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:

• 

  The Almost Perfect Car - 2004 Honda Accord
  By johnnyn - April 23 - 10:00 am

  The Honda Accord has been on virtually everyones recommended list for decades and this model has just upped the ante for what it takes to compete. For the price, IMHO nothing comes close. Comfort, safety, handling, performance, room, and reliability are all topnotch.

• 

  Tries too hard to be something it isnt. - 2007 Honda Accord
  By Tom - April 23 - 9:13 am

  After a good experience with an 02 EX V6, I expected a lot from my 07 EX V6. After 5K miles, Im a bit disappointed. The 07 is a step forward in some areas, but a step back in others. The engine is stronger, and noisier. The automatic shifts more smoothly, but less responsive. Handling has improved and theres less kickback through the wheel, but ride quality has eroded and the steering is less communicative. The 02 was roomy, with a large back seat. The 07 has comfier seats but feels cramped, especially in back. Gas mileage is equal at 23 MPG city. While the 02 was a nice blend of everything, the 07 tries to be more sports sedan than family sedan, and ultimately fails at being both.

• 

  Comparing the 2006 to the 2007 - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By Miz - April 22 - 3:00 pm

  After 364 days my 2006 CR-V was totalled in an accident. I got my 2007 CR-V a few days ago. There are some marked differences between the old model CR-V and the redesigned 2007 one. The 2007 has a much softer, more car- like ride than the 2006, the seats are more comfortable and the engine is more responsive. On the down side there is almost no practical storage in the vehicle, the the cargo nets on the rear of the front seats is gone, the shift knob had been moved to the middle leaving a couple of usless holes where there once was a drawer and box big enough to hold CDs. The passenger underseat drawer is useless to the driver. The flip down center console holds nothing but drinks.

• 

  Still love it - 2000 Honda Odyssey
  By jeff - April 22 - 2:45 pm

  Just purchased a 2005 Odyssey EX-L and thank God I checked here about the Touring edition first (didnt buy that one) We still have the 2000 EX and still love it, never a single complaint or problem...NEVER! We did the timing belt and water-pump replacement at the correct time and the tune-up too. All done at the Honda dealership. I can not say one bad thing about it other than I never thought I would drive a van, now I bought another one!

• 

  Honda rating - 2003 Honda Civic
  By Honda Puss Man - April 22 - 11:34 am

  Great mileage, great looks, reliable as all hell. Best car I have ever owned.

• 

  Fun, Reliable, and Efficient - 1998 Honda Civic
  By David - April 22 - 11:01 am

  Wonderful car! I got my civic as a hand-me-down. It was my first car and will be my only car for some time. Fuel economy is superb for such a sporty compact. The hatchback is a great model due to its transportation qualities. The D17Y engine isnt exactly the best in its class, but Honda did put enough work into making it rev extremely high. Put your foot to the floor on a long stretch of road and the automatic transmission down shifts and launches you forward. The air conditioning isnt the best, however, if it is left on long enough at high power it WILL cool the entire car down. My only complaint is that if you drive the car at the top end, fuel economy suffers quite a bit.

• 

  Somewhat better than the old CRV - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By I like the Honda - April 22 - 4:30 am

  I like the new Honda CR-V, and owned the previous model (2003). Unfortunately I think it looks like every other new crossover-they look like station wagons! Im not impressed with the fuel economy. I also miss the table that you got with the older CR-V-it came in handy for tailgating. It rides well, and is comfortable for the most part. I wish the back seat was a few inches wider, then two adults could sit in the back with a car seat.

• 

  Rickari Review - 2012 Honda CR-V
  By Rick Taylor - April 22 - 1:15 am

  This car does wonderful in the snow and handles great on the road... It is very roomy and me being 63 it had plenty of head room.. love the car..

• 

  Rickari Review - 2012 Honda CR-V
  By Rick Taylor - April 22 - 1:15 am

  This car does wonderful in the snow and handles great on the road... It is very roomy and me being 63 it had plenty of head room.. love the car..

• 

  Rickari Review - 2012 Honda CR-V
  By Rick Taylor - April 22 - 1:15 am

  This car does wonderful in the snow and handles great on the road... It is very roomy and me being 63 it had plenty of head room.. love the car..