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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  Love My CRV - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By Frieda - March 18 - 4:30 pm

  I have had my 2007 Honda CRV-EX for about a month now. I really enjoy how it handles on the road. The road noise is minimal and the interior design is great. The only issue I have is with the seats, as most have said, they are not the most comfortable in the world. The new hatchback opening makes it so easy to put stuff in the back. I would recommend this car to anyone who wants a small SUV that is fun to drive and gets good gas mileage.

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  My First Honda - 2008 Honda Civic
  By My first Honda - March 18 - 4:33 am

  I can honestly say that I was very unhappy when my fiancee decided he wanted to trade both of our higher end vehicles in on a new Honda Civic. He had owned a 2000 Civic and loved that car. He kept telling me that I would love the new one more every day. I was skeptical, but he was right. I love this car! The interior is much more comfortable than I expected and a lot bigger too. I love the fact that I can hook my iPod right into it. The exterior is just the right amount of sporty for me. I thought the 4 cyclinder engine would be a problem but it has plenty of get up and go and a very quiet and smooth ride. The best thing, the two-tiered dash with the blue lights. I love that!

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  06 RTL Ridgeline - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By new honda owner - March 17 - 6:58 pm

  amazing, versatile, comfortable, great through snow, watch out American midsize trucks, hondas coming! Im a woman owner of this truck have driven many and been a passenger in many and this is a great truck. Use to own chevys, sorry not anymore! Ford, junk uncomfortable and unreliable.

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  Fun time all the time. - 2002 Honda S2000
  By djskrilla - March 17 - 5:05 pm

  If you like having fun when your driving then this is the car for you! Ive had the privilege of driving some nice cars, but the s2000 seems to have the most "raw" feeling when driving. The handling is excellent and precise and the gearbox is extremely smooth. The interior is great and designed in such a way that you dont have to take your hands off the wheel to access any of the controls(audio/ac). Things to know before you consider this car. If youre taller than 6 feet then you might be a little uncomfortable. Its a little low on torque until you reach 6k+ so if you want power right away or without any noise, I would recommend something else. Everything else is preference.

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  Didnt think Id buy a Honda - 2008 Honda Accord
  By One Happy Honda Guy - March 17 - 4:03 pm

  I waited until 1,000 miles to write this, but I still love the car. My experience has been nothing like what some other reviews posted. The car is solid, beautiful, comfortable, fuel efficient and big enough for my family of 5 (7,8 and 3 1/2 year olds in the back). Everyone loves the way it rides and we took it to the lake (3 1/2 hours) without a single complaint of comfort. The trunk is huge. Overall, this is a great value. I thought I would end up the Camry, but I was really disappointed in the "fun to drive" category. Pity.

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  Love My Honda! - 2005 Honda Accord
  By Bugaboo - March 17 - 7:50 am

  Nice quiet ride. Loads of interior space. Great color choices. The V6 is exceptionally smooth. Great price for a great car.

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  Things Id change/fix in the Odyssey - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By MAP - March 17 - 4:10 am

  I really love the car. There are just two things Id change.

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  Great car - 2008 Honda Accord
  By crowmag - March 17 - 3:56 am

  I traded in my 05 Accord 4 cyl LX for this one. Before I bought the V6 I test drove the 2.4L and wasnt impressed enough to make the swap.However,about two months later I test drove the 3.5L V6 and was surprised how big of a difference there was in power. The 3.5L brings out the cars sporty side. Its definitely a more grown up Accord. You get the looks and power of a luxury car without the price.I have owned Cadillacs to Kias and this is by far one of the best cars Ive owned. I love the styling the performance and handling. To me they got it just right. If mpg is a main concern dont get the 3.5L, although it does well in its own right. Larger, quieter, more sporty what more can you ask for.

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  Why you should stick to Honda - 2001 Honda Odyssey
  By qualityfirst1 - March 16 - 11:50 pm

  Our van is wonderful. This is a minivan, so Im rating it as a minivan. It feels like the center of gravity is much lower than Toyota or the domestics, so it feels like it is under control. Lots of nice creature comforts. Dual power sliding doors are awesome! Great engine. Great quality. Great fit and finish. Materials are superb. Honda blew one thing the transmission has a design flaw. Ours went out around 80K mi. We thought we would have to pay for a new one (like our Mazda), but Honda admitted the problem and replaced it at no charge. They also extended the warranty to 100K mi. What an awesome company! And we didnt have to write a complaint letter. Buy a Honda!

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  The Perfect commuter car - 2004 Honda Civic
  By qualityfirst1 - March 16 - 11:32 pm

  I bought ours with a 5 speed manual to get the most out of the engine. I rate the performance as a 10, because it does exactly what we bought the car for - a commuter car. Quality is exceptional - flawless. No rattles and were at 49K mi. I put tinted windows and 17" chrome wheels on her and it improved the look. Gas mileage is great. Put the key in and she wants to go. Easy to drive. Reliable. Well engineered. About as close to perfection as you can get.