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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  Riding on egg shells - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Mark - September 4 - 11:13 pm

  When I got the car I was so excited being my first car. When I got it home I started to notice how fragile the interior was. There were already scratches on some parts of the dash like some one took a pen and scrape it. The plastic on the door felt so cheap to the point where it was scratched by a card board box that left permanent marks one the door. There were scuff marks from my shoes on the driver side floor panel that could not be taken out. The floor mats were also poor quality the mats are foam backed! There was a wear mark on where my foot would rest for the clutch. My passenger seat would rattle when driving. Paint on the car cheap. this is all after 6 months what happened honda?

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  Pros and Cons - 2001 Honda S2000
  By G.Brown - September 4 - 2:00 am

  Excellent car but, DO NOT try to make it something its not. A Detroit muscle car. Expensive mistake. Driven properly its the most fun car Ive owned. Tops Mazda RX-7, Toyota Supra and Pontiac Trans Am. Will definitely purchase again.

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  CRV LX 2WD - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By wandawoman - September 3 - 4:50 pm

  Just got my CRV 4 days ago. So far I love the zippiness (even for 4 cylinders) - it certainly beats the 98 Civic I just traded in. There is tons of cargo room which is deceiving from the outside. There is plenty of room inside for my family of four. Gas mileage is pretty good so far but Im hoping it increases a bit more as I break the car in. I only have 125 miles on it thus far.

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  S2000 RAW POWER/CONSTANT SHIFT - 2003 Honda S2000
  By Vicki - September 3 - 2:00 am

  Great sports car for the purist. It is not a car that is fun to drive unless you are driven to SHIFT and race everyone. Pure High Tech design in engine and drivetrain. For the Purist that wants NO Frills

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  Get In-Turn Key-Drive - 1999 Honda Accord
  By Dan258 - September 2 - 2:00 am

  Bought the 1999 LX 4dr just over 4 years ago. I fill it will gas, do the oil changes, tire rotation and other planned maintenance. In a nutshell, I get in the car, turn the key, and drive. No problems, no worries, nothing. Very reliable. Great car.

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  SUV not to be taken off road - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By wizofwall - September 1 - 10:00 am

  Just got a 04 CR-V. Took it to my friends property for some very mild off road driving (got the car in May and I refuse to wait until next X-Mas to try the AWD). The result, $1000 in damages. The EVAT canister busted on me at the first rock. Youd think the car would have some sort of non-Mickey Mouse protection under the car... Overall it rides pretty nice though. The AWD did an excellent job. Ive seen anything from Explorers to Humbies getting stock in some places where I did too. The difference is that the CR- V got out and the others always end up requiring 5-8 guys pushing to get them out. Still licking my wounds over the canister, though....

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  Squeaks and rattles - 2002 Honda Accord
  By SC1 - September 1 - 10:00 am

  2.5 year old EX-L with 29000 miles. The good: love the engine – doesn’t make a lot of power but riding single or with one passenger you don’t really notice. Really nice 5-speed transmission. The bad: too many squeaks and rattles. The dealer has been cooperative, but a good dealer can’t make up for a poorly put together interior. Gas mileage of 16/23. Front rotors warped at 15,000 miles. Seats feel uncomfortable on long rides and the low beam headlights are a joke. Overall, this could have been a really nice car, but falls short because of poor quality control. After 2.5 years of trying I’ve decided to sell it and buy something else

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  MY REVIEW - 2004 Honda Civic
  By carrie rogers - September 1 - 10:00 am

  I love my new civic, it drives great. Its reliable.Its wonderful thanks!!!!!!!!! great job!!!!!!!!!!

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  NOT IMPRESSED - 2004 Honda Accord
  By MADR - September 1 - 10:00 am

  This car has been back to a dealership several times for problems in less than 8 months of purchase. The brakes went bad- had to cut the rotor and replace the pads. The catalistic converter had to be replaced. What appears to the struts are making a rattling noise when driving over ruff terain...and in regards to the silky smooth gear box...hmmm, not in this car.

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  Great car - 1997 Honda CR-V
  By shelton - September 1 - 2:00 am

  97 model but bought new in 3/98. great milage and good looks. slighly underpowered but plenty good enough for around town driving which is what this car has done for the past 65 months. Has not been any problem with car at all and replaced tires at 65,000. Recommend this car to anyone because it is on the Civic chassis so drives like a car.