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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  Honda Truth - 1999 Honda CR-V
  By corliss djan - December 3 - 2:00 am

  The painful experience with my Honda was the lease, not the vehicle. Its a nice looking vehicle, can be fun to drive. Has been fairly Reliable which I expected.

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  AWESOME VEHICLE - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By chacho72 - December 2 - 10:00 am

  My brother own one and I never drove it. When I got mine, I was so impressed that I will not buy any other van than the Odyssey. The drive is so smooth that sometimes I have trouble hearing whether the engine is on or not. The safety features are awesome.

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  Really like the civic - 2008 Honda Civic
  By Joe - December 2 - 4:33 am

  Had our new civic for ~2weeks now and really like it. Thought I wouldnt like the futuristic dash but actually like it now that Ive used it. Managed 30 mpg on first tank (mixed driving) and hope it keeps getting better. Traded our full size truck as we commute to work 50+ miles per day round trip. Miss the ability to throw stuff in the truck bed sometimes but the improvement in fuel economy is phenomenal! Great car, A+++

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  My Car - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By HMcGrail - December 1 - 2:00 am

  We love the car. We added some stripes and people dont know it is the Honda Pilot.

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  good car - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By grace - December 1 - 2:00 am

  i was always stuck with compact cars...wanted a change...it was either the used s2000 or this brand new 2004 cr-v.....I like it so far...had for alittle over a week....good change...I like it...seems pretty smooth...compared to my friends rx330...hahahaha

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  crv - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By jul26 - November 30 - 10:00 am

  the crv is fun to drive . I love it . My husband is 6" 2 so it is a little tight for him. For me it is perfect. I m 5" 2

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  not what I expected form Honda - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By alfaron - November 30 - 10:00 am

  I just bought the crv for 2 days. Already therere defective noises in the rear (right) whenever I press the brakes. Moreover, I have found out that the front passengers door handle is missing an internal plastic part. Does Honda really build cars so good that they command higher prices when compared to their peers? I dont think so.

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  Great new car - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By Don - November 30 - 7:04 am

  Got a good deal on a great new car

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  Dependable, trouble-free transportation - 1997 Honda Accord
  By ivorykeyer - November 30 - 2:00 am

  We bought this car used (17K miles) in a hurry when our disaster of a Taurus Wagon had a catastrophic engine problem. Our primary goal was to get a car that wouldnt require monthly visits to the mechanic and in this the Accord has been a rousing success. Other than power window problems (front windows becoming progressively slower as time goes on) the car has performed absolutely flawlessly. I use it for a long daily commute (100 miles/day) and it is very comfortable with decent gas mileage (23-25 MPG). While not exciting visually or performance-wise, it has lots of room and has been a great and extremely reliable car for our basic transportation needs.

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  Not so good - 1999 Honda Accord
  By ace1 - November 30 - 2:00 am

  This car has horrible brakes. Third set of pads in 65,000 miles. Soft pedal. Mater cyclinder replaced twice. Still soft. Electrical system with lots of problems. Bought this car because of Honda reputation. This will be my last Honda.