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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  my buddy Civic - 1997 Honda Civic
  By hans - August 31 - 10:00 am

  It was a perfect choice for a young couple as a first car to buy. Never have been disappointed with it!

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  A really wonderful car - 2000 Honda Civic
  By NoMoneyCollegeBoy - August 31 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car for Hondas well- known reliability, the 4-door practicality, and the gas mileage. And so far, it has more than lived up to all of my expectations. I really love this car. I have the 5-speed trans, and I average about 29 mpg in the city (even with a little bit of a lead foot). The car has just turned over 38000 miles, and the only squeak on the whole car is in the rear-suspension when I back out of my driveway. Its so much better than any other american- made car I have owned. I will forever recommend Honda/Toyota/Nissan cars to anybody.

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  I love it, excellent van - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By Bruno - August 31 - 10:00 am

  Excellent driving, the leather interior is pretty decent. Very good visiability from inside the vehicle. Lots of fun with its 240HP engine.

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  HIP VEHICLE BELIEVE IT OR NOT - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By PHIL - August 31 - 10:00 am

  A VERY POWERFUL ENGINE AND SMOOTH ON THE ROAD. A LITTLE ROUGH IN THE CITY; BUT FEELS TIGHT. CAPTAIN SECOND ROW SEATS KEEP MY TWO KIDS APART. SOMETHING I DIDNT REALIZE WOULD BE AN ASSET.( NO PICKING ON EACH OTHER).

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  Great little car - 2002 Honda Civic
  By r8412 - August 31 - 10:00 am

  Super little car, fun to drive. Gets great gas milage and handles outstanding.

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  2006 Civic Si - Impressed - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Macydog - August 31 - 9:33 am

  Best car I have ever owned let alone driven. Interior style, look and quality is that of a $35K car. 6 speed shifts like butter, clutch is perfect. Car launches like a rocket and when you hit 6,000 RPMs hold on tight because it will scream right up to 8,000 in every gear. Raced some 2006 3.5 Liter Altimas from rolling at 40 and I could barely see them in my rear view mirror at 110 mph. Honda has built a dream.

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  Now, this is a truck! - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By Marathonman262 - August 29 - 11:49 pm

  What a truck! I did a lot of homework before buying this truck. Ive had 2 f- 150s and it cant come close to this one. I like just about everything about this truck. One of my favorite features is the trunk. Everybody likes to complain and my complaint is the cruise control button is kinda hard to reach. The engine can use little more power. Thats about it so for. I have 6000 miles on it now.

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  Cheap, big, safe - 2006 Honda CR-V
  By lahiri - August 29 - 8:59 pm

  Its inexpensive. Its big inside. Seats are comfortable and roomy, and cargo room is huge too. Its safe - comes standard with seat mounted airbags, curtain airbags, stability assist, ABS.

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  Little Big Truck - 2004 Honda Element
  By PFY - August 29 - 3:41 pm

  I just purchased my certified used 2004 EX and I couldnt be more thrilled. I realize I have not had the extensive experience with it some others have had, but simply coming from a very low mileage vehicle (Land Rover) to this, I was ecstatic the first time I had to go to the pump! I think the design is great and the interior is HUGE. Rides great and again, coming from the Land Rover, the wind noise is no worse, even with the less than aerodynamic design. If you are looking for lots of space and functionality, get one of these. It is fun to drive and the stereo on the EX is KILLER! If you are at all like me, the looks will grow on you too.

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  Great Little SUV! - 2006 Honda CR-V
  By newowner - August 29 - 2:01 pm

  I have only had my CR-V a short time, but I am very happy with it. I am amazed at how much pep it has. I live in a rural area with many steep, curvy roads and my CR-V handles even the steepest hills with ease. Despite the tough driving conditions, it is still getting 23+ mpg, which I feel is excellent for the roads I travel and this also includes city driving. It handles like a small car, has a very tight turning radius and yet has enough cargo room for hauling gardening and horse supplies and my 100-lb dog! It provides a smooth ride and has plenty of room for passengers. I think its a great little SUV and I feel I made a good choice.