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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  My 1996 Honda Civic Ex "Baby" - 1996 Honda Civic
  By jenny30 - April 26 - 7:54 pm

  All i can say is i have never been happier than owning my Honda Cv. Im a proud owner of it. I got it when it had 90,000 miles purchased as is 3500 no warranty from a friend. My baby is still going strong. Its been in two wrecks not my fault. And its still going. I fixed it though got it a new body kit. It needs a newer one. I really have nothing bad to say about this, i maintain my vehicle very well. Happy to say ive treated is as i would want to be treated and its giving me favor in return. Ive fixed minor things like water pump that would go bad for a 96 or air filter stuff like that. Nothing major. My baby is now at over 200,000 miles and still going strong. Long live HONDA!

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  I really love my Insight!! - 2010 Honda Insight
  By svrider1 - April 24 - 7:40 pm

  It gets great gas mileage. I average about 45 mpg (mostly city driving) but if you are willing to drive a little slower it could be better. I also live in Florida and constantly use a/c which effects your fuel economy. Interior ergonomics are nice and futuristic looking, with seemingly very good build quality. Seats are really comfy with super-soft fabric!

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  2011 Honda Civic LX Manual - 2011 Honda Civic
  By kiyotchan - April 23 - 8:39 am

  Recently purchased it new after giving 2002 Honda Civic to my son. Was going to buy used, but recent manufacturer to dealer incentive made the price so attractive that the difference between the new and recent Civic with 20 to 30K miles became almost nonexistent. I know I am biased, but I have always liked Honda for its reliability, great gas mileage, and peppiness. This car has not disappointed me. It is noticeably more powerful and surprisingly quiet compared to 2002 that I had. The manual shift is quite different from the old version, but it did not take much time to get accustomed to it it has more sporty feel to it.

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  Great car - 2011 Honda Accord
  By aalden - April 21 - 9:50 am

  This is my 3rd Honda, my last two I had for over 10 years each. I bought this because of the reliability and low maintence costs. I love the car, just wish the cabin was quieter. Not sure why people are complaining about the seats, they are comfortable. If you want a luxury car, then spend $30,000 or more for a car, or spend more time driving and checking out the car before you buy it. I do wish it came with a USB port, that should be standard these days.

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  Amazing Van - 2011 Honda Odyssey
  By mrwhy300 - April 18 - 6:45 pm

  We have replaced my wifes BMW 325i with the 2011 Odyssey EX-L for a few weeks but so far we are loving it. Touring is nice but EX-L seems to offer the most for the buck. The interior quality is fine (not as great as Quest but far better than Sienna). The exterior is quite subjective. We got some compliments in the parking lot, mostly from younger couples. My folks think the styling is too aggressive. I think the lighting bolt design is just fine.

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  Lifelong Honda fan - 2011 Honda Fit
  By aerozeppelinn - April 16 - 7:08 am

  I bought a 2004 civic vp, regrettably traded that in for a family sized wagon, and now just got a 2011 fit for myself. Ive only had it about 800 miles, but absolutely love it.

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  Good Value - 2011 Honda Accord
  By alhouston - April 15 - 12:07 pm

  I have only owned the car a few days but have already been pleased with the comfortable drive and overall handling of the car. I have looked at a number of cars in this class (Camry, Fusion and Sonata) and think this was the best value given its reputaion for reliability and the strong dealer support (Commonwealth Motors, Lawrence).

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  Honda does it again! - 2011 Honda Accord
  By gstavros - April 13 - 9:19 am

  This is my 4th Honda. I love the solid feel of a Honda. It feels different than anything else on the road. Ive had the Accord Coupe for about a month now. It drives about like I expected - super, but the big surprise has been the interior space. I am 62" and from the front seat, the cabin spreads up, out and down and envelopes me in comfort. The handling and braking are outstanding, and acceleration for a 4-cylinder is very nice. The complaint some have about the buttons is something I dont understand. I had them figured out in a day. But yeah, if you want big, toy-like dials, this isnt the car for you. Great trunk space and visibility for a coupe too.

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  Love this Car!!! - 1998 Honda Civic
  By cobraboy1 - April 12 - 12:54 am

  I absolutely love this little coupe! I bought it when I was unemployed for a year and needed something to drive that would be economical, inexpensive, and fuel effeciency. It has done all of things and more. Its comfortable, handles well, and is fun to drive. I bought my 1998 Civic with 95k miles, it now has 115k after 10months of absolutely flawless ownership. Just maintence costs and gas. I get 34mpg in mixed driving and 38mpg highway. cheap alternative no more, Im a civic believer.

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  OMGosh - 2011 Honda Odyssey
  By believe - April 12 - 12:14 am

  Weve owned Hondas since the 70s. This is by far the nicest, smoothest riding, quietest, vehicle we have ever owned. There is no problem at all merging into traffic, and there are no blind spots. We love the little wing window, the sterio is so easy to use. I can drive all day in these comfy seats. So much room for storage. I see where there are a few complaints with the exterior design, we find that funny. The exterior design, in our opinion is simply beautiful. Honestly, really take a good look at this van and compare it to others. Ill take this over the others in a heart beat. My brother and his wife said its like riding in a luxury car. We have to agree. Drive one!