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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  Totaled my Element. I barely felt a thing. - 2004 Honda Element
  By mudgell - February 19 - 6:47 pm

  I was cruzin around Denver, not paying enough attention and WHAMO! I nailed a solid concrete barrier and totaled the car but I came out without a scratch. The only thing that hurts is that I dont have my Element anymore. I never had one maintenance problem with it while I had it and when I wrecked it, it very well could have saved my life or saved me from getting injured. If you have the money, get one.

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  love, love, love it!!! - 2011 Honda Odyssey
  By llama5 - February 18 - 10:38 pm

  Love the new Honda Odyssey. I traded my 2006 Honda in for the new 2011 Touring in black. Looks awesome and super sleek in black. Since purchasing this new Honda I have had NOTHING but compliments from strangers admiring the new look of the Honda. The reviews I read were somewhat negative of the new body but when you see it in person it looks so much better and the black color looks the best. I have three kids so space and safety are important to me. I feel super safe toting my kids in the new Honda. It drives like a dream and the interior is sleek yet simple. I noticed that it DOES not have roof racks and it bothered me at first but now Im happy without them.

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  Great car for the price - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By richard_lo - February 18 - 6:07 pm

  For the price range this is a great car. Dont expect Lexus quietness and comfort or X5 speed. You get what you pay for and in terms of reliability, space, and gas mileage this car cant be beat. If you look in the market for other cars in this range in sedans or SUVs you may get worse or crampness that you dont get from this car. I like it and will buy another when the time comes.

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  HR-V (Harvy) - 1997 Honda CR-V
  By wsweeden - February 15 - 10:56 pm

  Harvy is the name my CR-V was given by his previous owner. She loved this car and recently sold it to me at a price that can only be described as a steal, but only after buying a new CR-V. I have only owned Harvy for about a month, but I bought the 14 year old car with almost 160,000 miles. Soon after, my area got hit with 18"+ of snow. I let my wife drive my 2007 Z71 and took Harvy out for a true test drive.This little suv was unstoppable. I went places i would of been wary of with my Z71. Armed with nothing more than a snow shovel tucked neatly in the luggage rack, I had no problems that I could not dig my way out of. I love this car!!!

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  great deal - 2011 Honda Accord
  By rog2867 - February 13 - 12:02 pm

  I got the EX-L V6 with nav for 26000, no on even touched that price in NJ. Purchased yesterday and will pick up tomorrow. Will write a full review after I get to drive it. Currently have 2008 same model but residual on lease was to high to purchase. Some nice new features. Memory seating finally and rear camera.

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  2011 CR-Z - 2011 Honda CR-Z
  By candyrose - February 12 - 11:05 pm

  Love this car! I just had to have it after taking it for a test drive. I wasnt sure about going from an SUV to a 2-seater, but when I thought about it, I realized that I rarely had more than one passenger at a time anyway and if I do need to have more than I can just swap cars with my husband. This care if pure fun and makes you smile every time you get in it.

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  Enjoying this car - 2010 Honda Accord
  By exarchon2 - February 12 - 9:57 pm

  Bought my Accord in August 10. Now have 5,000 miles. Silky smooth transmission. Very comfortable inside. The 4 cylinder has adequate power, but wont win any races. Wanted a 5 speed, but none available so took the auto - very smooth but not as fun. Previous car was a Subaru Legacy, and I miss the AWD. Accord consistently gets 23 MPG in mostly city driving. If doing it again, I might get a Civic SI...but overall, very pleased with the Accord.

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  High value for the price. Perfect for our needs. - 2010 Honda Fit
  By ograywolf - February 9 - 4:17 pm

  We wanted a roomy, high quality, low cost vehicle, and this is exactly what Honda delivered. Ive owned a muscle car, a Vette and the VTEC, and I have to put this little guy up there with them for performance and handling, especially when passing. I did a cross-country trip in it, and actually slept two nights in it at rest stops. Its a small car...likely not as comfortable as our 1996 Explorer...but 14 hour days on the road worked...and the mileage clocked in at 35mpg. Like any Honda, I expect to drive this one for 800,000...and then bequeath it to my heirs in 20 years.

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  Great Choice! - 2011 Honda Pilot
  By carnutt2 - February 8 - 1:44 pm

  I purchased my Pilot about two weeks ago, after doing months of research, driving loads of other SUVs crossovers and simply think I made a fantastic decision. I almost bought the Volvos XC-90 or the 60, but the reliability of the 90 was in doubt, and the smallness and overpriced 60 turned me away. The dealer was very accomadating, kept to the price, which I started off by using USAA.... then going lower then that. I bought the 4x4 Touring, in blue, and each time I drive it, I feel I made a great choice! It feels substantial, well made and usre footed when behind the wheel. The pick-up is always there, with more power ready when needed. Please test drive the Pilot,last, and youll buy it!!!

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  30 days later - 2011 Honda Odyssey
  By v2004 - February 7 - 4:16 pm

  I now have my Odyssey for the full 30 days and I must tell you that I love it more every day. The exterior styling which at first looked a little odd finally started taking shape in my mind. I can now appreciate the styling much more especially after I added roof rails/racks and door moldings (a must). I also realized that Siennas exterior style which at first looked better, looks too plain and too Japanese compared to the Odyssey.