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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  Glad I finally switched from SUV!!! - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By TexWkgMom - September 30 - 12:26 am

  It took me over a year to finally convince myself to buy a "minivan" instead of my usual SUVs. But when comparing gas mileage, type of gas, price, and all options I wanted, the Odyssey came out on top every time. With 2 kids, the auto doors & auto rear hatch have made my life so much easier. Navigation is tops, very smooth ride, more interior room than my Suburban, and my husband enjoys playing with the navigation center while I drive. A+ all the way.

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  2006 Accord EX V-6 - 2006 Honda Accord
  By Dakine929 - September 29 - 11:23 pm

  Traded in my 2004 Civic EX Coupe for the 2006 Accord EX. This is the nicest car I have ever owned. I am a bit concerned about the current gas mileage because I commute ~110 mi/day in DC traffic but otherwise a wonderful vehicle. My family helped me choose the car so we bought a Sedan. I held out for the V-6, 6- speed manual transmission for some mid- life excitement. The price was $5k below sticker price and below dealer cost so this is definetly a good deal for us. The 6-speed MT takes some getting used to in reference to the 5- speed. Hard to locate middle gears sometimes. Handles well in varied weather and road conditions.

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  great car - 2007 Honda Fit
  By sk1988 - September 29 - 7:16 pm

  ridiculously great car that was cheap and it will be paid off this summer too

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  5th Honda, 2nd CR-V - 2009 Honda CR-V
  By Keith - September 29 - 7:33 am

  Am very impressed with performance and interior sound quality. Girlfriend thought nav was expensive option, until we used it in downtown Kansas City, now she loves it. Backup camera is wonderful and nice to have option to see what is behind you. Is a real please to drive and ride in. Like all cars, if you drive it hard gas efficiency will fall off, drive sensible fuel efficiency is great!

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  Awsome car - 2012 Honda Civic
  By Janella Astorga - September 29 - 5:57 am

  I loved it! i bought the car when i was 18 which was 4 years ago. i had no problems with it whatsoever!! my only complaint was the space, front seat and backseat were too small but then again i am 58 and Ive had a kid since then. Was great on gas and i live about 30 minutes away from town i would fill up about once a week if not less. i absolutely never had a problem. i loved it. I no longer have it because it was totaled in an accident.

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  Great to lease ! - 2013 Honda Civic
  By Mike Tuley - September 28 - 8:46 am

  We leased this Civic because it was a true ZERO down w/ low nimbly payments. I would not buy a vehicle that the manufacturer has confidence in for only 3 years or 36,000 miles. Hyundai, Kia, Buick, and others have a 5 year or 50,000 bumper to bumper warranty. Honda needs to step up. Problem with the car: cheap tires that wore out in 24,000 miles...not at all what a lease customer hopes for.

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  2.4L Sport - 2013 Honda Accord
  By springman - September 27 - 9:52 am

  Picked up a 2.4L Sport yesterday. My 6th Honda although I have had many other brands. For once you now get floor mats at n.e.c! No one cries more then Honda when you try to negotiate. Go in and hit them hard and mention you shopped VW. That gets them real active. I got mine for 23,471 with wheel locks. Then they came up with a zero down lease- they pay taxes and tags- great. Car is impressive. Seats now are comfortable and the Sport has the spoiler and dual exhaust and 4 more hp. The engine is smooth as silk. The Insight was coarse compared to this. Finally the road noise is subdued. You do hear a whoosh noise when driving though. Im getting 34-36 mpg highway. Honda has improved!

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  satisfied - 2003 Honda Accord
  By bsanders88 - September 26 - 10:16 am

  Bought with 9k miles and now have 25k. Car has been nothing but reliable. People still think it is brand new. Honda service was great on 2nd gear recall issue.

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  My Orange Pumpkin - 2003 Honda Element
  By Andy Valentic - September 26 - 10:00 am

  I think its a great car. Honda should think about marketing this to the middle aged crowd. The dealer told me no one under 50 years old has bought one from him yet. Im fifty-six. I plan to use it for camping and think its better than buying a pick-up for what my needs are.

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  Versitility in a Box - 2003 Honda Element
  By RossTheWriter - September 26 - 10:00 am

  If you are looking for a vehicle that can do almost anything, then this is it. Whether you have kids, dogs, or adventures of your own, the Element has never let me down. If you can get past its boxiness and see its true side, you will find it is not only big in features, but big inside. Not to mention its price.