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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  My second CR-V - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By Rich - May 22 - 10:26 am

  I sold my 2004 CR-V so I could get the 2005 Special Edition. The 05 had the few things I was missing on the 04. Sure you can find SUVs with more power, more room, bigger tires, etc. but all come with higher prices and a larger vehicle. This machine is as close to perfect as is possible.

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  Honda: The way to go!!!! - 1995 Honda Civic
  By bmidd31 - May 22 - 10:00 am

  Over all a great car!!! Fun to drive, hugs every turn tight, GREAT gas mileage. VETC engine is great and has plenty of power in the higher RPMs. 5 speed manual is the way to go with the 4 cylinder engine!!! Great Buy!!!

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  Honda Forever - 1994 Honda Accord
  By Johnny Sok - May 22 - 10:00 am

  I bought my Honda Accord in 99. I have no problem with the car design,interior,and performance etc., I love the car so much I invested almost $20,000 to make the car look better and faster. I cant wait to get the Honda Accord 2003 Coupe. Honda is an excellent automobile.

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  A Honda Lemon? - 2000 Honda Odyssey
  By Joei - May 22 - 10:00 am

  I switched to the Honda so that I could feel safe that my wife and children were in a dependable car. Three transmisions (within the first 30,000 miles), cooling system fix, four door handles, and a variety of other annoyances later, and I would not recommend this to ANYONE! The van looks good and drives nice, but not worth the worry. My wife has no sense of security.

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  first time paid over invoice - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By gorilla401 - May 22 - 10:00 am

  have only put on less than 400 miles so far. 2001 camry stolen, replaced it with the cr-v. paid 500 over invoice after haggling and searching more than i have ever done. paid below invoice for the camry and the accord before that. for those of you who dont know, invoice is not dealer cost, nor even close.

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  Super Van - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By icydon62 - May 22 - 10:00 am

  Never thought Id own a minivan and I fought this one but I relented, now I dont know how life is possible without one. Typical excellent Honda design and quality. Very quick and agile especially considering how large it is. My daughter loves the DVD--just wish shed watch something besides Winnie the Pooh.

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  Great buy!!! - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By Maribel - May 22 - 10:00 am

  I bought this SUV after comparing it with both Lexus SUVs, Toyota Sequoia and Highlander, Acura MDX, Mercedes Benz and BMW SUVs. I have to say it is very smooth to drive, has great power, and the features are incredible. Even though in Puerto Rico it is much more expensive than in the States, I believe it is worth the price.

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  Great car - 2003 Honda Civic
  By TCH - May 22 - 10:00 am

  I was thinking about buying a new Toyota Corolla when I saw an ad from a Los Angeles County area Honda dealer selling its Civic Hybrids for under dealers invoice. I went there, test drove and bought it. Its all what the reviews say about it -- very confortable, quiet, peepy performance, good quality in fit and finish.

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  Please add some more metal!!!!!!!!!! - 2002 Honda Accord
  By Honda3 - May 22 - 10:00 am

  This is my 3rd Honda Accord and have had no major mechanical problems, but the sheet metal is so thin I feel like Im riding in a cola can. My Accord has so many dents and dings from rocks and such and some of the rock chips are starting to rust. This is ridiculous!! It is a year old and rust? My Pontiac is 3 years older has twice the rock chips and no rust. Also my Pontiac has no dings. I switch off driving both cars for the same commute. Earth to Honda --- USE BETTER SHEET METAL!!!!!!!! I will never buy a honda again -- the quality has continually degraded with each accord release!

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  Good bang for the buck - 2002 Honda Accord
  By Pman - May 22 - 10:00 am

  The Accord is a good solid drive. For the price it _cant_ be beat. Almost everything you could want is in it.