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:

• 

  This is Fun to Drive! - 2008 Honda Civic
  By rn5 - March 22 - 12:13 pm

  This is my second new Civic in two months! After driving my first new 2007 for 3 weeks, a drunk hit me on the drivers side. The side air bags went off perfectly and I walked away from my totaled car. I guess this speaks to the cars safety. Since I purchased an end of 2007 Civic and I liked the car, I went ahead and purchased a 2008-same exact model/color. The new 2008 differs from the 2007 with the addition of a handy tire pressure monitor (which went off a couple of days) and the absence of a key entrance for the for the trunk. Very fun to drive. Excellent handling and braking. Good acceleration. Mileage so far has been 31 (city/hwy).

• 

  So far Really Good - 2017 Honda CR V
  By Yolanda White - March 22 - 10:40 am

  Im enjoying my CR-V EX very relaxing

• 

  Worth a look - 2003 Honda Element
  By bharvey67 - March 22 - 10:00 am

  They say the demographic is anyone 30 and younger for this vehicle, well as someone older than this I find this vehicle versatile, utilitarian, and just plain fun!!!

• 

  Always wanted one - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By rroadking - March 22 - 10:00 am

  I orignially purchased a left over 2002 Honda accord EX-L, but was very upset with the engine vibration. Dealership and Honda said it was charactoristic. Well, after driving it for two months, I went back to dealership and bought a CRV LX. It is my work vehicle, so I didnt need all the bells and whistles that the accord had. No problems with the V and Im very pleased with it. Fun to drive and easy on gas. It is turning into the vehicle of choice every time my wife and I go somewhere. (her vehicle is a volvo)

• 

  Wow, what great Van! - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By ehg - March 22 - 10:00 am

  It was a tough decision - were a Honda family but after driving the Odyssey the decision became easier. We sold our 1988 Honda Accord and wanted more room - the Odyssey fit the bill. We drove the Pilot but found more room in the Odyssey. No complaints - it is wonderful!

• 

  This car has been Great! - 2002 Honda Civic
  By LJW71 - March 22 - 10:00 am

  This honda civic ex has great mileage.Ive been getting ctiy/Highway.37mph.The cd player sounds great.This car works for me. I have 17,850 miles and no problems.Reliability has been Great.

• 

  Mikes Take - 2009 Honda Civic
  By Mikes Take - March 22 - 1:53 am

  For $24.2K I wish I had waited for a Navigation system; But so far I like the sporty feel and highway handling. It zips through traffic and I drove a whole week before the 12.3 gallon tank needed filling. Getting 40+ mpg.

• 

  A work in progress-Accord SE - 2007 Honda Accord
  By Wise 1 - March 21 - 11:56 pm

  The Accord has excellent power and a smooth shifting tranny, very strong stereo and cd player is great. Heat works well cant comment on AC until summertime. The brakes are very touchy and require very little effort, stops quickly and predictably. Fit and finish are excellent but drivers seat is short and doesnt give the support most will need if they are more than 5 5" tall. Head room adequate for those 6. Center armrest doesnt extend far enough for me. I can barely use it. The ergonomics of the cockpit are with larger and taller drivers in mind.

• 

  Best Car Ive Ever Owned - 2001 Honda Insight
  By SemperJoe - March 21 - 9:14 pm

  This is the coolest and best car I have ever own. I have saved thousands of dollars on gas driving this - not to mention helping the environment. I highly recommend this car to anyone considering one!!!

• 

  Reliable - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By Jat - March 21 - 5:34 pm

  Bought our CRV new. Have had it now for almost 7 years, it has 117,000 miles on it and still going. It had one major repair (Carburator) last year. Other than that, no major repairs. A good record in my opinion. It has started all winter except when it was more than -20. But my spouses new car didnt start either. Right now the engine light is on and we cant really resolve that matter. Given the age and mileage on it, it is to be expected I guess. My one negative thing is the paint finish. Ours is gold and has chipped in places since early on. We were told it was not a defect. Dont believe that. Very reliable. Have always gotten to where I needed to go.