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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  Best vehicle purchase ever! - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By Honda_Lover - July 26 - 3:07 pm

  This is the best vehicle purchase we ever made. Has performed great in the worse winter conditions. Handles great considering its size. Lots of interior space and lots of trunk space for moving big items. 2 years now and not one mechanical issue. Has great power and handling, drives like a car. Great looking vehicle that turns heads when we are out. Best mid-size SUV in its class. Interior is well laid out and the stereo sounds great. Would highly recommend this vehicle to anybody.

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  A C problem after only 36,000 miles - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By Martha Christensen - July 26 - 2:04 pm

  My whole ac unit in my cr-v crystallized after only 4 years old and only 36,000 miles. If I would not have had extended warranty on this car I would have to have paid $4,000.00 to fix it! This is terrible.The mechanic that fixed it said all honda cr-sv do this after 35,000- 45,0000 miles! This is terrible! I am not a happy Honda owner now! Martha Christensen

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  Hard To Kill - 1991 Honda Civic
  By Hunter Cressall - July 26 - 12:48 pm

  What can you say about a car with 215 thousand miles on the odometer with working AC and a lot of pep? Its a GOOD car. I drive a well maintained 2002 Celica GTS. Every now and then (*cough* truck tire debris *cough*) the Celica needs to visit the body shop for a little work. Out comes my venerable but exceedingly reliable 1991 Civic Si Hatchback to get me through. This little car has driven desert off road in Lancaster, Highway 10 from Georgia to Los Angels, hauled props, lumber and up to six people at a time. And it still gets around 30 mpg. I was told the transmission was going bad - thats why I bought the Celica. That was about 60 thousand miles ago. Now its my life boat. Great car.

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  Excellent car! - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By Stretch - July 26 - 9:43 am

  This has been a great car for me and my husband and two golden retrievers. Love that we got an interior with leather, the dog hair would have been awful on cloth. Its pretty comfy to drive in, although my husband (511") complains about the way it feels for him to drive it, his knees bump into the console.

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  Honda Fan - 2002 Honda Civic
  By Asa in Atlanta - July 26 - 9:40 am

  We bought our 2002 Civic EX in Sept 2005 to replace my 1990 Civic EX that had been wrecked. The 2002 Civic had 85,800 original miles and now has 148,200 miles. I drive an average of 1800. This car has been excellent mechanically with no major problems. Gas mileage has been fabulous for an automatic: generally 33-34 in mixed driving. I averaged 36.5 on a 2500 mile trip in 2007 driving 65-70 mph. Only con is noise. I recommend putting premium tires on the Civic. My performance and handling greatly improved the noise diminished as well.

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  Best idea I every had - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By craftyhorse - July 25 - 11:13 pm

  I use to own a truck and needed something that can haul people and stuff and get good gas mileage. This little car has it all. I even pull a trailer with 5 people in it and still get about 23 to 25 mpg. I get about 27 to 29 with the right gas and drive the speed limit. Does tight turns very well and I love to show that off. After I bought one, my parents needed a tow vehicle and ended up buying the 2007 edition.

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  Winner - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By Scott - July 25 - 10:00 pm

  Honda is at it again. This truck is great. Im not hauling lumber, but it pulls my camper with ease and with decent economy. Great ride and of course Honda reliability.

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  Former SUV Mom - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By fantp - July 25 - 8:20 pm

  We just bought the 2007 Honda Odyssey and I love it. I was driving a 2003 Chevy Tahoe which I thought I couldnt live without until I drove the Odyssey. This van handles wonderfully and is very comfortable, not to mention the excellent gas mileage. We traded in our Tahoe because we were so tired of pouring gas into it. At about $70 to fill it up; we were dying! The Odyssey costs about $45 to fill it up! We couldnt beleive it. The road noise is worse than I had hoped, our Tahoe was very quiet but was also high off the ground. It is very easy to get my 18 month old in & out of the van, no more climbing up to load him in his car seat! I love it; even though I said Id never drive a van!

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  Most Overrated Car on the road! Really. - 2001 Honda Civic
  By godawgs2008 - July 25 - 6:50 pm

  Bought this car brand new for my daughters 16th birthday. Why, because I wanted the very best reliability for the money. It was a slam dunk according to "everyone". "What a long, strange trip its been"... Reliability issues, one after another. Failed auto Door locks. Failed power windows. Failed front and rear struts. Failed transmissions (if this has not happened to you yet, be patient it will. It is a manufacturing defect. Leaky/noisy sun roof Could have bought a Cavalier for this.

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  Quality drivers car, bang for the buck! - 2007 Honda S2000
  By DJ - July 25 - 3:27 pm

  Have only owned the roadster for a week but have researched for years being an enthusiast of this gem. Why pay $20- $30,000 more for a name like Porsche or Bimmer when you only get the cache and moreover, major league repair costs. Driving behavior was better than expected with the point and squirt steering which is as predictable as you will find. Power is as well better than expected. The torque at lower RPM in V 2.2 was desperately needed and now that has been addressed. 8 model years and still going strong. Not many cars are produced this long and still sell like hot cakes. CR version would likely be my next car.