda said that itÂ’s fine I donÂ’t agree. Also there is no way for the heat to go to your legs only I enjoyed that feature in my Volvo. The van is real fun to drive but it looks like a big over-weight boat. I am over all very happy i just wish Honda would get rid of the noise.

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  Finally, a place to praise her! - 1992 Honda Civic
  By Ray C - November 28 - 11:35 pm

  Purchasing her was a nightmare, but owning her is a dream. This car has seen: 5 roundtrip treks from Chicago to L.A., plowed through 2 ft deep snow (clearing a path for a Blazer for 4 miles), ran into the side of a mountain (friend borrowed her), carried everything I owned as a bachelor, beats camaros through intersections (then loses a block later, lol), looks great, runs better, and is still ready for more. I realize no one will probably see this because of the year, but she is worth the effort to type a few words of praise. I will look back on the time i owned her, and smile. I will always compare future cars to her. My children will drive Civic HBs as their startup cars if I can convince them.

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  My Accord - 2002 Honda Accord
  By tombob - November 28 - 6:23 pm

  Overall a great, reliable car. Ive never had any problems with it and it now has 53k on it. Handles very well and gets good gas mileage. Its not the most exciting car to drive, but it gets me from point a to b. Upgraded to rims instead of hubcaps and it is a nice touch. The eternal blue is a very pretty color and I have received many comments on it. Trunk spoiler is a must. The 4 cyl could have more power, doesnt really have a lot of power when accelerating. Cloth seats are still in good shape as well as carpet and floor mats.

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  Could be better - 2001 Honda Accord
  By areiaman - November 28 - 10:00 am

  Mine is a 4 cyl/ automatic transmission. Had to replace the brake system power booster 2 wks after purchase (almost rear ended another vehicle). Now the car has developed a chugging noise in the front end and nobody is able to troubleshoot it. Sheet metal is paper thin, paint chips very easily. The engine has enough power, but you really have to punch the gas. LOTS of tire and wind noise and whinny transmission. Overall, a slightly less than average ownership experience and definitely not what I expected from a manufacturer with such reputation for quality and reliability.

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  Love this suv, so far! - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By ft-dalbey - November 28 - 10:00 am

  Just bought this 2004 SUV and for the most part, I love it. Its fun to drive, looks cool, handles great for an SUV, and has tons of room for passengers and dogs too! Yet, is small enough to be reasonable on gas and easy to park in small spaces.

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  CIVIC LX SEDAN - 1999 Honda Civic
  By carguy20 - November 27 - 2:40 pm

  Ive had Civic LX sedan for the past 6 years and have no complaints. The engine runs like champ, transmission still going strong. The Civic is a great commuter car , that gets great gas mileage, easy to park, etc. The Japanese know how to make cars.

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  Great Until Transmission Went Out - 2001 Honda Civic
  By Mark Johnson - November 26 - 2:44 pm

  I bought this car new. Automatic. No problems at all until transmission went out at 86,000 miles. Will cost me $2600 to replace with a used transmission with 46,000 miles on it. Ouch! What a surprise! My car before this, a 1991 Honda Accord, had 230,000 on it when I got rid of it and no transmission trouble. My next car will be another Honda Accord.