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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  Ridgeline - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By Domino - August 8 - 3:33 am

  The ride, handling and utility of this truck is perfect for me. I dont need all the torque and off-road ability of a large truck. I do need a truck that is stable on ice and snow and has secure storage available.

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  Honda does it again - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By hollyhype - August 8 - 2:00 am

  This is my 3rd Honda and 2nd purchase at Henessey Honda in Woodstock, GA. Both times, the sales staff has been "5 star" in all areas. Honda reliability is what sold us but this "mini" SUV is all my husband and I need for work and our weekend trips. Always excellent service at Henessey.

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  I love it - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By candy523c - August 8 - 2:00 am

  My family & I love this vehicle and we never regret what we pay for.

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  C&D is right, this car is a loser - 2001 Honda Civic
  By jjpcat - August 8 - 2:00 am

  I would be surprised if there is anyone who can find a car with worse ride quality. The solution is simple and yet infeasible: put 200lb+ load in the trunk and you will forget the bumpy ride. Paint quality is aweful. Driver reading light went dead at mile 4 and the fabric insert on the door broke loose at mile 20k. Excellent gas mileage. I am delightly confuged why the resale value is still so high. That makes this loser keep the "best value" title. But Elantra and Corolla are ready to take over the crown at any moment.

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  Clean Machine - 2003 Honda Civic
  By McScarry - August 8 - 2:00 am

  This Hybrid is a great city car and performs well on the highway. It is small enough to park in the tightest street spots, but big enough for my 63", 250lb boyfriend, or 5 silly girls on a Saturday night. Trunk is big enough for a set of golf clubs +. It handles very well. Terrific turning radius. Very comfortable. Plenty of umph to get on the expressway or cruise to Ohio. I am getting 39-41 mpg. Love the safety features and that the cd player and cruise control are standard, although the speakers need an upgrade. Did expect a little better gas mileage, and would have loved a sun roof. All in all, I love my clean machine.

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  So far so good... - 2009 Honda Odyssey
  By Christy - August 7 - 11:02 pm

  Well, I never thought Id say it, but I love my new minivan! Ive only had it a week, but I dont know how I got along without it before. The power sliding doors and tailgate are awesome. It is so easy to get my kids in and out of the car now. The carseats are easy to configure and install in this vehicle. My babys infant seat fits perfectly behind my seat, even with seat back to accommodate my longer legs length. So far, my only complaint is that there is only one 12V outlet in the front of the van, so I cant charge my Garmin and cell phone at the same time. My previous ride was a 2006 Pilot and I had three outlets within arms length. Despite this, Im still lovin my new Ody!

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  Love at First Ride - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By maggiepirsq - August 7 - 5:46 pm

  Began looking at Honda and Toyota sedans. On a whim, deciced to take CR-V for a test drive. Decided right then that I was going to buy a CR-V or RAV4. Doing my research & comparison, I came to appreciate the way Honda allowed the consumer to decide on the options, unlike Toyota which pre-packaged many options, bringing up the price several thousand $. I got exactly what I want for $5K less than comparable RAV4. I love the ride, handles flawlessly. I can fit in all of my dogs, including my greyhound in the back. I love the height that I sit at. 20 years ago spent $18,900 on a Crown Vic LX & it was really not a quality auto. Now I have spent only $500 more and have gotten a great quality auto!

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  My blue Honda Prelude - 2001 Honda Prelude
  By kevinfly777 - August 7 - 4:08 pm

  Parents bought me this to go to UCSD. Great car, fantastic handling (through the corners). Although I was disappointed about the interior, but its not too bad for a Japanese sports car. Very reliable, passed smog and everything... a very fast car and sometimes with the blue color it attracts a lot of attention. I love this car.

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  Fun to drive - 2009 Honda CR-V
  By penny - August 7 - 3:37 pm

  I never knew what they mean by fun to drive until I drove my new 2009 CRV EX AWD in Green Tea! I also own a Civic, while a great car with great mileage, its getting to be too small to be convenient for my family and my dog. Being the first SUV, I was afraid it might be too big to get use to if I switch, but I was surprised to find that CRV drives not much different than my Civic, except much roomier, plenty of space for your legs, head, arms and stuff! Front console is great with useful displays, and the design is very sharp and attractive. Now I look forward drive/riding in my new CRV in the morning to work. Oh I am still trying to improve the mileage by using cruise control. Its decent.

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  Enjoy the driveability - 2006 Honda Civic
  By David Caldwell - August 7 - 2:50 pm

  Love the new Civic so far. Only one problem, the SRS restraint warning light stays on about 1 out of every 5 trips. Took it to dealer and diagnostic codes were not downloaded on tester yet, so I am not sure why this happens intermitently. Probably just a false warning light. We will see.