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:

• 

  After the first year. - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By D07 - June 26 - 1:23 pm

  This has been the best vehicle Ive had. Its balanced in every sense - not too much of anything. The comfort, performance, styling and utility are just right for a small family. Even with a base LX we have just what is needed to be safe and still keep up with the times. The vehicle exudes solidity, and after a year, nothing rattles. Cruising at 70 mph all day is effortless due to the efficient gearing. Puttering around town is no chore at all. Cargo capacity is commodious, and most importantly, ALL the seats are comfortable. Materials are top notch inside and outside and EVERYTHING, inside outside and underneath is seemingly durable and well engineered. Very good braking and handling too.

• 

  A few items short of being perfect - 2004 Honda Accord
  By fxcarden - June 26 - 10:00 am

  The car has a great, quiet ride. The V6 is smooth and powerful, and the gas mileage is very good, even with the V6. The radio controls are complicated. Honda dropped the ball on some items, considering the EX V6 is the top of the line. There are NO anti glare or heated mirrors. The Canadian version of the Accord has heated mirrors. Apparently someone at Honda doesnt think winters can be just as cold and snowy in the USA. The controls on the steering wheel are not lit, making them useless at night. The headlights do not turn on automatically. While these items may seem small, they are safety items so buyer beware.

• 

  Proud to own an Accord - 2002 Honda Accord
  By dang tong - June 25 - 4:33 am

  Accord is an excellent value car. No doubt, its the most reliable, dependable car and has great resell value. If you are looking to buy an Accord. Good choice. Go for it. Cant go wrong. Get the EX-V6 if you can. I must say I regret for not getting the EX-V6 as my wifes. The reason I picked up the LX-V6 because its less $$ and its in the lot. From my point of view and experience, the EX-V6 worths every extra penny and its a more enjoinable car. If you decide to go with 4 cycl. model, get the SE for best bang for $$.

• 

  Great little SUV - 1998 Honda CR-V
  By Ivorman - June 25 - 2:00 am

  Biggest factor was the lack of power and the "dreaded" overdrive kick in to go over the smallest of hills. Even worst with a load. But with some modifications all is well. Replaced intake with performance tube, performance wires and plugs, added with a Tuner muffler, we have good power and sound. I would have to go after performance chips for engine and gas flow next followed by header with better piping.

• 

  My 1994 Honda Accord EX - 1994 Honda Accord
  By A.Siu - June 24 - 10:00 am

  Its cool, but now compared with other cars, its "out of the gang."

• 

  Not bad for the money - 2005 Honda Civic
  By HondaMan - June 24 - 8:00 am

  This is my second Honda Civic, theyre great for the money. The car is overall okay, gas mileage is like a hybrid (well almost). I have been extremely disappointed with the dealer, but I hear a lot of dealers are like that. Theres no sunshade at the top of the windshield, very annoying on a sunny day. The car is also difficult to start on an extremely cold morning, I think it should be much easier to start for a new car. The heat is inadequate at the floor so if you live in a cold climate and own this car expect cold feet. Stereo is lame; but again its an inexpensive car.

• 

  Honda Eval - 1994 Honda Passport
  By Hazel - June 24 - 2:00 am

  Versatile car. Had a number of repairs after I first got it. Good reliability since then.

• 

  My CRV - 2000 Honda CR-V
  By Zepolpa - June 24 - 2:00 am

  We love the car, wish it had more power and more room..........maybe I should have waited for the 2002 crv....

• 

  You wont regret it - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By tyetrumpet84 - June 24 - 12:20 am

  This is an excellent car. I am a single mom with 2 young kids in car seats and I love my CR-V. I had a 98 2- door Honda civic and I needed to get a more "Family Friendly" car with 4 doors for my kiddos. I dont regret it one bit. My civic had 205,000 miles and I never had a problem with it so of course I would want to go with another Honda. This is made for moms. I looking at a used Chevy Equinox due to the fact I didnt think I could afford this car but the dealership was great. It is fun to drive and I get excellent gas mileage.

• 

  FUN - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By joeengineer - June 23 - 2:43 am

  Great handling, huge interior (compared), powerful and quiet engine, somewhat frugal, great engineering details, somewhat shabby assembly... Really a great minivan, leaps and bounds above the US manufacturers and I think better the whyne engined Toyota.