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 but LOW TECH!!! - 2011 Honda CR-V
  By damjadi - December 19 - 6:49 am

  Honda has some great lease deals (probably because of the low depreciation). The CRV has a car-like ride, tons of leg and head room and very comfortable seats. It is well designed and very flexible. It has an amazing turn radius and no major blindspots. The gas mileage is a little less desirable and the road noise is rather noticeable as is the idle. My biggest pet peeve is the lack of features standard in most other vehicles base models. To get bluetooth and iPod connections you have to get the EX-L with navigation, meaning an extra $3000. We got the SE for the larger, safer tire package, but the dealer stressed the upgrade to a 6 CD disc changer. Is this 1992?

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  The Best of the Bunch! - 2011 Honda Odyssey
  By eddiewannabee1 - December 18 - 1:02 pm

  Purchased a Touring Elite Odyssey about a month ago. Had a 2010 Odyssey we traded in. The 2010 was already making unwanted noises, rattles and more. The 2011 is much more quiet than previous Odysseys we owned. The stereo system is superior than all previous Honda models, if only for the wattage. The ride is as expected, comfortable and uneventful, and again noise cancellation is superior than previous Odysseys. Room is plentiful and gas mileage a little better than previous models. The technology aspect is quite remarkable. It seems they decided to include just about every which way and it shows. The looks of the van are somewhat different from the 2010 but it does look good all around.

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  6 month update - 2010 Honda CR-V
  By adansereau - December 18 - 6:28 am

  i now have nearly 5000 miles on my ex awd crv. quality, comfort, reasonable mpg ie 21-23 around town and 28 highway not to bad for awd. it is quite, handles well, and the build quality is second to none. i have had over 50 vehicles and i know a good one and this is one of the best . i have to say there is nothing that stands out that needs changing, it nearly perfect.

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  Love it - 2011 Honda Pilot
  By gdog477 - December 16 - 3:11 pm

  We got the car about 1 month ago. It has been a pleasure! Its very comfortable and a big upgrade for me coming from a 04 Accord dx.

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  Owned 4 years - 2007 Honda Accord
  By jeancarol45 - December 16 - 10:18 am

  I am very happy with my Honda. I have 22,000 miles on it, and it has been perfect. I plan on keeping it for many years. I owned my last Honda Accord 17 years.

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  very pleasantly surprised - 2011 Honda Accord
  By algary - December 14 - 11:31 am

  Based on the reviews I was surprised how quiet it is. Perhaps the active noise cancellation in the EX trim helps. Certainly quieter that the previous model series. The ride is very composed and smooth despite quite aggressive tires. Very solid feel. The 2011 front fascia looks much improved over the 2010. The overall styling is fine. The Hyundai, although a very good car, seems overstyled to me. All our previous Hondas were incredibly reliable and were fun to drive.

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  SAFETY IS GOOD - 2010 Honda Fit
  By colette51 - December 13 - 10:46 pm

  I had a head-on accident with a large truck doing 35 to 40 MPH in my 2009 Honda Fit. I came out of the accident with only bruising from the seat belts, and a cracked sternum (breastbone). The air bags worked the way they were supposed to. Family members who saw the actual damage and a friend who saw pics of the car damage are amazed I was not killed in the accident. I am now looking for another Honda Fit. I strongly recommend it for safety, as well as all other categories.

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  Love it! - 2011 Honda Accord
  By cntenn - December 13 - 8:30 pm

  I have only had this car a little over a week but I love it. We have previously owned a CR-V, Civic, and Accord Sedan so we are Honda people. When it was time to purchase a new car, we wanted something reliable, fun, and sporty. The Honda Accord Coupe V6 fit the bill and it comes with great gas mileage too! It is fun to drive and I know that it will give us the reliability that we were looking for.

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  Great Automobile - 1996 Honda Accord
  By mlstove - December 11 - 1:22 pm

  Bought the car with 28K miles in 2000 and still drive this car daily with now 228K!! In fact, the car went the past two years without anything but oil changes until it was time to replace the timing belt again. It is amazing the clutch hasnt needed replaced, nor has any other major item engine wise other than a starter over the years. CV joints went out at 180K, and the wheel bearings are getting close now. My wife drives and 07 sedan and my stock radio is a nicer system. I think the brakes on this car are better than the 07! And it survived a collision with a 6-point buck this year and all I needed was a headlight and a hood!

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  GREAT CAR - 2010 Honda Accord
  By bolivero25 - December 9 - 7:03 pm

  This car is wonderful. I bought it brand new about 2 months ago. So far so good. Engine is strong for a 4-cylinder. The seats are a little bit uncomfortable, but you eventually get use to them. For the most part it is fun to drive. The V-6 must be amazing. Honda has one of the strongest re-sale values, so thats a plus. It gets you from point A to Point B with a sense of style. It is definitely a big car, so if you like small sedans this is not the car for you. Gas is great but the tank is huge, you put 20 bucks and the needle doesnt move. This is my first car and it looks like I will be a Honda Lover for the rest of my life.