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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  Very Happy With Our CR-V - 1997 Honda CR-V
  By David in Michigan - February 8 - 9:12 am

  We have had this vehicle since the first year it became available in North America. Shortly after we purchased the vehicle, Honda replaced the auto transmission (apparently there was a design flaw). We have been extremely happy with everything about the CR-V and will keep it until it dies.

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  Absolutlely Awesome - 2004 Honda S2000
  By dwheath - February 8 - 2:00 am

  Im so glad i waited until the 2004 came out. The bigger engine is a big improvement and the 17 inch tires really make this car a winner. The handling is remarkable.

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  ChrisBs Element - 2003 Honda Element
  By topher101762 - February 8 - 2:00 am

  The Element has been a joy to own. It is incredibly easy to drive, very usefull, and you dont have to be 18 to own one. (Im 41) Wish it had some more punch and a little better fuel economy. Very hard to find an EX AWD with a manual; however, mileage is virtually identical with either transmission.

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  Best vehicle - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By Honda Hona - February 8 - 2:00 am

  I had been looking for a van or SUV for quite some time and am very happy with my Oddyssey. For the last few weeks, we have been breaking the Odyssey in taking drives up and down the coast and have been pleased at the comfortable ride, handling, cornering and very ample acceleration. My fuel mileage has been about 20mpg for combined street and freeway driving. It has a very solid feel and we feel very safe riding in it.

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  A great value - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By T-luv - February 8 - 2:00 am

  The CR-V EX is the best value for your money. It comes loaded! Lots of room inside for a small size outside. Our labs love the roomy back seat! It handles very well but it rides a bit stiff and has a lot of road noise even though we replaced the tires with some top-quality Michelins. Gas mileage hasnt lived up to the sticker numbers, we get only 21mpg in mixed driving. Overall we like it a bunch.

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  My 1st SUV - Love It - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By UsObnox - February 8 - 2:00 am

  After being in two accidents this year I decided to get a vehicle that was a little bigger and safer. I actually enjoy driving again. It handles well and I get great gas mileage, which was a concern. I have been averaging 31 mpg. I also love the space, I no longer have to borrow someones truck to get larger purchases home.

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  Nice for Economy Car - 2001 Honda Civic
  By Phil L - February 8 - 2:00 am

  This has been a nice little car. Performance is great. The EX goes 0- 60 in 8.5 seconds, which is excellent for an economy car and is comparable to much more powerful cars. Rather harsh ride is an acceptable tradeoff for great handling and not out of line for an economy car. Funny thing I see here is the transmission that so many people complain about was built in Japan.

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  Hondas are great!! - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By S. McIlhagga - February 8 - 2:00 am

  I purchased my 2002 Honda CR-V in May 2002. It is a fun vehicle to drive and is a great winter vehicle. Last year I drove it from NY to SC and it was a smooth ride all the way.

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  5000 miles in, this is great! - 2003 Honda Civic
  By Harmsy - February 8 - 2:00 am

  This is a great car. Expensive, but its worth it. It looks as if it has something meaty under the bonnet. People ask me how big its engine is, and get confused when I say 1.3 litres! Then you mention the 10kW electric motor, and they get even more confused - amazed is better.

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  i just brought my 04 civic on my bday - 2004 Honda Civic
  By crunk - February 8 - 2:00 am

  my bday was nov 20 and i wanted the 04 civic ever since honda announced that they changed the headlights as well as the taillights, i didnt believe it at first but then i saw it on the tv and i knew that i had to have it. When i brought it, it was pure bliss, the quiet engine and roomy interior was perfect for my driving standards and the exterior is as slick as a sports coupe, alll in all it is a great buy.