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:

• 

  Just the right truck - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By Haynie - January 8 - 5:23 pm

  The truck is a fun truck to drive .easy to see out of nice ride on the road quite no road noise drive reel nine at all speeds

• 

  Disappointing gas mileage and performance - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By jamalamy - January 8 - 2:03 pm

  Got the 07 CRV AWD as a commuter work horse and it serves its purpose. But after reading other reviews, I wonder if our CR-V is just off. Even after 5000 miles, best I have ever gotten is 22-24 mpg on pure freeway driving with no stop and go. I expected much better gas mileage. Really needs a 6 cyl particularly given the extra weight the AWD puts on the vehicle. Really struggles to maintain freeway speeds (70+ mph) on inclines. Overall, its a decent little SUV. I guess I cant expect it to drive or perform like a $50K+ SUV. Wish I could tell when the AWD engages!

• 

  Not another Honda for me! - 2004 Honda Accord
  By NEVER AGAIN HONDA - January 8 - 2:02 pm

  I purchased my Honda based on the reliability of all reports I read. I had always owned Pontiacs in the past. I am extremely diligent with maintenance. A considerable expense with Honda. I had several problems that cost me additional repairs. Interior light problems, trim not staying on. Storage compartment door broke on 3 occasions. The navi system started acting up. The cost of the navi system was $2,000 when I purchased the car. Today I was told the system needed to be replaced for $5,351. Yet, the cost for a new 2009 Honda Accord with navi is still only approx $2000 more than w/out. What a gimmick! Be warned! Dont waste your money!

• 

  My YUPPIE Mobile - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By Angelnot - January 8 - 10:00 am

  Sante Fe cramped my legs & pinched my butt. The Rav4 was cute,fun, expensive & noisy. The CR-V had the quieter more powerful engine. Paid full, take it or leave it, sticker price. Drove 45 miles just to test drive. It is no where as fun to drive(or look at)as my old Sube but it does zip along even in the mountains. Turning and parking were what finally impressed me. 1500 miles in 5 weeks. No rattles no problems. Just get in & go. MEasy to get in & out of. 24 mpg mixed driving. Road noise was an issue, dealer upgraded the tires. Its plain, its a Comfortable Runabout Vehicle

• 

  Best of both worlds - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By boardercross26 - January 8 - 10:00 am

  THE NEW HONDA CRV IS THE BEST OF BOTH WORLDS. IT GIVES YOU A CAR LIKE RIDE WITH THE COMFORT OF AN SUV. I HAVE HAD MY CRV FOR 8 MONTHS NOW AND IT IS JUST PERFECT.THE SMALL, BUT ROOMY SUV EVEN HANDLES GOOD IN THE RAIN AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS.THIS CRV HAS PLEANTY OF ROOM INSIDE AND THE SIX DISC IN DASH IS A COMMUTERS HEAVEN. 160 HORSE UNDER THE HOOD MOVE THIS SLEEK SUV ALONG TO PERFECTION.IF YOUR LOOKING FOR A SUV THAT WILL GET YOU AROUND AND IS FUN TO DRIVE. THEN THE CRV IS FOR YOU ITS EVEN NICE TO LOOK AT, WHICH IS A PLUS. GIVE AN HONDA CRV A TRY AND YOU WILL SEE WHY IT IS A MUST HAVE SUV.

• 

  Mamas Accord - 2006 Honda Accord
  By Mitch - January 8 - 1:37 am

  We purchased this Accord in 5-06, new. It has 25K on it as of 1-09. So far its been washed, periodic oil and filter changes and a new air filter. Its trouble free. The gold appeals to my wife and she really loves the car. Fit and finish are also good with a very nice paint job. Mileage is a consistent 25 mpg. Brakes were touchy at first and now are fine. This model is the Value Pack which is the lowest priced Accord. I could not believe we could get a new Honda for under 17K! Some of its many features we enjoy are its high resale value, rock solid feel and its reliability. We got our daughter an 07 Accord and its a carbon copy of ours, a safe, hassle-free reliable car.

• 

  Honda CRV-SE - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By John Thomas - January 7 - 11:13 pm

  This is one fun car to drive. It handles well and we have found that the gas mileage is as promised. We love the appearance and convenience of the back door that works two ways. We are able to carry a lot in the back even without putting the back seats down. The heated seats are a bonus and we got this car fully loaded and really love it.

• 

  Mileage? - 2009 Honda Civic
  By Matt - January 7 - 8:20 pm

  Not sure if the city mileage rating is for less densely packed urban areas, but I drive around Chicago all day and get about 18 mpg in the city. I havent done much highway driving yet, but those times where I have, Im pretty sure Im getting over 30 mpg. My Civic only has about 700 miles on it (its hard to rack up miles in the city), so Im hoping once its fully broken in the mpg will get a little better. Its still a lot better than my old 95 Explorer which got about 8 mpg in downtown Chicago.

• 

  The Worlds Best Hatchback - 1993 Honda Civic
  By Tom - January 7 - 4:25 pm

  I received this car from my father after another driver took an early left at an intersection and totaled my 1999 Honda Civic coupe. Needless to say, I adore this car. The interior is minimalistic and easy to use right away. The exterior is genius and I love the shape and design. With this car stock, I can rev this car as much as I want and it eats it up. The transmission is still sound after all these years and shifting is always smooth. Its the perfect size car, and I will always love this car very much. I intend to keep this car for a very long time, which even after 16 years on the road seems like no problem (no mechanical problems ever!). This is one of the best cars you could own!

• 

  Best Mid Size SUV - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By Karthic S Bharathi - January 7 - 2:05 pm

  This is an excellent mid size SUV I have ever seen under $30k. The build quality is very good and fuel economy is good too. The Maintenance minder is an excellent option. But with AWD option need to change the rear fluid around 15000 miles which is not very good. Other than that, overall it is value for money SUV.