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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  So So CRV - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By Houston CRV - March 2 - 10:10 pm

  New SE CRV doesnt live up to hype. MPG rated 23/29. Havent seen 23 even on flat west Texas highways. You can expect real MPG in teens. Ride and drive harsh. Hope the safety features are not over rated as well. Still worth the money for a SUV. Lot of vehicle for $20k. Bottom line - if MPG is a big issue, buy a car.

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  great car! - 1993 Honda Civic
  By rosie - March 2 - 3:02 pm

  The car has been great. It is very reliable and I have never had a major problem with it. It runs well for a 10 year old car and still looks great - no rust. People dont believe me when I tell them its a 93. I would reccommend a Honda to anyone looking for a reliable used car. Hondas will be at the top of my list when I purchase my next car.

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  After owning 2 years - 1996 Honda Odyssey
  By shwalker - February 27 - 11:32 pm

  ABS sensors had to be replaced in 2000. Electric locks keep re-locking every 5-10 seconds after I lock it. Also occurs if I engage the locks while riding in the van. SRS light came on at about 90K. Very expensive to check/repair with no idea if its a sensor or control unit or whatever. Engine runs great.

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  MY CIVIC - 1990 Honda Civic
  By SHOGUN 1 - February 27 - 9:54 pm

  i just got the car a little bit ago but i like it. for having limited hp its got some go, not to mention you can find anything performace for it in the future mines getting a ground effect kit and a system

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  Classy boy racer - 2001 Honda Prelude
  By piotrush1116 - February 27 - 9:45 pm

  The car drives like its on rails, has great power for a four cylinder, and turns heads left and right. Styling is more conservative than other sport coupes, but is very elegant nonetheless. Police doesnt pay as much attention to it either as it does to other coupes. Great choise for any import enthusiast. ATTS technology adds alot once you learn to exploit it.

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  coolness - 2001 Honda CR-V
  By cdog - February 26 - 2:32 pm

  Very fun car to drive. Yes the knocks are that its not a true off-roader. and some dont even call it an SUV, but a wagon. i still think otherwise. some people say that the engine is weak. the car does feel heavy at times, but i think SOLID is a better description. i for one have had no problems with the 146 hp output. yes the car could be slightly quieter, but you can still tell the Honda refinement in the car over a longer period (1 year -4 years) than you can in any other car.

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  SUV to MPG - 2009 Honda Civic
  By Rusty - February 25 - 11:36 pm

  I traded my Ford Explorer for the EX and quite glad I did. My payment is less than my fuel bill for my truck. The Civic EX is a great solid reliable vehicle. I like the iPod and aux connections for music and I am dropping my XM subscription. I like having everything work, and the joy of opening the roof to play with the wind is a huge plus to me.

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  back pain - 2016 Honda Fit
  By judy winkler - February 24 - 11:13 pm

  i liked everything about the fit except my back was hurting after a 20 minute test drive that is why I am looking at other cars. If they put in better seats I would buy this car in a minute. Hope Honda gets this message..........

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  CRV LX - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By Anastasialuc - February 23 - 2:00 am

  I have only two legitimate complaints about this vehicle: 1) EXTREMLY poor performance in wet weather and gravel 2) Arm rests should be longer

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  Honda is a pretty good car - 2005 Honda Civic
  By Richard - February 22 - 1:03 am

  We have looked at new cars for about a year and I already knew when I looked at a Honda that we would purchase one. I have never bought a Honda car but have five Honda ATV,s and Two Honda Offroad motor cycles that have lasted forever. I was a 25 year Ford and Lincoln customer and there ok but not like Hondas. Ford and Lincoln have better and more dealerships to deal with. They have just forgotten how to build cars over SUVs. I am still worried about being run over by a SUV with someone on a cell phone. 8000 miles and no problems and still tight. If you need a small car, this is the best I think. Now I need a new 7000 lb SUV for 2005 to help support oil companys.