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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  Great car especially for the price - 2011 Honda Accord
  By jaymac04 - February 4 - 1:22 pm

  This is my first Honda, I like the exterior look of the car, and I knew that I wanted one since the body style change in 2008. The big negative I read from consumer reviews on the 2010 models were the seats being uncomfortable. However, I could not disagree more, the seats are comfortable, the car is fun to drive, and all the buttons are within reaching distance. The heated seats warm quickly. The only negative I have is the gas mileage does not seem to be accurate. Although I drive mostly highway, the car still only averages around 25 miles to the gallon. If thats my only complaint about the car, then I have made a wise purchasing decision.

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  Im pretty darn impressed!! - 2011 Honda Accord
  By socalicious - February 2 - 3:11 pm

  Ive had it for 3 days now and i have to say is an awesome machine to drive, i know it sounds fancy but it deserves the title IMHO. Im a guy who has driven 8 and 6 cylinders cars for years but the way gas prices are now i decided to go for a smaller engine and after carefully consideration i chose this 1. I cant complain about this engine its middle of the week and i still have more than half a tank and have driven over 200 miles. I love how it handles the curves, great stability. I know is not a sports car but it drives sweet and looks sweet too!! it feels great when people get a glimpse of you while you drive by.. you wont regret it

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  A very versatile and high quality vehicle - 2011 Honda Ridgeline
  By collis - February 1 - 10:22 am

  The Ridgeline is more than I expected. Sized just right for the homeowner who wants to haul "stuff" and people without having to accommodate a beast of a garage-filler, this vehicle has excellent build quality and comfort that is unmatched in any other mid-sized truck. And remember, thats what it is... mid-sized. It isnt, by design, a huge, over-sized work truck. If thats what you need, get a Ford F-150... theyre great, too. But, if you compare this vehicle to Fords comparably sized Explorer Sport Trac, you will be amazed... I promise!

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  An outstanding bargain!! - 2009 Honda Civic
  By 70schic - January 30 - 1:30 pm

  Ive owned my Civic EX for almost 2 years now and Im still thrilled to drive it every day. Even though its only a 4cyl its quite the zippy little car. The interior is roomy, features are located within easy reach and the USB port is a nice touch. Its a Civic, so of course its great on gas. Its quality built and very reliable. If your looking for a car that is practical, safe and has exceptional resale value-this is it!!

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  Hold on to one if you can - 2002 Honda Civic
  By indylta - January 30 - 7:58 am

  Great car. I had 130k on mine when some very poor driver ran into me and totalled it. Man, I know I had another 150k to get out of it. It is noisy at high speeds, but show me a car in its class that isnt. I drive 50% highway and averaged 37 mpg over the life of the car. Im 5-11 with longer legs and didnt have comfort issues. My friend who is 6-5 did. If you want a reliable, efficient car that will last you until your tired of driving it and then some, stick with the Honda. I wouldnt recommend it if you are bothered by noise at >80mph (mostly wind).

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  Love it!! - 2007 Honda Accord
  By bengcats - January 29 - 2:11 am

  We have had Hondas in the past. One (05 sedan) was even crash tested and approved by myself! Thanks Honda! Went to Infinti (Luxury) which I loved but insurance and maintance cost it was a no brainer $$.... I have to say after driving a NEW Kia Forte (puke) and reviewing others.. I came back to the accord for resale value and reliability!! You CANT beat it. Great Lines... great stereo! Smooth ride! Great on gas! Not a race car but it gets up and goes with out crying about it! I smile when I see it and look forward to driving it! Saved allot of money over a new 2010 focus or forte with this accord coupe!

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  Minivan for life - 2011 Honda Odyssey
  By v2004 - January 28 - 8:25 pm

  After we had a third baby I started looking for something that would fit the entire family without hassle and would be pleasant to drive. I looked at the Sienna and the Odyssey. While Sienna wins in the exterior styling and available AWD option, nothing else comes even close to the craftsmanship, comfort and quality of the Odyssey. The material (especially hard plastic) used in Sienna are just terrible, even the top of the line model feels cheap. The Odyssey on the other hand is very well made. It feels and looks expensive. The ride quality and especially cornering is much better than Sienna. While Odyssey feels planted without much of a body roll, Sienna feels like a boat on wheels.

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  The CRZ is much better than the CRX or Honda SI - 2011 Honda CR-Z
  By gatortd - January 26 - 8:42 pm

  I have owned a 1984 CRX and a 1993 Civic SI. The SI was more fun to drive than the CRX and my CRZ is much better than either one of these. There is more power than the SI with much better gas mileage. About the people that criticize it having only two seats...I dont know of anyone that would criticize a Corvette or a Porsche only having two seats. If I want to drive more than one other person around I will drive one of my other cars. This CRZ is to the 2000 teens what the Mustang was to the 1960s. Only now with gas at 14 times what it was in the 60s, it is all about gas mileage. Cars with poor gas mileage are obsolete dinosaurs.

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  Excellent SUV - 2011 Honda CR-V
  By michaelpaul - January 23 - 7:43 am

  I purchased my CRV 10 days ago and I am very happy. The body style, handling in snow and interior design are all top notch. The only things that I would change are: lack of storage space, inexpensive fabric used for seats and small arm rests. This is my third Honda in the last 10 years and I will remain a loyal customer.

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  Great truck for what it is - 2007 Honda Ridgeline
  By timmyboy188 - January 21 - 9:19 pm

  I have owned Toyota 4x4s, GM 4x4s, new and old. I like 4 wheeling, but dont NEED to do it, so I hardly ever went 4 wheeling anymore. I wanted to buy an 07 Tundra 4x4, but couldnt afford it. I drive mostly highway miles, and take trips snowboarding and camping and use it for work hauling water around a flat city, so this truck has everything I need to make that happen. Im verry happy with it, MPG is ok (averaging 18 MPG city/highway mixed). Its a great truck, its weird as heck, but a good truck.