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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  Great ride - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By crv-er - October 8 - 5:43 pm

  Took a hit and traded in our 2004 Pilot, unfortunate timing to trade a larger SUV. Love the CR-V so far. Just did a 1000 mile trip (avg 27 mpg), XM radio got lots of use. Smooth ride, plenty of room for the kids and all our stuff. Slower pickup taking a little getting used too, but still a very peppy ride. Very happy with our choice, had to look long and hard for our favorite Taffeta White. Wish the front seats extended farther out for more support under the legs. Floor mats could be better quality, already matting and shedding a bit. Wish the back windows went all the way down, we didnt realize this until after purchase. Overall great vehicle, plan to drive for a long time.

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  Downsizing to Save Cash - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By Bob L - October 8 - 4:23 pm

  Got real tired of visiting gas stations with my Jeep Grand Cherokee and decided to try the 2008 Honda CR-V. Great handling and very fun to drive. I dont miss my Jeep one bit. Its a tiny SUV with lots of heart. Gas mileage has been as high as 28 mpg, but average has been 25 mpg, not great but acceptable. If you want better fuel economy buy a Hybrid something or a Civic. Interior is good quality, spacious, and comfortable. The rear storage compartment behind the rear passengers is divided in two sections by a removable upper shelf. This design leaves a lot to be desired and can be very annoying when trying to load a large object. Overall we have enjoyed this mini SUV and highly recommend it.

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  Dont buy Honda - 2000 Honda Odyssey
  By Unhappy Honda Owner - October 8 - 8:36 am

  I am so sorry I didnt find this forum before buying my 2000 Honda Odyssey with 45000 miles. Transmission is "toast" at 100000 miles, and from the horror stories Ive read here and heard elsewhere, it is not worth fixing. I am going to donate this (if theyll take it) and buy only Toyota from now on. I was expecting to get 150K miles easily, as I did with my Toyotas, but this clunker fell about 2.5 years shy of that. I will never buy another Honda based on all the bad transmissions in this plus Accord and others. Goodbye Honda, Hello Toyota.

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  Best Overall Value Ever - 2003 Honda Accord
  By chop100 - October 8 - 7:27 am

  I bought this car new as a year-end model in Jan 04 and it has been nothing short of amazing. Classy looks, decent performance, perfect interior design, exceptional MPG and flawless workmanship. I believe this is the most well rounded vehicle on the market...can do it all while making you look good to boot!

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  Lapsed BMW owner - 2002 Honda S2000
  By Hondarules - October 8 - 2:00 am

  Just picked up my 2002 S with silver/black. What a car! I have owned a 97 328i and 00 540i, and I can tell you that the S is the most fun of the three (with much lower maintainance costs). The engine is a blast, but the suspension is what puts it over the top. Cornering at 40 mph is dream, interior is minimalist and slick. I am sick of paying the status prices according to BMW, Mercedes and Audi. They do make excellent cars, but nothing they make in a roadster can touch the S (having driven the M roadster, SLK, and TT). If you love to drive, this is the car.

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  Forever a Honda Owner - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By Northeastern - October 8 - 2:00 am

  Im a previous Accord/Civic/3 time Passport Owner. The 2002 CRV attracted my attention when they redesigned the interior/exterior and made it more powerful. I too experience the clicking noise and really notice it when at a drive-up MAC machine or in the drive thru at McDs or BK. What is this Honda???? The front passenger side got cheated for leg room but; hey, I never sit there... I love the reclining rear seats! The CRV has lots more storage room than the Passport. I still have not experienced the listed gas mileage. I trust Hondas reliability because I do not have time to take a vehicle to the shop!

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  Honda Convert - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By Nella - October 8 - 2:00 am

  Great vehicle. First time Honda owner, and first time van owner. This was the right choice. Considered the others, but this van is safe, luxurious, and sporty. I enjoy driving it. And I am 6 feet 6 inches tall.

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  Best minivan - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By Linh Nguyen - October 8 - 2:00 am

  It is an excellent van.

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  1999 Honda Sedan LX V6 4DR - 1999 Honda Accord
  By clnickson - October 8 - 2:00 am

  I chose the car for the smooth transition between gears then for the quality, power and great looks of the interior and the exterior.

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  Great car! Great Quality - 2002 Honda Accord
  By NY Wong - October 8 - 2:00 am

  Very good quality for this accord. Much better than some american competitor.