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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  Always loved Hondas, but... - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By Puggy - July 26 - 2:00 am

  Ive had my CRV for 2 years now, and the major complaint Ive had with my CRV is all the plastic in the interior that causes MAJOR rattles in cold weather. My 89 accord after 13 years never had as many rattles as this CRV does. Ive had it in 3 times to get them fixed and after 2 days they always come back. Drives me crazy.

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  THE Small SUV - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By pjotter - July 26 - 2:00 am

  Ive had this CR-V for two and a half weeks and actively seek out trips to take and errands to run. Its that much fun to drive. In my opinion its sets the bar for its class. I poured over ALOT of research before this purchase. Low road noise, good engine pickup, roomy and lots of room for big items and that great Honda reliability and re-sale value. Try it yourself!

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  Trip to Dullsville - 2004 Honda Civic
  By aca2983 - July 26 - 2:00 am

  My other half bought one of these, and while I have owned other Hondas too, I find newer Hondas to be terribly boring and uninspiring than they were 10 or 15 yrs ago. The Civic LX/auto engine is rather buzzy and tends to downshift a lot. Of course the MPG is great. Handling and steering feel are what I HATE about this car. The steering is not precise, and the suspension feels floaty to me, with lots of body lean. Feels like a 20 yr old Buick Century. Unimpressive braking too. If you want an appliance with the soul of a refrigerator on wheels, buy this. If you want a little more personality and spirited driving fun, shop elsewhere.

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  New Civic Coupe EX - 2006 Honda Civic
  By CRM - July 25 - 2:40 am

  I just got the new Civic coupe over the Renault Megane 3 weeks ago and the car is very handsome. It have a very good ride, I like its firm suspension but the tires that come in the mexican version (goodyear) doesn´t have very good grip the ABS kicks in very easily and tend to slip in high speed cornering. The brake pedal feeling is puffy at first then the brakes bites in no time they are difficult to modulate.

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  Sensible - 2002 Honda Accord
  By AlexVAGuy - July 24 - 10:00 am

  I traded a 2000 Golf for this 2002 Accord after the Golf required major engine work at 12,000 miles. The 4-cylinder LEV engine could use a little more low-end grunt, but its smooth and quiet. Im only getting 22 MPG, mostly around town - maybe itll improve with age. The car seems extremely well built and is great on trips - I feel like Im driving a luxury car. Its roomy and comfortable for 4 adults, too. Got a great deal from Landmark Honda, with minimal aggravation. The Honda is smooth, quiet and pleasant - it might be a middle-aged persons car lacking in verve, but I feel like itll never let me down.

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  Old Faithful - 1990 Honda Civic
  By SeaKayaker - July 24 - 2:00 am

  Weve owned this car since it had 15 miles on it and still love it. We have had a string of ignition system failures (burned distributors), but I think this is behind us. We also had a vexing clutch chatter problem that Honda couldnt fix, but our local garage finally figured out. Found that if the sun roof leaks, getting the drains cleaned fixes the problem. Weve had Bridgestones, Goodyears and Michelins on the car. Michelins are best.

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  Terrible MPG for short commutes - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Disappointed - July 23 - 8:36 pm

  Very disappointed with 2006 Honda Civic Hybrid fuel efficiency. During past winter (2006-07) only got 22-26 mpg! Drove only for short commutes. The HCH gets nowhere near the estimated EPA MPG when used for short commutes, especially during the winter. The brakes slip very slightly when car is stopping.

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  Its Like a Family Member! - 1996 Honda Passport
  By jgs - July 23 - 2:00 am

  The Passport has been the absolute best vehicle I have ever owned. Previous vehicles owned, Accord, Civic, BMW, Dodge Ram and VW. It has been trouble free. I have had new tires, shocks installed and general tune-ups. The reason I am writing this review is that it is now totaled from a fool pulling out into my lane. I will offer the insurance a reduced settlement in order to keep it and find someone to repair it! I LOVE THE PASSPORT THAT MUCH! Yes the door locks stick and it is using some oil but it has been an extremely inexpensive vehicle to drive. By the way...GREAT crash protection. Absorbed much of the collision with minor injury to myself.

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  Good ol Reliable - 1992 Honda Accord
  By Reliable - July 23 - 2:00 am

  Only problems were losing a side seal, AC developed a leak, and the steering fluid basin developed a leak. Other than that its held up pretty good.

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  175,000 and running - 1997 Honda Civic
  By 3-69 - July 22 - 2:00 am

  I have put this civic through hell and back. From florida to virginia back down and across the states to california! All while touching the redline at least once daily. Not a single fault till i tripped over 170,000, when i got a new engine ... all my fault(extreme driving). This car is definitely reliable.