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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  Skeptic Won Over - 2005 Honda Accord
  By Chicago Skeptic - March 14 - 9:01 am

  From a family of John Deere and Chevrolet people, it was a breach of etiquette for me to buy a Japanese car. After three years, this is one of the best products I have ever bought...not just the best car. You normally expect some problems with a car like losing pickup, chipped paint, lose a water pump, brakes go early, something...I guess I am just used to what Chevrolet is putting out. My Accord however, has been perfect. The gas mileage is not great, but for a performing V-6 the mileage is just fine. For better mileage get the V-4, but on teh tollway I need the V-6 acceleration.

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  Great Car - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Stefani - March 14 - 6:53 am

  I bought this car a week ago and have not yet had to fill the tank. I live in Chicago and drive downtown and back 2 times a week for school and am getting great mileage. I have not yet experienced the problem with the headlights at night or the loudness of the engine (I can hardly hear it). I used to drive a Civic and absolutely love the step up. The interior is huge and the exterior is super sleek. Love it!

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  Bobsled on wheels - 2001 Honda CR-V
  By Guy L. - March 13 - 1:21 pm

  I previously owned an 87 Caprice and wondered why all the CR-Vs would toot their horns in snowy conditions. This thing can get up in go in any condition and handles excellent and gets up to 24MPG! It truly is a bobsled with wheels.

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  Great Family Vehicle Until..... - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By Lee - March 13 - 1:11 pm

  Bought this 02 Odyssey during mid 2002. Roomy, great V6 engine, everything was perfect. Great family vehicle for a few years until the transmission went out on us. It took us a couple of months argueing to get our transmission replaced as the dealer refused too since our warranty was "expired". Finally our transmission was replaced since the recall has been issued. Also wind noise was another problem. When cruising in highway speeds. Gas mileage was average. Overall this van is not that bad until the transmission problem kicked in.

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  Great small SUV, terrible MPG - 2008 Honda Element
  By WW - March 13 - 11:53 am

  The Honda Element is a great vehicle. Handles nicely and has a great turning radius. The interior is well thought out, great to throw the kids bikes inside and not have to worry about dirty carpets, also works well with the dog. Tremendous amount of room for a vehicle with such a small footprint. The engine is somewhat buzzy when pushed. The gas mileage is not coming close to the sticker. 16mpg mixed driving and I have a light foot. Still breaking in, I have only 800 miles on it, I hope it improves. Not the best vehicle if you have a long commute.

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  It really saves on gas - 2005 Honda Civic
  By zack82 - March 13 - 9:33 am

  I went from driving a jeep, to driving this hybrid. Even with gas prices the way they are, I still am saving an average of 80 dollars a month on gas. And I drive a lot for work, so someone who doesnt drive a lot might need only to fill up once a month. The average gas mileage i get is around 44.6 MPG. It all depends on if you use the air and how fast you drive. Driving with the cruise control really helps to increase gas mileage. I recommend this car to anyone who wants a sporty/hybrid alternative.

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  Great vehicle. Bought this car new, and - 1997 Honda CR-V
  By keith solt - March 13 - 9:29 am

  Great vehicle. Bought this car new and have driven it 153000 miles without any problems. Have all records of regular service. All factory recommended maintenance has been done and recorded. Have made many trips in relative comfort and with very reasonable gas comsumption. Have changed tires at 60000 miles though there was always considerable wear left. Would recommend this car to anyone looking for dependable relatively inexpensive operation.

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  2 Year Mark - 2007 Honda Fit - 2007 Honda Fit
  By Rev Show - March 12 - 12:27 pm

  This has been one of the best automobile purchases I have ever made. The mighty Fit continues to impress me with its amazing cargo space and fuel economy. Ive averaged 33.8 mpg with a low of 30 mpg (100% city stop & go driving) and a high of 40 mpg (100% freeway at 75 mph). As a drummer Im able to load a full kit with all hardware and room for a front passenger...amazing! Ive also moved furniture and other large pieces. When someone helps me load, they always say, "This wont fit in that little thing...whoa! It did fit!" I did replace the wheels and tires with a larger foot print as the stock wheels seemed to travel a lot on grooved surfaces. Highly recommended!

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  Great Car - 2005 Honda Accord
  By alex - March 12 - 1:30 am

  This honda has been an answer to my prayers. It has everything you need from looks to luxury. Its interior is really quiet and the ride is very smooth.This vehicle accelerates like a V6 and handles like a sports car. This honda has a V-tec engine unlike its main competition, the toyota camry, which makes the accord accelerate a lot faster than it would without a v-tec engine. This car is really fuel efficient and spacious. What more could I say its a Honda.

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  Quality not what I expected from a Honda - 2007 Honda Civic
  By Daniel - March 11 - 9:33 pm

  I sold my 1997 Civic LX 4-d to get this car, and its worlds better. The only problem is that this car has a lot of noise. Road noise is common in small cars, but there are so many shakes and rattles, that Im gonna have to get them fixed by the dealer when I take it in to get its first oil change. The sub rattles the back parcel shelf, the pass. seat frame rattles, there is a whistling noise coming through the windshield, and the handles on the roof rattle. Other than that, only small complaints, like how the rear end collects a lot of dust, and how I have to adjust my seat all the way down so that my head doesnt brush the roof (Im 5.10).