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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  I love this car! - 2011 Honda Accord Crosstour
  By rudycantfail - January 4 - 11:33 pm

  Ive bought a lot of new cars, but I havent ever been as excited about one as this. It feels like a much more expensive car. Its fast, quiet, luxurious, head-turning - I could go on and on! I enjoy my drive to work so much now that I actually wish it were longer. I shopped this car against the similarly equipped Subaru Outback (ltd w/moonroof) for a long time, but I think that the value is much better on the Honda Crosstour - it really feels like a lot of car for the money. EX-L/4WD MSRP is about $35k, but I had two quotes for less than $30k. Shop around and get competing price quotes from dealers.

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  Love the car, but not the MPG - 2007 Honda Fit
  By Maksimka - January 4 - 10:26 pm

  Was looking for a car that will be easy on the wallet and high fun and convenience. This car fits the bill, and overall I am very happy with it. One disappointment is gas mileage, I only get 24MPG in the City instead of the promised 31 and with a 10 gallon tank that means that you have to fill up about every 200 miles.

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  New Crosstour reasons for buying - 2011 Honda Accord Crosstour
  By skunkape - January 4 - 4:42 am

  This will be wifes car.We wanted something that was easy to enter and exit, rode smooth and had an easy access for loading groceries etc. My wife carries several large plastic containers for work and arts and craft supplies. We both have bad backs and I am 62" and find it painful to get in and out of most cars. We considered a Honda Coupe for my wife but it is smaller inside than it appears. We did not want an SUV or truck like vehicle. The Crosstour fills our needs very well and is very comfortable and roomy. Everyone thinks it is very expensive when they see the Ivory leather interior. Its an Accord so it will be very reliable.

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  Great vehicle - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By Don McConaghy - January 3 - 7:30 pm

  Very reliable. 3 years and only a rattle. (Fixed under warranty) Good gas mileage with ample power. Easy to drive and park.

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  Ive owned 3 of them - 2005 Honda Insight
  By William Kinney - January 3 - 7:07 pm

  The Honda Insight is an amazing vehicle. I drive mainly on highways and country roads, and over 155,000 miles (my 3 cars combined) I have averaged 86 MPG. If you only need 2 seats and do lots of highway trips, this is the car for you! For maximum mpg I highly recommend the 5-spd, as the CVT does not have the lean burn catalyst (good for an extra 21 mpg) I have never had a flat tire, battery problem, or any other problem. The ride is a little firm, with relatively high pressure in the tires. But ANYONE can achieve mpg in the 80s, if desired. Just set tires to maximum (rated on side of tire) and slow down a little, trying to hold a steady speed and keeping in lean burn mode.

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  My CR-V - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By Virgil Kee - January 3 - 5:32 pm

  We shopped extensively and found the Honda CR-V to be the obvious choice in this class to fit our particular needs.

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  Its a Honda - 2006 Honda Accord
  By Tony - January 3 - 12:46 pm

  This is my third Accord 5 speed. The first tank of gas I got 32.23 mpg I travel 130 miles a day this car is very fast and comfortable handles well.

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  Ugly... but Fun, Reliable, and Handy - 2005 Honda Element
  By Student - January 2 - 9:24 pm

  Sure its ugly, but I got used to the odd shape, and Im even starting to think its pretty cool looking. I am in a band and I originally wanted a car that I could easy stow my gear in. I looked at all the options, but I was intrigued by the Element. I wasnt impressed by the engine, but soon found that it was definitely enough power for day to day driving, as well as hauling some loads. The stain resistant and water resistant interior is a HUGE plus, and has saved me on more than one occasion. I have seen complaints over the clamshell doors, but who can really complain about getting in? Once youre in the rear seating is great with, dare i say, FUN theatre seating and plenty of room. A+ Car!

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  Just a fun Honda to drive - 2007 Honda Fit
  By jazzman - January 2 - 7:30 pm

  Took delivery on 8/29 and have about 150miles on it already. traded in 2000 accord EX, with some dickering got price with tradein to under $10k. This is a fun car to drive, a/c worked excellent in our heat wave, pick up is excellent, visibility excellent. as with other Hondas, came loaded with everything I needed. Keyless entry is a dealer installed option which I dont need. Since I just got the Fit, hoping the Honda relability is there. Buy one

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  Best SUV yet! - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By Karen Newstrom-Peitso - January 2 - 6:52 pm

  This new CRV is really fantastic to drive! We love everything except: No auto adjust on front passenger seat. That means there are probably 40 things about it we love like the cameras and blue tooth. And there are so many small things that they paid attention to like the connection to signal on the dash panel. We just keep discovering more as well! Like this one even better than our RAV 4 which we also still drive.