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:

• 

  Great SUV - 2006 Honda CR-V
  By Miles Matsui - August 3 - 8:33 pm

  Excellent value. Lots of room inside for passengers and huge storage area in back for our sports gear. Best rear visibility of any SUV I have driven or ridden in. Really fun to drive and easy to park. No maintenance issues at all. One of the very best cars I have owned and I would buy another without hesitation.

• 

  Great SUV - 2006 Honda CR-V
  By Miles Matsui - August 3 - 8:33 pm

  Excellent value. Lots of room inside for passengers and huge storage area in back for our sports gear. Best rear visibility of any SUV I have driven or ridden in. Really fun to drive and easy to park. No maintenance issues at all. One of the very best cars I have owned and I would buy another without hesitation.

• 

  Good little car - 1995 Honda Civic
  By pamrogersrn - August 2 - 2:00 am

  I have owned this car for 8 years now, and it has served me well. It is a very reliable car. It never left me stranded anywhere. Its a great car for a single person, or small family. I now have two children and the back seat is just too small for a family to find comfortable.

• 

  Versatility - 1999 Honda CR-V
  By Jammer37 - August 1 - 2:00 am

  In the 4 yrs that we have in this SUV, we have loved every minute of it. Starting with the interior, we are especially fond of the "gap" between front driver and passenger. When our young son requires attention, the passenger can pass from front to back seat with ease. The split fold-down seats have also been a great advantage to us. Lastly, the table has also served us well. We have used it countless times. The exterior is also sleek. And you do sit up just high enough to see over most other cars on the road. Overall, I have loved driving this SUV.

• 

  Shaky Ride - 2000 Honda Odyssey
  By Flash6060 - August 1 - 2:00 am

  Where to begin? The front end is about to come off! Nothing but vibrations and shimmys. To the dealer several times, new tires, "special balancing", alignments, and now finger pointing on who is at fault (Tire manufacturuer or Honda) Im trading it in for an SUV! Never gain with Honda. P.S. The service checks are a joke! $375 to change the oil and "inspect" a bunch of parts including the brakes which had to be changed two weeks after the service check. Good luck!

• 

  Nice Automobile - 1995 Honda Civic
  By Dirtbikerprn - July 31 - 2:00 am

  I love my Honda Civic. It gets excelent gas mileage about 37-38mpg.

• 

  Honda Civic Sedan EX - 2004 Honda Civic
  By VictorP - July 31 - 2:00 am

  I have been pleasantly surprized by this honda civic sedan ex, its acceleration has been better than I thought it would be and milage is better than 32mpg. It feels good inside and is not as noisy as some econo cars that I test drove. Overall better than a 30+mpg car should feel. I am very pleased.

• 

  Seventh Honda Accord - 2008 Honda Accord
  By hilltopper - July 31 - 1:23 am

  This is my seventh Accord. The new body styling is a big plus and the interior has the look of a more expensive vehicle. All things considered Honda gives you the best value for the price. Many standard features are options on the Altima and Camery. Not sold on the VCM.

• 

  Hi - 2000 Honda Accord
  By DAnny C - July 30 - 11:16 am

  overall nice car.... too bad it is a honda.... REALLY REALLY needs a 5 speed and rear wheel drive

• 

  My Pilot - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By Liat - July 30 - 10:20 am

  I realy didnt like my dealer, since they pushed on me a Pilot with colors that i didnt like. but the vehicle itself is nice. im single with no kids, but wanted an SUV with much needed space. im also a fan of the HONDA brand.