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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  Best Accord Ever - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Westies96 - July 14 - 12:23 am

  This is the BEST! It is real comfortable, holds the road well, and has great pick up. I purchased a Polished Metal Metallic color with gray leather inside. Since Ive gotten it, I have been stopped by many people asking if it was the new Accord. Some say it looks like an Acura RL, others say that it looks like a BMW. Whatever it looks like I am happy that I purchased it. The feel of driving in the car is great. I look forward to driving trips to the grocery store. The car gives the ride of a much more expensive car. The interior is appointed very nicely.

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  Ugly-refuses to die - 1993 Honda Civic
  By HONDA LOVER - July 13 - 8:28 pm

  well, i have to say that this truly is a wonderful car. i bought my civic just to have as a beater b/c my grand cherokee gulps too much gas. i ended up liking my civic so much that i sold the jeep and rely solely on the civic. shes ugly...the clear coat is peeling and the rear quarters are rusting, but she runs like a champ. i still get 40mpg commuting thru the rocky mountains at 80mph everyday for work. at 10000 feet above sea level, that truly is amazing. even with my automatic transmission, it still does well. it now has 166k and i am hunting for a new vehicle now that i have graduated from college but i cant make myself get rid of such a wonderful vehicle. it doesnt even burn oil!!!!!!!

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  Fit for duty - 2009 Honda Fit
  By Cunsumerator - July 13 - 7:26 pm

  2 weeks and 1K miles later, we love the car. 34 mpg first tank and better thereafter, to almost 40. Very smooth, peppy, and comfortable. Surprisingly roomy, but were keeping our Sienna.

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  2010 Insight - 2010 Honda Insight
  By Frank G - July 13 - 11:50 am

  I drove a 2010 Prius before I purchased this car. The Prius is bigger and does not handle as well. Also, noise seemed to be more intrusive. I have consistently achieved mileage above 40 without trying. The car structure is tight and strong giving a very secure feeling as you drive. To sum it up, the various components of this car work well together leading you to the realization that a great deal of thought and engineering went into the design of this car.

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  I Love My CR-V EX-L AWD - 2009 Honda CR-V
  By JerseyGirl - July 13 - 9:03 am

  When shopping around for a new crossover vehicle, I also considered Toyota RAV4 & Hyundai Santa Fe. RAV4 was too small, leather seats were uncomfortable, interior was disappointing - cheap looking - tire cover on back is ugly. Santa Fe priced right, roomy, comfortable; however didnt like "fake wood" on dashboard and doors. Made interior look old fashioned. CR-V EXL 4 door AWD came standard with leather package including moon roof, rear storage cover, floor mats & other extras were all included in price, not add-ins like the RAV4. The 4 cylinder has just as much acceleration power as competitors V6s. Handles well on curves. Plenty of storage spaces. Sufficient leg room in front and back.

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  Nothing finer or more fun. - 2003 Honda S2000
  By harrisrjr - July 13 - 2:00 am

  This is the most responsive vehicle I have owned since I had a 1969 MGC GT...6 speeds forward (overdrive in 3rd and 4th). This car is tremendous fun. I cant imagine better price/performance ratio than this car. R

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  Cant get much better than this - 2003 Honda Element
  By jimmyn - July 13 - 2:00 am

  We have only had our Element about a week but already I am in love with it. It is the coolest vehicle out on the market today, and a great value too. I really like the wipeout floor, the dogs can get in with wet feet and I dont have to worry about how the interior will look when I get home. I just had the chance to use the AWD for the first time today with some ice and snow falling and I can say that it works very well. Also a kudos to the heater. We replaced a Neon with this and the heater in that makes it feel as if you lit a match, and thats about it.

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  awsome - 2003 Honda Element
  By rasabob - July 13 - 2:00 am

  awsome quality from honda fun to drive orange color

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  First new CAR - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By EAB1 - July 13 - 2:00 am

  We evaluated all vehicles for over a year before buying our 03 CRV-EX. Deciding factors were room, lack of center console (a good thing, I like the space left open), and fuel mileage. The automatic is more that adaquate. We test drove a stick and that thing is just plain FAST!!! First tank I checked fuel mileage, got 23.8 in mixed driving, outstanding for an SUV of this size. Drivetrain is extremely smooth. There is plenty of room up front and in back, more than most other SUVs regardless of size.

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  No Surprise Here - 2003 Honda Civic
  By DrChimpanzeeMD - July 13 - 2:00 am

  Theres not much you can say about this car that hasnt been said already. Bottom line is it doesnt get any better than this in this class of car.