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:

• 

  Best CRV ever owned - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By Daniel - May 31 - 5:07 pm

  This is the best CRV I ever owned I used to own a 2002 CRV and I gave that car to my mother. The 2005 CRV that I own now drives and rides better than the 2002 CRV and also gets a little better gas mileage. The five speed auto transmission makes the CRV runs faster and improve gas mileage. I like everything about this CRV there too many to list.

• 

  GREAT RIG - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By Brad - May 31 - 3:33 pm

  I do have a little bit of a hard time saying that I drive a mini van however the pleasure in driving the ODDIE outways this issue! My wife and I drive all over the country for work in our Honda and really believe it must be the best vehicle for long trips and hauling luggage. We always look forward to our next long drive in Oddie.

• 

  Love This Car! - 2005 Honda Civic
  By raftgurl - May 31 - 2:36 pm

  This is my first Honda & I have to admit, Im hooked now! I love the style, reliability and fuel economy that goes along with this Civic!

• 

  2004 Honda CRV-EX - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By J. Kobrzycki - May 31 - 7:33 am

  We had a 2000 CRV-EX and the 2004-EX has many nicer features. Better power and pick-up. Much quieter. Side air bags and door beams. Passive anti-theft system. Better dash board/clock day time vision. Better mirror and door lock controls. More cargo space. Adjustable rear seats. Larger tires. Better rear door. (un-locks with other door locks) Tinted rear side and back windows. Much better stereo and 6-cd changer. The cost is about the same as the 2000 (with the anti-thieft system added) (which saves 15% on our car insurance). Better location of parking break. Larger and better located front seat tray. Larger Dash board storage. and even better cup holders !

• 

  Happy First Time Honda Owner - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By Ed - May 31 - 1:30 am

  As a first time Honda owner, I have been pleasantly surprised by my experience with the Honda CRV SE. It is a peppy car to drive and handles extremely well.I am pleased with the ability to maneuver in tight NYC traffic as well as the responsiveness in fast moving parkways and turnpikes. I also like the styling.

• 

  S2000 - 2006 Honda S2000
  By tony - May 31 - 12:41 am

  Grea car. Handles well, tight suspension, fast, great 6 speed transmission, sexy looking car, fun car to drive around in !

• 

  Simply excellence - 2002 Honda Accord
  By mark tilley - May 30 - 7:55 pm

  I loved it when I first saw it! I knew Accords were excellent vehicles based on previous ownership. While it has high miles, I knew if it was well maintained there shouldnt be any problems. The previous owner took great care of it. The interior was virtually flawless. The room is adequate (not bad for a 63" guy). The controls are easy to reach. The ride is the best I ever had. That car hugs the road like nothing I ever driven! It had met and exceeded even my Honda expectations. If youre looking for driving perfection in the form of a new or used car, this is the one for you!

• 

  Must Own - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By 3rdCRVowner - May 30 - 7:13 am

  I started with a 1999 CRV bought the 2nd in 2002 and now my 3rd in 2005. I travel and depend on this vehicle to get me safetly to and from my travel area. Keep the oil changed, rotate the tires, and check the brakes is all it takes to keep these vehicles in top condition! I am a Honda owner for life!

• 

  A great first car - 1993 Honda Civic
  By First Car 93 - May 30 - 2:36 am

  This car was a great first car for me. It had great styling, gas mileage, and was extremely reliable. I bought it with 205k and it went to 222,000 miles without any issues! I went to take it in to have them evaluate some noise it was making and it would have cost more to fix it then to just trade it in. So I opted to purchase a new civic from the dealer. Besides that, I never had any issues whatsoever which surprised me with the high mileage it had.

• 

  I miss my civic! - 2002 Honda Civic
  By civicmisser - May 30 - 2:30 am

  I miss this car! Unfortunately I sold my civic to purchase something else and have had so many problems with it I am looking for a new civic now. This car had great gas mileage, looked good, and had a pretty decent system. Shifting was smooth (manual) and the engine was very responsive.