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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  Its a Honda - 2006 Honda CR-V
  By Rich - July 13 - 8:05 pm

  This is the third Honda and second CRV that we have owned. The first, a 1986 Prelude was sold with 146000 miles and is still on the road. I kept the 99 CRV and got my wife a 06 Sport model. The leather seating is magnificent, quite a nice change with the back door opening, and the A/C improvements are outstanding. We love it and plan to have it around for a long time.

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  My Element, my dear - 2006 Honda Element
  By Annetta Johnson - July 13 - 7:33 pm

  The fact that it has all the headspace and room is suprising because from the outside it looks quite small. I went from an Isuzu rodeo to this but the handling and gas mileage is already noticable. I have only had this about 2 weeks. But I am very pleased.

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  Excellent Small SUV - 2006 Honda CR-V
  By Greg - July 13 - 1:32 pm

  We were looking for something larger for our growing family. We also camp and wanted to be able to take the dog along. We have been very happy with the CRV. It rides great, has plenty of zip, and gets good gas mileage for a vehicle this size (it was one of my top priorities when shopping for a new car). Im also 63" tall, and the car is comfortable on extended trips (we do not have the sun roof, so that may make a difference). I highly recommend the CRV to anyone interested in this type of vehicle.

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  LOVE MY CR-V! - 1999 Honda CR-V
  By Katie - July 13 - 1:20 pm

  I absolutely love my CR-V. Ive had it for 7 years and 140,000 miles with no break-downs... just regular things like new tires, battery, etc. It has been a very convenient car for having two small children. Plus, its sporty. Its traveled all over the USA with no problems ever. Im getting ready to trade it in on a new CR-V.

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  Worth it! - 2008 Honda Civic
  By Bert in Florida - July 13 - 12:06 pm

  Best car Ive ever owned. Dont dislike anything. Have to beg the wife to drive it to work. Getting about 35- 40 mpg depending on how much highway. Fits the three boys (12,9,7) just fine, lots of room. Dont like automatics, thats why I gave it an 8 on performance. But it shifts smoothly. Im thinking of buying a second one for myself.

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  2005 Honda Pilot - EX - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By dan - July 13 - 10:38 am

  Very comfortable to drive and ride in, mother-in-law passenger rating was - very comfortable. Surprising gas mileage when I followed the Honda Owners Manual driving instructions, 20 mpg city - 24 mpg highway. My highway driving speeds are 65 - 75 mph.

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  Toms review - 2000 Honda Odyssey
  By tlupfer - July 13 - 10:00 am

  This has been an excellant vehicle, very roomy, allows 6 to travel in comfort Doesnot ride like a truck!

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  great suv - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By sv - July 13 - 10:00 am

  I love my CRV. I am going to buy another one this month and my husband is going to keep the one I have now. Everyone who gets in it can not believe how much room it has. I have been to Maine twice, Oklahoma and Penn. several times and have not had a problem yet.

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  Not what I expected - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By neverownedHonda - July 13 - 10:00 am

  My wife and I just finished reviewing / test driving just about everything that you would look at when comparing mid- sized SUVs before deciding on either the Pilot or the Highlander. The Highlander outhandled the Pilot by a slight margin, but where the Highlander failed miserably (driver visibility, ergonomics, seating comfort, styling (God-awefull cheap looking fake wood in the Limitted model)), the Pilot excelled. And with performance margins virtually unnoticable between the two, its an easy choice to go with the Pilots great interior vs. the Highlanders cheap Vitara-esque interior and comfort.

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  All Around Great Car - 2002 Honda Accord
  By lbxxx - July 13 - 10:00 am

  Its a terrific all around car for the money. Delivers more than it promises.