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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  a true sleeper - 2006 Honda Accord
  By mac91 - May 13 - 9:10 am

  Bought a 2006 hybrid with nav as cpo for about half new retail price when it had 47k on the clock. Now close to 80k with zero problems, no repairs. no rattles. Consistent 40 mpg on freeway if driven below 72mph. very comfortable and powerful. hard to beat. I have owned 9 Honda/Acura cars and this one beats them all without question.

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  Awesome Accord - 1994 Honda Accord
  By energysamus - May 10 - 5:33 pm

  I absolutely love this car. I received it w/180,000 miles on it and it works great. Being a Honda, what else could you expect?

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  "MY ODY" Loving It!!! - 2011 Honda Odyssey
  By trron9 - May 7 - 9:40 pm

  21 days ago I purchased a 2011 Ody EX-L, trading in a 2008 Ford Expedition EL that was getting 12 mpg. I did alot of research before making my purchase, I compared the Sienna, the Quest and the T & C. I decided on the Ody because of its interior room, 3rd row is spacious. I like the look of the new Sienna better, but by far the Ody is the better van. The T & C has a nicer dash, as the Ody takes some getting use to. This is a fun vehicle to drive in 3 weeks Ive racked up 2,200 miles, my wife and I took a trip to Branson, heavy rain all the way from KC, the Ody held the road well. Fit & finish a 9, the left rear panel sticks out. 26 mpg hwy 19.6 city combined. adding 20" rims, a guy thing!

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  Luxuary - 2011 Honda Odyssey
  By manu5 - May 3 - 12:24 pm

  We just bought and it drives and feels like a luxury car not like a minivan. I am glad I waited to buy the minivan. This is a great minivan. Turned away from Sienna since its interior looked very plastic and cheap.

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  3rd Accord...Great Car - 2011 Honda Accord
  By jackd990 - May 2 - 11:57 am

  My wife and I previously owned 1989 LX (165k+ miles) and 1998 LX V-6 with leather, wood and remote lock options (200k+ miles). Also have extensive driving experience with 1990-93 series, 1994-1997 series and a 2003 EX V-6. Have driven Camrys, Altimas and Sonatas. Purchased 2011 EX-L 4 cyl end of Feb. Already have 3500+ miles on it, with highway trips up to 3 hrs duration. Can tell that Hondas folks have been spending time in German cars. Firm European ride, firm and supportive seats (we like both) and acceptable road noise (its an Accord!). Drives like smaller car...handles well, loves curves and steering is very direct. Brakes are comparable to 98s (very good).

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  2011 Honda Element EX 4x4 5SD AT - 2011 Honda Element
  By mcc12 - May 1 - 10:14 pm

  Excellent Vehicle in so many ways. Great design with the Honda badge. This is my 4th Honda dating back to 1977. Wide open design allows for a great view of the road and all the way around. Tall enough to actually see a lot of sky while driving making the view exceptional. Very easy access for a guy of 50 years old. No twisting your back up to access a smaller or lower car. Very roomy interior, great driving position. It is actually quite comfortable on a longer drive. Tons of room in the back for most anything that does not require a truck to haul. I honestly think for the money this is the most well designed vehicle mae. I sure hate to see production stop on these little gems.

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  11 years later, still in love - 2000 Honda Civic
  By jimmert - April 29 - 7:02 pm

  This was my first car I ever owned and I got it while I was in college. It has 92K miles currently and I think it can go another 11 years and 100k easily. I did have to rebuild the transmission 2 years ago due to my lazy upkeep and the short stop-n-go trips I had to work and back. I decided to go ahead with the expense because of the sentimental reasons and during the past 2 years its been real reliable since I moved farther away from work its now a 12 mile hw commute instead of 3. The weatherstripping along the doors has cracked exposing the chrome below due to the car being parked in the sun most of the time. Still this car has been awesome, 32-35mpg and I enjoy driving it everyday.

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  Honda Insight Base - 2011 Honda Insight
  By steve190 - April 29 - 6:40 am

  Fun car for the money, yeah you wont win any races with it but that is not what it was designed for. If you are looking for a car that is reasonably fun to drive and great on gas if you drive it right check out the Insight. You can do better on mileage with the Prius but you will also pay more for it and in my opinion the Honda drives and handles much better. Try them both and decide for yourself. Excellent value for a hybrid! Loving it so far!

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  From Alaska to Michigan!! LOVE IT! - 2011 Honda Pilot
  By natenapril - April 27 - 4:22 pm

  We bought this car from Kendall of Fairbanks and 3 weeks later drove it to Michigan. LOVE the car. Great trip thanks to this car. I am 6 and my husband is 64" and we were very comfortable. We have 3 children who have no problem fitting. I LOVE the back up camera.

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  2011 CR-V SE AWD Great - 2011 Honda CR-V
  By nmt - April 27 - 1:32 pm

  First Honda and SUV. Only 300 miles on it but so far so good. Seems to be a great little SUV, as long as you drive easy. The 4 cy is not made for driving like you stole it or pulling of any kind. Ave mpg of 28, best I got so far was 33.2 mpg. That was driving like an old lady on a nice calm warm sunny day. However making the same trip in very winding conditions produced 22.1 mpg. So the 4 cy needs good conditions. Iam very pleased with the comfort, both front and rear seats. The rear seats are much better than the RAV4, especially for car seats. I agree with others that there are blind spots but no problems with wind noise or anyting else at this point.