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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  06 S2000, RED - 2006 Honda S2000
  By Kat - November 9 - 9:51 am

  I am loving this car! I only wish it had a better place to put my coffee. A real attention getter, and performance is outstanding!

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  Loved it! - 1993 Honda Civic
  By sanderbeck - November 8 - 5:08 pm

  Purchased this car used in 1999 with 80K. Drove it daily and never any problems - and I dont maintain cars until 150K. Loved it! Unfortunately so did the thieves - they stole it from my drive way. Cant say enough good things about my car.

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  Odyssey EX-L DVD review - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By jsabowabo - November 8 - 3:00 pm

  Weve owned our Odyssey for about six months. This thing is fast and smooth. My wife loves it having come off a 96 Jeep Grand Cherokee. It is very comfortable, handles very well, rides well and is generally a lot of fun to drive. Since weve owned it we have had a couple of problems. The brake safety switch went out, locking the vehicle in park, and Ive had to replace all of the rotors. Weve been averaging about 18.5 MGP in combined city/freeway driving, with a bias towards city. Overall we love the van, you just cant beat the versatility of these things and still have something fun to drive.

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  Gonna hang onto this one awhile - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By Buffalonian - November 7 - 2:28 pm

  We bought ours new in 2002 and have loved it ever since. OEM tires are no good in snow after a few thousand miles (we live in Buffalo). Replaced with good all season Yokohama tires, which are now going on their 3rd winter. Interior plastic does scratch/show smudges a little too easily, as does the exterior paint. Seats are a little uncomfortable on long rides. Storage is great. We use the picnic table when we camp. We use this over our Accord for vacation road trips because its so fun to drive! Good mileage for a ute (we get 24-27 MPG). No mechanical problems at 50,000 miles so far except dealer recalls which were fixed very quickly.

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  Practical SUV - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By Bill - November 7 - 11:40 am

  I have owned my CR-V for one week. I traded in my 2005 Lexus RX 330 and was afraid I had made a mistake but after only a week I really like this vehicle. It is comfortable, quiet and has all the power you really need. I also have a 350Z if I want to go fast. I wouldnt want anyone to think this is equal to a Lexus but for the price and economy it is much more pratical for the kind of miles I put on a car in a year. It has lots of storage even with three other adults in the car. It has just about everything you need in an on-road SUV. I looked at others, like the Toyota RAV 4 but none of them matched the CR-V.

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  Pilot - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By Cindy Marson - November 7 - 11:33 am

  Great car with plenty of seats! I went from a mini van seating 8 to this. Smaller then the van but great features and more reliable! I have compared it to several other vehicles and nothing compares for the space and features unless you go to a full size suv and that is too much gas. Would have liked to get the DVD without the leather because it is cold in the winter and hot in the summer. Hard on the little kids. I would buy another one today if I had to!

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  Love my Truck - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By william canady - November 7 - 7:40 am

  I love the space and the look and feel when I am driving on the freeway or in the city. So much room from the trunk to the seating space. I feel safe. I have had other cars and trucks but this one I really enjoy. It feels like I have a car and a truck.

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  A stylish investment - 2008 Honda Civic
  By gamefoo - November 7 - 5:50 am

  I was considering the ever so popular Mazda3 in this class, but the 2008 Civic definitely met my expectations. Excellent performance driving for its engine power, stylish interior, one of the highest fuel economies for non-hybrids, and tons of extra features (EX model) has given me a smile every time. My advice for those stuck deciding between a Mazda3 and a Civic: there is a performance difference that Mazda3 wins only for its V6 model. The I4 engines for both give comparable performance but the Civic gives more MPG, legroom for rear passengers, and better quality interior. Save the money on gas to buy a sports car later, if you are in this bracket you shouldnt compromise!

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  very very nice - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By cruisee - November 6 - 4:24 pm

  I bought my 2005 crv and its a great car! AWD is great in the snow and has plenty of room. I find the styling and interior a bit boring but the greatness of the car over rides that. Good gas mileage comfortable ride plenty of space great.

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  Love my New Pilot - 2009 Honda Pilot
  By Loving Honda - November 6 - 4:40 am

  I have been shopping for a new SUV for 6 months. Almost bought the Toyota 4Runner but decided on Honda Pilot because of 3rd row fold down seat. I love that it does not look like a crossover. The only negative is the 2nd row seats only recline a little. We are a family of 4 coming out of an Odyssey and we loved to be able to recline the 2nd row on long trips. I also like the door cup holders on our 07 CR-V and the 09 Pilot only has them for the 2nd row. There are 2 cup holders in the center console. I love the high tech & luxurious feel of the cockpit. The drivers seat feels very cushy and I love the lumbar support. My kids love the pop out remote control for the DVD. Averaging 17mpg city.