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:

• 

  Love this car, has a lot of power - 2005 Honda Accord
  By on the go - November 30 - 3:11 pm

  Ive had this car for 2 years now and put 60,000 miles on it commuting to work. Im averaging 32-35mpg, at 75mph. yes, there are other hybrids which will give a lot better gas mileage, and I have test driven a lot of them, but they are gutless in power and do not handle well in turns. This car has the best of both worlds and the quality is better than the others also. The Toyota Prius may be the best out there for saving on gas, but the inside of that car is cheesy and they offer no leather. Im glad I bought this Honda Accord hybrid. I will sacrifice some mileage for the power, comfort, and quality. Wish Honda would continue to make them. 2006 was the last year.

• 

  No better car for the money - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Jason Young - November 30 - 12:23 pm

  We were looking for a family car to replace our 1998 Honda Accord when we ran across this one. We also had driven the Saturn Ion 3 and the Volkswagen Golf. This car outshined the Accord, the Golf, and the Saturn in every way. It is very fun to drive, looks, great and has a family feel and a sporty feel at the same time. Honda has really done it with this vehicle. The gas mileage is excellent. The other auto manufacturers are light years behind with comparable vehicles. I would buy another one today! This one was for my wife but I want one for myself now!

• 

  Accordingly boring! - 2005 Honda Accord
  By James in Fairfax - November 30 - 8:29 am

  Bought an 05 EX Sedan 4-cylinder w/ auto. Purchased based on reviews this is a "sporty family sedan". Its not. I had buyers remorse a week after purchase. Nothing makes me want to drive this car...nothing! Its so boring to drive I need to check my pulse to make sure Im not sleeping. IMO, this is a two-faced car: Extremely reliable, economical to own, attrative to look at. Yet, its boring to drive, too large, poor driving qualities, horrible brakes, twitchy steering with placid handling, poor paint quality. Appearance doesnt match the drive. This car has no personality. If driving point A to point B is all that matters...buy an Accord. 08 isnt much better, just bigger!

• 

  I LOVE it! - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By Bren - November 30 - 6:20 am

  I love this little SUV! I was a little worried about getting an SUV. I drove a 99 Honda Prelude for over 9 years. It was so small and low to the ground, but I have had no problems adjusting to the CR-V! I love Hondas and I fell in love with the CR-V the moment I saw it. When my husband and I test drove it, that was it! It is so much fun to drive and it handles great! I wish the gas mileage was a little better, but hopefully it will improve, as I only have 175 miles on it! It is nice to use regular gas. My Prelude required premium! Its also nice having so much room! I can actually take people in my backseat!

• 

  Lovin my new ride - 2010 Honda Accord Crosstour
  By peats - November 30 - 4:56 am

  Just got the new car yesterday and I am in LOVE, traded 2005 Lexus RX330 which I did not care for, trans. trouble that Lexus said was normal. Anyway looked for 3 months at cars, from Acura to Infiniti, Lincoln. This car beats them all hands down, I love it. Drives like a dream, shifting is responsive audio is great, navi is superb and then there is the satellite radio. WOW this car is it. the rear hatch has the greatest compartment to remove if you have something wet not to ruin carpet. I have the total package in Black/Black interior and I was turning heads this morning coming to work, everyone thinks it is hot looking. I am 63 years young and love my new Crosstour. Thanks Honda.

• 

  Now in my Element - 2004 Honda Element
  By rk in tampa bay - November 29 - 2:51 pm

  I love this vehicle. Just retired my 03 Aztek with 170k & wanted something just as unique with better reliability. Would have preferred the manual shift, but so far the automatic is fine. Lovin it.

• 

  Fun to drive, amazing gas mileage - 2007 Honda Fit
  By Connor - November 29 - 9:07 am

  Almost everything about this car is amazing. Each shift is smooth and, though I scoot it around >4000rpm VTEC range here and there, Im still averaging just over 32mpg city driving. Handling is surprisingly superb, with a somewhat stiffer suspension than other cars. (Fit slalom speed is only 0.5mph under the 8th gen Si). The 200-watt stereo is quite adequate, with an unexpected amount of bass coming froms the mids (no sub). Space is amazing! Its much roomier than it looks at least, thats what everyone has said to me when theyve got a ride. My only complaint is the lack of JDM accessories (i.e. armrest, passenger vanity, maplights, LED tail lights, HID, sunroof, subwoofer, navi, etc)

• 

  An offroad interlude - 2005 Honda Element
  By rob - November 28 - 9:51 pm

  I bought my E as a conscession to my then partner. I was pleasantly surprised at what it could do off the beaten path. I am also disappointed in what it lacks in power, towing ability and traction ""out of the box"".

• 

  One of the greatest cars Ive ever had! - 2000 Honda Accord
  By Honda Owner - November 28 - 6:31 pm

  Weve had this car now for over five years. Its been (and still is) a fantastic car! The sound system sounds great, even after eight years. The V6 engine makes it incredibly fun to drive. The only major mechanical problem weve had with the car was that the transmission went out about two years ago. Apparently this has been a problem for this particular Accord model. Honda replaced the transmission for free because the car had less than 100,000 miles on it. The only other complaint weve had with the car was that the leather on the drivers seat started cracking about four years after we bought the car. Other than that, it still runs and looks great

• 

  Great Car - 2004 Honda Civic
  By Kyle - November 28 - 2:51 pm

  This car is one of the best cars Ive owned. Almost no complaints. Great gas mileage, almost 35 mpg, looks greats and runs amazing. Off the line it can keep up with most 6 cylinder cars. Mine is only a 4. The tires that came with it were too soft. Needed to be replaced way too soon. Also, its hard to see out the back when backing and theres a big blind spot when changing lanes. Not the best winter car. My gas line constantly freezes and since the car is so light, it can be very hard to keep control in snow. Suggest putting a little weight in the car for snow. Otherwise the car is great. During summer, can open sun roof and windows, and enjoy a nice drive. All in All, great car!