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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  This car gets great gas mileage - 2007 Honda Civic
  By dochollywood - August 17 - 8:33 am

  I have only had the car for a week, driven about 400 miles. The onboard computer says I am getting about 53 mpg, and I still have a little under half a tank left, so it seems like it is right on the money. And everyone says that it gets better gas mileage as you put on more miles, so believe it, this car can easily get 50 mpg if you drive like you are supposed to and dont try keeping up with the gas guzzlers going 75 mph on the freeway. I average about 60 mph on freeway and do both city and highway driving, and 53 mpg is the average of both.

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  Excellent features for the money - 2006 Honda Accord
  By Miguel - August 17 - 5:03 am

  This is my 4th Accord in the last 10 years. I bought EX V6 with leather, no navigation. Ride is smoother, improved noise road, excellent A/C. Dont feel transmission changes. You get very good features same as higher priced sedans for less money.

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  Awesome Car!!! - 2006 Honda Accord
  By Jaye - August 17 - 4:56 am

  I have had my Honda Accord about 3 weeks.. I owned a CRV previously. I absolutely LOVE the accord! The NAV system, XM radio, and leather interior is the BEST. I am so glad I got all the extras because I really appreciate the luxuries.. I never had them before.. Drives like a dream and shifts perfectly.. The BEST car ever!

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  This is a great car - 1994 Honda Civic
  By Jack - August 16 - 4:45 pm

  I bought this car for $200 from someone who tore up the tranny. It is a 5 speed and this kid didnt know how to drive one, so he learned on this car. It is great! The only reason I had to go into the tranny was because of him, and it was a simple fix. It has 156,000 miles on it, and it is very dependable. I do wish it was a little more comfortable, but it will do with gas being $2.80 a gallon. 42 MPG in a 12 year old car!!!

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  I actually like a minivan - 2000 Honda Odyssey
  By sssannndmannn - August 16 - 10:53 am

  Bought from the original owners at 103,000 miles and we now have 116,000. The previous owners said the transmission was replaced at 86,000 miles (not normal for Honda, I have an 89 Integra with 197,000 miles on the original engine & trans). The drivers side sliding door doesnt latch itself all the way half the time so we have to push it closed all the way manually. Also there is alot of road noise. Otherwise, this is an amazingly nice, fun to drive minivan. I grew up with a VW Bus, minivans have sure come a long way. This van isnt perfect but its by far the best for its time out there.

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  Love my CR-V - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By Loubaby - August 16 - 7:53 am

  Love my 2007 CR-V, its a major improvement over the 2003 EX model I also own. This CR-V ride is more comfortable, controlled and quieter. The interior design/layout is much nicer. Bought the EX-L model, the leather seats are nice, but could be a little more comfortable. The 2.4 4-cyl. engine is fine for most driving, though trying to accelerate in highway traffic to pass other cars is sacrificed. Im averaging about 25 MPG in mixed driving, which is not bad for this class of vehicle. For all highway driving I am getting 28-29 MPG. So far very pleased with vehicle and would recommend to anyone wanting a compact SUV.

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  WOW - Redesign is AWESOME! - 2008 Honda Accord
  By LyninMass - August 16 - 6:30 am

  I just traded in my gas guzzling SUV - it had all of the extras, but I was very impressed with the upgrades that were made to the Accord. I went with top of the line model, and the technology is excellent! The safety alone is a great reason to buy. It is solidly built and the cabin is quiet. Nice ride, and that V6 sure can kick it! I just love this car - and with almost double the highway gas mileage that I was getting with my Grand Cherokee - that adds a lot of $$ towards my monthly payment. GREAT CAR ALL AROUND!

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  Honda Wagons Rule !! - 1991 Honda Accord
  By Jane W. - August 15 - 11:30 pm

  I purchased my EX wagon new and have kept it serviced when scheduled. It is a great car and I cant understand why Honda doesnt bring back the wagon. The five speed transmission is fun to drive although the 4 cylinder engine doesnt have alot of "get up and go". But, it sure beats the mileage of the trucks and SUVs that fly past me at a take-off with their gas gauges nearing empty. Ive driven my Honda from Ontario, Ca. to San Francisco with gas to spare. The car has given me nearly 280,000 miles and Im sure will get to 350,000 before a new engine is needed. I replaced the factory clutch at 212,000 miles. What more could one ask for in a car ?

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  honda element - 2004 Honda Element
  By torelli1231 - August 15 - 11:04 pm

  I bouht this for my business. It is wonderful. I am a caterer and we cart all kinds of things including food. we can wash it out and and dry it in no time. handy AWD in the winter. I dove it down south twice this past year. I would buy another one in a second.

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  Excellent Honda - 2008 Honda Civic
  By Stew - August 15 - 2:30 pm

  Given the time Ive had this car, I have had no problems or issues with it. It is a honda. For gas mileage see around 30 now, but only will see greater numbers after 10k miles, proven industry fact. Sporty in manners, corners like a slot car, and driven correctly, will accelerate quickly. Tight as a drum. Excellent package for the money. If you want more, buy an accord, for more $$$.