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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  Didnt expect to LOVE a minivan - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By David - November 25 - 2:00 am

  A joy to drive, and extreme functionality. And top it off with our only problem being lost keys!

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  Nice car poor seats - 2011 Honda CR-V
  By Gene - November 24 - 2:00 am

  Except for the seats, the quality is great. The seats are uncomfortable even with the 10 way adjustable power option. I am a big guy, 275, and after a few hours, my butt becomes sore. The seats remind me of coach airline seats. If I had known about the long term comfort made awful with the flimsy seats, I would of not purchased the car. My wife, 110, also could not find a comfortable position. The climate control is first rate and the radio is the best - the performance is ok but at 40 mph, it sounds like the engine is lugging. Alcohol gas content is critical. I purchased 87 gas at loves in Missouri and the gas mileage dropped 6 gpm and the performance deteriorated

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  Love my DX - 1990 Honda Civic
  By HunterXhatch - November 21 - 2:00 am

  Got it earlier this year. I love this little car. I have rebuilt the 1.5L motor and but the B16 head on it so I could wire in VTEC. Have K&N Cool air intake. Love the 5 spd tranny. Repainted the car SI blue and added keyless entry and alarm system. Gets amazing gas mileage, right at 38 highway. Wish that interior had cup holders but thats it. Love the vinyl headliner. Has a a lot of room despite its size. Love how low it sits. Its a real head turner. I would never own anything other than a civic dx hatch again.

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  Dont buy the honda entertainment package - 2010 Honda Pilot
  By Jerry - November 21 - 2:00 am

  I truly enjoy my Honda Pilot. I would buy it again, however I would make one change. I would not buy the DVD package. you cannot hear the move playing in the back unless you use the headphones, kids/teenagers do not want to use headphones...

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  Love It! - 2010 Honda Fit
  By Rick D. - November 20 - 2:00 am

  Bought this car about 2 months ago, and love it! The fuel economy is better than advertised. Ive been getting 33 mpg on a regular basis. There is slight handling issue at higher speeds in traffic, but overall a great little car. Surprising amount of cargo capacity for its size.

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  Good Middle-Age Guy Car - 2011 Honda Accord
  By Vyker - November 20 - 2:00 am

  Just purchased the vehicle, so I am in the new-ower phase. My color is Gun- metal gray, with black leather interior. It is an EX-L V-6 Coupe. I test drove the Nissan Altima Coupe (V- 6 and V-4, did not like to buy premium gas), the Kia Forte Coupe, the Hyundai Genesis Coupe, the Ford Mustang, and the Mitsubishi Eclipse. All of those were good cars, just that the V-6 Honda Accord Coupe was the one I wanted based on reliability, safety, looks, and performance. Gunn Honda had a special, Got my car for $25,380 (before tax). It was cheaper than a used Honda. go figure.

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  Excellent Car - 2010 Honda Accord
  By BluePearl - November 20 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car in Aug 2010. I chose Honda because of my experience with a previous 1999 Honda Accord that I still have and still drives like a dream with very little maintenance. The 2010 Accord is also a great car. I love the VCM feature and unlike what other people said, I found it to be super smooth and I do not feel any issue with it. I love the extra power that the 6 cylinder provides and really love speeding up and merging into traffic. After driving this 6 cylinder, I am never going back to 4 cylinders. I am getting very close to 20 mpg in city driving and get as high as 29 to 20 mpg in highway driving. The level of noise inside the cabin is nothing compared to what I expected.

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  Im In Love - 2010 Honda Insight
  By Great Car - November 19 - 2:00 am

  I just bought my Insight and although I normally buy Fords, I have owned many Hondas as well, but this is my first Hybrid. I only have 500 miles on it but I wanted to write a review about this car. I fueled it for the first time yesterday, I had gone 412 miles and when the pump stopped at 8.5 gallons, I thought something was wrong. When I realized that it was full, I almost fainted. I got an amazing 48 MPG and its not even broke in yet. One thing more, I feel good driving this car knowing Im saving gas and the environment. Great Job Honda!

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  Best sedan out there - 2011 Honda Accord
  By kytom - November 19 - 2:00 am

  This is the best Accord ever! The drive is amazing, the interior design is very nice not flashy or overwhelming like other brands that are trying to compete with Honda. If you like quality engine and stylish interior yet simple and functional the Accord EX-L is for you.

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  What a car! - 1999 Honda Accord
  By Harry - November 17 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car with 100 miles on it. It just turned 30,000 miles, since I take public transit to work and garage it the rest of the time. It is in showroom condition - not one door ding or dent on it! Absolutely mint in and out. My 5-year warranty came and went without me taking advantage of it, as I know i paid for it upfront. It drives like new. The only complaint I have is that the acceleration from a stop till about 50 mph is not that great. Then again, that may be the norm for a 4-cylinder car, though it is a V-Tec engine. I intend to drive it for a long time or give it to one of my kids.