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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  Great, great Car!! - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Joe - December 7 - 5:26 am

  I am up to around 5000 miles in only a couple of months and really love this car. Perfect interior layout, good gas mileage (34-36 usually), 10,000 mile oil change, fun to drive and excellent safety rating. We also bought a CRV the same day and have equal sentiments with it.

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  Excellent - 2008 Honda Fit
  By ken - December 6 - 11:23 pm

  Excellent, good handling good audio, easy to drive, excellent on gas, very roomy, fun to drive.

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  Love Our Hybrid!! - 2010 Honda Insight
  By Insightful - December 6 - 9:56 pm

  We traded in a REAL clunker (1988 Chevy blazer, about 16mpg) for the Insight EX, and couldnt be happier with the better mileage. The car has a roomy feel in the front seats and our dogs love the fold-down back seats. I love the video-style dash, and my husband loves spending $20 a week in fuel, as opposed to the $200 a week he was spending for his work commute. Steering is too tight at highway speeds; any steering movement causes over-response from wheels, and there is a definite roll-back problem on steep hills. I average 52 mpg for combo city/highway, and my husband gets about 42 for highway with hills. Overall great car for the $$, and our gas $$ savings is more than double the payment!

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  Gotta love it! - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By Missa - December 6 - 9:20 pm

  I had been researching small SUVs for a while before I bought the CR-V. My boss is a total car nut and talked me out of getting a RAV4 because he read so many good things about the CR-V. I listened to him and I love it! It has a lot of get-up-and-go for a little 4 cylinder! The gas mileage isnt horrible, better than I expected. It doesnt seem loud to me and I live in a very windy area! It handles beautifully and makes those U-Turns with ease! I got the back-up sensors installed and LOVE them! I wish the seats were powered, and heated. It would have been nice to have heated sideview mirrors as mine get frosty on winter mornings! Overall I love this car!

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  Would do it all over again! - 2002 Honda S2000
  By Roelof - December 6 - 4:03 pm

  I love to drive and specialy in this car, it is like it is another body part. The car and you become one when you drive it. I have certainly had my share of cars and I have had the opportunity to drive just about anything, all except the McLaren F1. Many Ferraris including the F40. But for shear fun, the s2000 is a very affordable, stable, fast and wonderful little sportscar. The frame is well balanced, the engine is like a small formula one motor, and the shiftpoints in the transmission are simply where you want them to be. This is a drivers car. This is my second s2000 and I would by another s2000 again.

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  Love our car - 2006 Honda Civic
  By floyd barnes - December 6 - 6:30 am

  We drove to L.A.and back it was great. Ran well drove around 70 got 45 mpg and love every miniute of the drive. Honda did the job right.

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  Still A Fan - 2007 Honda Accord
  By KD - December 6 - 6:30 am

  Long time Honda driver. Owned this car since 08/2007, loved it then, love it now. Read some reviews complaining of a pull to the right and I had the same problem. I was patient and it eventually resolved itself at 6000 miles. Considering the decent power, even at highway speeds, I get decent mileage. 24 mpg city, 32 mpg highway. A/c always on, and spirited acceleration while not over-speeding. Did a little experiment and drove over 450 miles @ 70 mph on one tank till it stopped dead on the road (had fuel in trunk-just me letting my inner boy play). Lumbar support is good, seats are comfy while supportive. Audio system isnt Bose, but still very crisp. Had zero problems with the car.

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  Accord Coupe V6 6MT == FUN FUN FUN - 2008 Honda Accord
  By 6MTCoupe08 - December 6 - 2:16 am

  Incredibly fun vehicle to drive. I used to drive an RSX and with my new Accord I dont miss it one bit. Great acceleration, handles turns really well and feels rock solid. Interior is nice. The model came standard with most features that I liked like satellite radio, leather, chrome handles, etc...

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  Honda 2006 V6 - 2006 Honda Accord
  By Don Buchman - December 5 - 9:10 pm

  Great car! The engine is so smooth that its hard to tell its running at idle. Performance is super! Comfortable to drive. Quiet on highway.

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  Honda Reliability - 2005 Honda Element
  By mascolt - December 5 - 10:38 am

  The Element is definately misleading at first glance. Once you are inside the vehicle, you forget that you are driving this boxy, compact SUV. The ride is extremely comfortable and, being 8" shorter than a Civic, one can park anywhere with ease. The AWD has been perfect in the ice and snow of hilly Connecticut. The special material used for the seats and floor is easy to clean and doesnt absorb odors or spills. The one downside is that the fuel economy and could be a little better. It is still excellent with a 22.5 mpg, but, if Honda can get it up to 30, it would be perfect. On the flipside, Id like to see a model wit increased hp, even though 2006s is slightly decreased.