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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  Great SUV - 1999 Honda Passport
  By Tasha Rosenberg - March 13 - 12:25 am

  Ive had my passport since 1999 and I couldnt be happier with it.

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  An Excellent Car - 1999 Honda Passport
  By Seldonater - March 13 - 12:18 am

  This car handles very well, even at over 70 MPH. The Passport V6 achieves around 20mpg with mostly freeway use, and the engine is always ready to press you against the seat. The seating is quite comfortable and the engine sounds great. It blew the doors of my girlfriends Explorer and had better pick up than my neighbors V8 Grand Cherokee.

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  I love my Civic EX - 1998 Honda Civic
  By Keisha - March 12 - 10:00 am

  I bought my Honda Civic EX used with only 41K miles. Thus far I havent endured any problems. The car has really good gas mileage. I wouldnt expect any less from Honda. Keep up the good work!!!!!!

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  Impressive Effort Equals VW and Acura!! - 2003 Honda Accord
  By BLC - March 12 - 10:00 am

  Past vehicles: Acura 3.5RL (too sedate) 98 Passat (too trouble prone), an 01.5 Passat (good car) and most recently an 02 A4 Turbo (frequent electical problems). This Accord is stylish compared to them. The new interior has a more luxurious feel (wood/leather) compared to the stark Audi style. This is my first ever automatic, and the 5 speed is very smooth, yet downshifts accurately when power is applied. VERY quiet cruiser. Not a sports sedan in the German sense, but a competent family sedan with tons of room and amenities that rival Acura. Honda must have torn apart a Passat and cross-bred it with the 3.2TL.

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  Honda Odyssey EX - 1999 Honda Odyssey
  By j ross - March 12 - 12:15 am

  Excellent van!

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  So Far So Good - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By mb6986 - March 11 - 10:36 pm

  Bought my CR-V over the weekend and have driven it about 150 miles so far. Everything works well except the sunglasses holder. It takes a little push in the back after the standard push in the front that should have done the job. The car drives nice and feels solid, much tighter than the 04 Odyssey I got earlier in the year. The car feels a bit under-powered above 70 mile per hour, however it could be me missing the instant acceleration I got used to from the 2000 Accord V6 I traded in or the fact that I was unease with driving too fast while breaking in the new car. Headlights are nice and bright, now I am bothering car drivers like I used to be bothered.

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  EX I4 Nice package but its not right - 2008 Honda Accord
  By D. Turner - March 9 - 4:50 pm

  I am really trying to like this car and got into a 4cyl for the value. I am now regretting my decision since this car is getting difficult to live with on a daily basis. I drive a lot. I now have 14K miles on the car which was purchased in January. I spend a lot of time with it. So here it is: The 2.4L in the EX is the nosiest engine I have ever had. Although it has good power the refinement sucks. I originally thought it was the PS pump but 2 of those later the thing is still whirring and whining. My neighbor has a Ford Fusion 4 and its significantly quieter than this engine. Its almost embarrassing driving such a nice car around a parking lot and have it sound like a high mileage beater.

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  Im first??? - 2000 Honda CR-V
  By tapgypsy - March 8 - 12:17 pm

  I did a lot of research before choosing the CR-V. I was most concerned about reliability, value, and maintenance. Looks arent much of an issue when youre stuck in a snow drift. So far, Ive been very happy with it. My previous vehicle was a 95 Windstar and I was never so happy as to dump that puppy. The CR-V doesnt have as much room as a mini-van, but now Im not asked to tote the entire soccer team everywhere either. :-)

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  great family vehicle - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By jlp - March 7 - 10:00 am

  I highly recommend this for families...i love mine!! There is so much space, and it rides smooth like the accord.

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  Glad I chose it! - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By coffeedog - March 7 - 10:00 am

  Im glad I chose the CRV, I traded my Honda Civic (which I adored!), but needed something with a little more room to cart 3 little ones around in, along with all of the stuff we need to get through the day. Safety was extremely important in deciding and ultimately was the winning factor between the CRV and the RAV4. Its comfortable, lots of room and the little "extras" such as middle of the seat cup holders and music storage was a bonus!