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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  High Mileage Performer - 2007 Honda S2000
  By DrBob - November 5 - 2:00 am

  Just finished my second cross-the-usa trip, 7500 miles, averaged about 30 mpg overall fuel average has been 27 mpg covering a total of 45K miles. Im 69 years old and this is my daily driver. Performance and dependability and precision control would best describe my driving experience. Yes, its a small cockpit with not a lot of wiggle room but the seats mold to your body and I can go all day without body fatigue. Try it before you buy it, its not a car for everyone.

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  My 3rd Accord - 2011 Honda Accord
  By Buckeye - November 5 - 2:00 am

  Have had the car now since late September and like the styling. Radio is a bit cumbersome to get used to but the sound quality is really good. This is my third Accord (98, 04 and now the 11) and I am surprised that Honda still has not done a better job with road noise. The Camry is better for keeping the noise down but the Accord handles better.

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  Very Good Car for middle class sedans - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Happy Driver - November 5 - 2:00 am

  I purchased this car 8 months ago with 40K miles and it is great car. I have driven Accord 03, 06, and this one is 08 - all are good to perfect. I am not sure why some people are giving bad reviews. The last generation Accords use the same moving parts (engine (4 cylinders), transmission, etc.) as in 05, 06, 07. By doing by extensive research many people, that posted reviews here, have some interest in Detroit automakers (Ford, GM). Union may be? That is why the are bashing Honda here to make people to, at least, look at Ford Fusion or Malibu. No question, those cars are great inside BUT drive them for +60K and you will see the difference between Accord ad them. Enough said...

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  Extremely happy with my Insight! - 2010 Honda Insight
  By Hbarton88 - November 4 - 2:00 am

  This car has helped me to become a more efficient and calm driver. The fuel economy you get is WAY better than EPA estimates.

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  Satisfaction Survey for my 2003 Honda - 2003 Honda Civic
  By Judy Flanders - November 4 - 2:00 am

  I purchased the car prior to this car six years age, a 1996 Toyota Camry, at the same dealership, Phillipsburg/Easton Honda, and was very pleased with that car as well. I put my trust in this car dealership. I enjoyed driving my Toyota during my ownership. This car, my Honda Civic, is so much fun to drive ( it has a sun- roof). Thank you for the opportunity to voice my review.

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  So far so good - 2010 Honda CR-V
  By Teej - November 4 - 2:00 am

  Five hundred miles on the car so far and I am very pleased with the ride and fuel economy Im getting (26-27 mpg). Switched from a 2004 Jeep Liberty. Test drove RAV4 and found it to have more road noise and gauges/clock were more difficult to read. Forester is a slug in comparison to CR-V. There is plenty of acceleration, especially where it matters - when you are trying to pass people at 75 mph on a steep hill. Its a little sluggish between 25-35 mph but you can get the acceleration you need if youre willing to be heavy footed. Interior layout is generally good. Seats are a little stiff and the lack of storage in the console is an annoyance. All in all - very happy with my decision!

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  Pilot Touring 4WD - 2011 Honda Pilot
  By Dgardner - November 4 - 2:00 am

  Great SUV and hands down the best value for the money. Traded my 2010 for a 2011 due to excellent resale value!

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  HogHondas First Honda - 2011 Honda CR-V
  By HogHonda - November 4 - 2:00 am

  Purchased CR-V 10 days ago ($27,800) and have no complaints. Great Interior Fit,Opal Sage Metallic exterior, great finish. Took first trip to city and ran 60-70 mph on highway with AC on. Set cruise and got 32 mpg if computer is correct. Car runs smooth and does not feel underpowered as others have complained. Bridgestone Duelers tend to be a bit noisy. The blue tooth,voice navigation is great so far as is the audio connectivity. Interior fit is fine but needs a good wood grain upgrade kit! Projector halogens are better than expected at night, but not quite like the Xenons on my Acura RL. Will update review in the future. Look forward to Honda reliability.

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  Nice to Drive - 2010 Honda CR-V
  By North Coast Shopper - November 3 - 2:00 am

  First brand new car Ive purchased in 30 yrs. Replaced a 2000 Maxima and, yes, I miss the pickup and comfort that the Maxima had BUT the Maxima rode so low that my vision was constantly blocked by SUVs and trucks and it drove me crazy. The CR-V is comfortable, the interior is roomy and I can see in front of me. I am happy with the trade off of safety for speed. Besides, while the car doesnt accelerate as quickly I find I dont mind it at all. Mileage was low to begin with but since I hit the 2000 mile mark (it only had 4 miles on it when I got it) I am getting about 21 in town and 28 on the highway - better than my Maxima and I dont need premium gasoline!

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  Very Nice - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By John - November 2 - 2:00 am

  Ive owned the van for 9 years and put 61k miles on it. At 50,000 miles I had all the fluids, including the transmission, changed out. I have maintained it very well and am very pleased with it. Absolutely no transmission problems.