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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  10 Years and Still Lovin It! - 1998 Honda CR-V
  By Roy - October 15 - 1:41 pm

  The perfect small family SUV! I bought mine new over 10 years ago and as of today it just went over 218,000 miles. Other than normal maintenance I have had no trouble at all with this vehicle. Great ground clearance has allowed me to do some light off- roading with it. As mine is only FWD I was apprehensive about moving to Upstate New York with it, but it handled the deep snows up there in admiral fashion using just regular all season tires. Even though I am thinking of getting a newer Honda (Pilot) I am not getting rid of my CR-V. This is the first vehicle that I have owned for more than 3 years and given its outstanding reliability I plan to keep it for another 10 years.

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  2007 Odyssey w/ RES - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By lc - October 15 - 10:26 am

  Have had my van over 2 years and I love it. On interstate trips, I have gotten 30 mpg - I was impressed. Around town, I get almost 20 mpg. (And I tell you I live in a hilly part of western PA) This is the most comfy vehicle I have ever driven and my friends have no complaints with the RES. So far, everything has worked fine. Ive only had it to the garage for oil changes and routine maintenance. Perhaps those complaining of the poor gas mileage on trips (going 70-75 mph) should obey the speed limit a little more closely.

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  Excellent Purchase! - 2004 Honda Accord
  By TTC - October 14 - 6:12 pm

  Just bought this car but I love it already! Originally I was going to purchase a Mazda 6, but this is a far better investment. Not only is the Accord a safe family car, but its fun to drive, and you cant beat the gas mileage (32 mpg). I feel better knowing that 5 years from now my car will actually have a good resale value (if I choose to sell it) and it will still be in good condition.

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  So far, so good - 2007 Honda Fit
  By Happy so far - October 14 - 3:36 pm

  I bought my Fit 90 days ago. So far, so good. Its fun to drive and is pretty comfortable. Clearly a step up in the sub compact market. Downers are no arm rests, and small fuel tank. 2 more gallons would make the range awesome. But for now I still have to pull in to fuel more often than I would like. (but it only costs $20 so I dont complain much) If the longevity is up to Honda standards and crash ratings come in high then this will be a very big winner for Honda. No regrets except I cant keep my teenage son out of it.

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  there are bad apples in every bunch - 2004 Honda Accord
  By unhappy in Florida - October 14 - 11:11 am

  Since I bought the vehicle it has had a new trans and a new drivers seat, and a new radio. Now I need to replace the head liner. You dont expect these things to happen to a high quality car. Will not perchase another one.

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  I love my 2002 Honda CRV - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By Johnny Rogers - October 14 - 10:00 am

  I purchased my CRV on 08/12/02 and drove it in the snow for the first time on the way to work this morning. 09/20/02 and it handles really well in the snow. It shifts so smooth that I couldnt tell when it shifted into Four (4) wheel drive. I love the traction and the fuel mileage that Im getting with my CRV. We have nine months of snow, however, I think my CRV will be up to the challenge of our tough winters. Im getting between 26 and 28 miles per gallon on the road and about 22 mpg in the city.

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  overpriced crv - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By markt - October 14 - 10:00 am

  too small, too loud, too slow

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  Good Job - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By New Honda Guy - October 14 - 10:00 am

  New to SUV ownership. It is everything as adverised. Very comfortable. Performance is OK. Gas mileage surprisingly good. Went on 2000 mile trip and it handled like a dream on the highway.

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  Joy to drive - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By CK Wong - October 14 - 10:00 am

  This vehicle is just like part of my hands and legs. The control is so smooth.

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  civic is fun to drive - 2001 Honda Civic
  By beelzebuba - October 14 - 10:00 am

  I got this car because I wanted something economical. And that is what the Civic is very economical. I average 31-33 MPG which is great considering that I drive mostly in the city. But what I like most is how responsive this car is. It is almost unbelieveable how when you hit around 3000 RPMs and you can feel and hear the VTEC working hard. Great car overall!