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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  WOW! - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Floridaken77 - September 24 - 9:03 pm

  WOW! This baby is fun to drive! She gets great gas mileage, is very comfortable, and roomier than it appears on the outside. Looks very stylish sitting in my driveway and out on the road. Only complaint: The parking brake is placed in an odd place and my knee does set on it. Additional gripe, but not complaint...the EX comes "XM READY" (XMs words not Hondas) which basically means XM Ready to take your $600 to install the rest of the system. And since Honda has a proprietary connector, and you have to rip out the dash and the back seats they will pretty much get their money if you want it done right.

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  The best car Ive ever owned - 1994 Honda Accord
  By Wij - September 24 - 8:53 pm

  The car has never dissapointed me, or let me down. It is so comfortable, on long drives you dont feel like stopping. The car should have come with wider wheels and more HP for a 2.2 liter. But other than that, the interior and exterior build quality is fantastic. The problem is I would like to buy a newer Accord, but I cant seem to let this go as it seems more sturdy!

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  Driving Ms. Honda - 1999 Honda Accord
  By MRV - September 24 - 7:31 pm

  I bought my 99 Accord EX 5-speed new and have changed the oil every 3K miles and kept up with other routine maintenance. When I did my maintenance I only used Honda parts and found everthing to last tremendously longer than the OEMs. Second set of front brakes lasted 70K, back 77K. This was my second Accord...some thief liked my 96. This car is worth every penny I and the insurance company paid...I currently have nearly 100K miles and I still get awesome gas mileage...29 city/36 highway...better than the guesstimate from Honda. Oh yea...every once in a while I think about getting rid of it but then I get in it and am reminded why I love it. And at $3.00/gallon, the mileage cant be beat

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  What a car! - 2010 Honda Accord Crosstour
  By Jim Asheville - September 24 - 10:00 am

  Performance, comfort, practical...all wrapped nicely in one car. I put on 45,000 miles a year. My recent trip of 2,300 miles ended with NO driving fatigue. HWY avg was 26 on this trip. It was like being in a perfectly configured cockpit. The entertainment options were endless, XM radio, iPod, CDs with books on tape. I actually look forward to trips now. My golden retriever loves being in the back. She slept for 5 hours while we drove. She used to get sick in my element and my wifes mini cooper S but this ride is so smooth, she no longer gets car sick. The interior is as luxurious as an Acura, even more so than the TL. Honda nailed this one! It is perfect!

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  A dream car - 2010 Honda Accord Crosstour
  By Sarah - September 24 - 10:00 am

  Traded my Volvo XC 70 for the Crosstour and never looked back. I researched AWD wagons and crossovers and this was the clear winner. The crosstour is superior to the Volvo (and numerous luxury SUVS) in comfort, reliability, ease of maintenance and great looks. Despite the absence of a turbo, there is plenty of power and responsiveness. Plenty of cargo space - my German shepherd fits in the car very nicely. The interior envelops you and is extremely quiet. This is the car I have been waiting a long time for and finally found.

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  Wouldnt buy any other brand car - 1992 Honda Civic
  By hondas forever - September 24 - 12:19 am

  Hondas are an excellent car. They are very reiliable and run forever with normal little maintance, like the pink bunny. 247,000 mostly highway miles and still going extremely strong. Purchased with 105,000 miles in 1996. Good leg and head room. Great resale value.

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  So Far So Good - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By Roy Brown - September 23 - 9:30 am

  Great handling. Nice strong engine through all gears (cant believe its a 4). Very large interior. Comfortable seats. Plenty of cargo room; lots more with the seats flipped up. Around town 24 MPG. Paint and exterior detail is perfect - even in cracks and crevices. Smooth, positive ride. Road noise is minimal. Doors close like an airtight vault. The only problem is that Im still talking to myself about paying list price, $22,740.

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  Its a hit - 2009 Honda Fit
  By mort - September 23 - 8:06 am

  This car is a great value. Traded in my BMW because I was tired of the repair bills. While the Fit does not have the "substantial" feel of the Bimmer, in some ways, I like it better. Handles very well in everyday driving, shifts beautifully, and has amazing room for a car its size. Quieter than I thought it would be. Getting around 38 mpg in mixed driving (about 4 mpg less than what computer says). My wife is pleasantly surprised with this car. I would highly recommend it.

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  Great Little Car - 2009 Honda Fit
  By Hank5 - September 23 - 4:23 am

  This is my second Honda. Im a 61" 190lb man coming from a 86 Honda CRX this is a real step up. I can see how some would be a little miffed with the road noise. Its a tad on the rough side. The suspension sporty very responsive. It could use a 6th gear because at 80 mph it revs at approx. 4000 rpm. You will however, love the room the cargo space, the dash layout. Yaaayy!!

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  Much Better Than Originally Thought - 2005 Honda Element
  By inourorangeelement - September 23 - 2:53 am

  I have the 2004 model, but in comparing the 04 w/th 05, I see little difference. I agree with the Edmunds PROs & CONs. I would really like to see an extended version of the Element made, but that would likely compromise its unique design. When I first started looking at the Element, I immediately thought "new-age ice cream truck". But as I got used to it and enjoyed its features, I honestly dont know what I would do without it now. Ive gone camping in it and didnt need to pitch a tent. Ive gone on long road trips and with family and have enjoyed the "stadium seating" from the backseat. I just wish it held 1 or 2 more people. It would be ideal for a small family in that respect.