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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  Cant beat it - 2006 Honda CR-V
  By jls - March 9 - 1:13 am

  This is the 3rd CRV in our family and we love them all. I almost got a CRV SE but dont care about the heated seats or leather interior. Instead I upgraded the EX with wood trim interior, compass, gold trim lettering and custom wheel cover. It is a beauty. The CRV is best of all worlds: fun to drive, efficient, full featured and one of the safest cars on the road. My teenaged daughter has the 2002. I feel she is safe in it and her friends like it so much, many of their parents have bought the same.

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  2001 Honda Civic LX Automatic Sedan - 2001 Honda Civic
  By MotorStreet - March 8 - 9:27 pm

  The Civic is overall a good car, but the 2001-2005 Civic wasnt a really a good Civic. This version was a little too boring and the 4 speed automatic in our car makes it irritatingly slow and the reliability wasnt as good as expected. It hasnt been mechanical problems, but problems with quality. The plastics felt flimsy all along and the seats got worn out and small tears. Another issue is the shocks, which wear out and make the front end bounce under braking and acceleration. The brakes arent good either, they take a long time to stop the car and the LX doesnt have ABS. These Civics are dependable economy cars, but the 2001-2005 versions dont impress in enough other ways.

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  185K and still going - 1999 Honda Accord
  By Meyer - March 8 - 7:58 pm

  Best build quality of any vehicle hands down. Change the oil every 5k and no problems. 1 timing belt at 100K, and new ac compressor. Just keeps going and going.

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  2007 Honda CR-V LX AWD - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By MotorStreet - March 8 - 5:42 pm

  The CR-V always impresses us with its practicality and ease of use. The cargo area will easily swallow 3 full size bikes or a lawn mower. It gets impressive gas mileage, without sacrificing power or size. The CR-V will hold five people in comfort. It is also nice to drive and gets the highest possible crash test ratings. The only complaint I have is that a V6 version or some other higher power version would be nice. I think the Subaru Forester is a better vehicle, but it isnt as roomy.

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  Hate to see it go - 2001 Honda Accord
  By sandman - March 8 - 4:08 pm

  My wife needed a new car. She test drove a few. When she drove the Accord, she had to have it. 4 yrs later, family is bigger and we get her a new Pilot. I get stuck with this (2001 lx 4dr 5spd). I gotta tell ya, I try to kill this thing every day, shifting at redline and aggressive downshifting. Always dealer serviced. I commute 50 miles a day. I drive this thing near its limits every day, and always get 31 mpg. 50/50 hwy, city. Its still as healthy as ever!

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  First "New" Truck - 2008 Honda Ridgeline
  By Tom Moran - March 8 - 1:52 pm

  Overall experience has been great. I use my truck as my daily driver throughout Minnesota winters and most of the summer. Handling and ride are excellent for a truck, my previous truck was a GMC Sierra and the Honda is better in pretty much every respect other than raw power and towing capacity. Interior design is highly functional but a little drab and goofy in some respects such as the cartoon large interior door pulls. I have towed a race car on a open trailer (near 5000 lbs. total) hundred of miles with no problems and the truck has plenty of pulling power and stability as a tow vehicle. The bed is pure genius not only for the truck but also for the full 48" width.

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  The Right Choice - 2007 Honda Civic
  By Driver8 - March 8 - 9:56 am

  Ive had the Civic Hybrid for a month, and Im very pleased with its mileage (43 MPG over all), its comfort, its stereo, and its features. I thought about a Prius, but the Civic is better- -and a better buy. Its standard features are better--and you dont rack up another 3K in price to get good features. I used Edmunds to get a read, and these reviews really helped me. For example, at 61, I needed more leg room--and got it with the Civic. And golf clubs fit right in the trunk. Two kids in the back very comfortably. I drove an Accord in high school, and this Civic is the same size--very cool. Pick up is great when needed; but its mileage gauge teaches you to be a smarter with gas.

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  Great Car - 2000 Honda Civic
  By r3n3gad3II - March 8 - 5:21 am

  This was my very first car which I got for graduation present. In 9 years that I have owned it no problems have ever occured. The mpg was excellent. Only had to put full tank every week and a half. I just wished it had a little power, but for the price and reliability, it was well worth it. The interior design was a little dull but oh well. This car can be parked anywhere u want. Living in SF with such a horrible parking, takes no time to find parking.

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  05 Accord EX-L 5 speed - 2005 Honda Accord
  By marty - March 8 - 4:53 am

  I love this car. Replaced a 95 Accord V6 EX-L with this. Car is quiet, smooth, and loaded with features. 5 speed makes the 4 cylinder very easy to live with, and with gas prices going up every day, mileage is great as well.

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  Awesome car to drive!!!!!!!!!!! - 2004 Honda Accord
  By IQBAL - March 8 - 3:20 am

  I love the smooth drive. Great looking interior/exterior. I fell in love as soon as I drove it. I love my Honda.