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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  LOVE my Insight - 2001 Honda Insight
  By Fritz - May 1 - 2:00 am

  Ive had this car 1 year, and have been VERY satisfied. It is a very cool looking car, and is Hondas usual high quality. Fun to drive, and excellent milage.

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  LOVE my Insight - 2001 Honda Insight
  By fritz - May 1 - 2:00 am

  Ive had this car 1 year, and have been VERY satisfied. It is a very cool looking car, and is Hondas usual high quality. Fun to drive, and excellent milage.

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  My used CRV EX - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By MBNB - May 1 - 2:00 am

  After years of driving a mid sized truck it was time to get something to haul the family in. The space in this car is amazing. The all wheel drive is a must and the low cost of ownership is something I look forward to.

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  Great CAr, but needs bigger gas tank - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By KCRV - May 1 - 2:00 am

  After 2500+ miles a two long trips I love my new CRV. I am 63" and have no problem driving the CRV for 3+ hours without stopping. The trunk just swallows up luggage and the storage under the picnic table is great! The only complaint is the small gas tank that is only good for about 300 miles.

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  Basic economic "sport" coupe - 2002 Honda Civic
  By xdprez - May 1 - 2:00 am

  This car is great for everyday driving. It gets great gas milage and is even a little fun to drive. It is a very reliable car and is put together very well. Interior design could use a little help as far as functionability. The radio/CD player is mounted far too high and angled upward. This is bad for anyone under 6 4" tall. On sunny days you cant even read the display without leaning forward and craning your head up and looking down on it. This is of course not good when driving down the road. I knocked the rating on Interior Design hard for this because in this day and age, the stereo is a highly used item in everyones vehicle.

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  Great fuel economy car - 1992 Honda Civic
  By cheese9988 - April 30 - 2:00 am

  Great fuel efficient and reliable car, am buying a 91 crx now. Car usually got around 36-38mpg and stick shift makes it fun to drive. Very easy to work on and easy to find parts for even for an import. Usual tune up parts was all that needed fixing. I would definitely recommed.

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  I love my car - 1998 Honda Civic
  By noelle - April 29 - 10:00 am

  I got my first car a honda civic cx in 1998, and i love it.. no hastle no problems, my service advisor is great, all the maintenance is done at ball honda, and for a small car, its decent. my next car will be honda again...

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  Best SUV out there! - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By cabrandy - April 29 - 10:00 am

  What a great alternative to the mini- van and Suburban! Just got back from a family fly fishing trip to Montana and the Pilot performed flawlessly. We got 22-23 MPG, just like were supposed to. It drives like a car, great turning radius, quiet, and stable. The V6 accelerates well, even at freeway speeds. We got aftermarket leather - better quality and it cost us less. We also got aftermarket DVD player and flipdown monitor and saved about $1,000 for a bigger screen and better unit.

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  Great vehicle - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By bengelking - April 29 - 10:00 am

  Ive had it for 2 weeks now with 700 miles under my belt and its fantastic.

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  All that glitters is not gold!! - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By seanyoun - April 29 - 10:00 am

  Be aware if you plan on purchasing this car. You will be forced to buy options at a very highly inflated rate (running boards 1k, fog lights $800, bumper garnish $900). I went into 3 dealerships and none of them would move an inch off the msrp. In fact, msrp was untouchable plus they make you purchase 2 or three options and by the time youre done haggling, you will most likely pay $35-36k if youre lucky. Other than that, the car itself is a nice ride overall. The only gripe is that the car is so plain looking.