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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  Great little car - 1999 Honda Civic
  By happyinmt - November 20 - 11:26 am

  I got this car 6 years ago and have never had any problems with it. Ive done routine oil changes and had the brakes replaced, timing belt replaced and some new tires. There is only 105,000 miles on it, and it can easily go at least another 100,000. It gets great gas mileage and is a fun car to drive. I will be sad to sell it for something bigger.

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  My Honda - 1992 Honda Accord
  By Crunch77 - November 20 - 2:00 am

  My family bought our 92 Accord DX Coupe new in the fall of 91, and it is still one of the best decisions my family has ever made. Even with 195k miles, it still runs like it has every bit the power it originally had. The engine has absolutely no mechanical problems, and maintenance has only been routine. Ive told myself that I can get 400k miles out of it, and I think I can do it. I love this car.

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  1997 Honda - 1997 Honda Civic
  By PS - November 20 - 2:00 am

  This is the best car Ive ever owned. It is almost 6 years old, has 134,000 miles on it and I have never had any trouble with. It still runs like a charm.

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  2001 ODYSSEY - 2001 Honda Odyssey
  By WML - November 20 - 2:00 am

  A DEPENDABLE,COMFORTABLE, AND SAFE FAMILY VEHICLE.

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  GREAT VAN - 2001 Honda Odyssey
  By CHRIS G. - November 20 - 2:00 am

  WE BOUGHT THIS VAN 5/01. IT HAS BEEN OUTSTANDING. SEEMS A LOT MORE REFINED THEN THE CARAVAN I HAD BEFORE. GREAT DESIGN INSIDE AND OUT. FOLDING THIRD SEAT IS GREAT FEATURE. I WOULD RECOMMEND THIS VAN TO ANYONE WHO IS IN THE MARKET FOR A MINI VAN OR SUV. IT HAS MORE ROOM THEN AN SUV AND A BETTER RIDE.

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  Insane family SUV! - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By Pilot Pig - November 20 - 2:00 am

  Wow. We couldnt be happier with our new Pilot. We gladly traded our 1999 Dodge Durango for our new Honda and it has already eclipsed the ol Dodge in every department. The Pilot is like a condo on wheels. Room for me (63" 250), spouse, to kids and all our gear. We even have room for Grandma now when she comes to visit. The choice between the Pilot and MDX came down to value. We chose to save the extra $9,500.00 and pay for private school. If you are wishy washing around about this vehicle, get off your duff and buy one.

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  2003 CR-V - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By s79949 - November 20 - 2:00 am

  I have had this car now for a week and I have found it to be outstanding in the ice and snow. The AWD and ABS really made a difference with the EX model. The 6-CD changer in dash is a great feature and my passengers have plenty of room to stretch out in the back or recline the seats. I bought through the internet fleet dealer and saved over $1000 below Edmunds TMV!

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  The most for your money - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By vray - November 20 - 2:00 am

  Engine power is exceptional for 4 cyl. Im getting 22-23 MPG in hilly mountainous terrain 26-27 MPG interstate. Comparing to the competition MSRP is thousands less than a similarly equipt vehicle. Legroom is tops compared to Forester and Escape.

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  Honda-perfect for communting - 2001 Honda Civic
  By StillintheHill - November 20 - 2:00 am

  I have an hour commute to work every day, and my Honda has made this affordable. It is reliable and fuel- efficient, and I love to drive it! My car handles wet and snowy roads as well as dry ones, and I never worry about getting stuck anywhere in it. When I need speed to get out of a pinch, there isnt a problem. This car gets me comfortably where I need to go.

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  Great commuter car - 2003 Honda Civic
  By Happy user - November 20 - 2:00 am

  I must acellerate to cross lane on the interstate within .25 miles and enter the interstate with a short ramp. The car perform very well and does not cause me concern about excelleration.