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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  Honda Civic 2003 - 2003 Honda Civic
  By Inrm - November 2 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car in 2004 with 32,000 miles. It has now 150,000 miles and still runs GREAT. Fuel economy is awesome. I drive a lot and Ive taken my car everywhere and weve never had a serious problem with it. Of course, we keep it well maintained. The most serious problem Ive had with it, was when I had to replace a part of the engine that cost almost $1,000 dollars. we also had to replace the radiator, but this is a very reliable car. I love it!

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  Excellent - 2011 Honda Odyssey
  By dc - November 2 - 2:00 am

  Great car, very happy with my purchase. Excellent ride and great for my young family

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  Great Car - 2008 Honda Civic
  By Wynonah - November 1 - 2:00 am

  Great Car!! Here are the cars I have owned in the past few years. (I change my cars about every 6 months). I have a friend in the car business so when a new deal comes up we sell my car and get a new pre-owned one. I have had a Lexus ES300, Infinity I30, Two Lincoln Continentals and my last car was an Acura RL. I no longer look for or want another car. My 2008 Civic EX is a keeper.

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  Super Element! - 2005 Honda Element
  By Airzilla - October 31 - 2:00 am

  Incredible car! I thought my best car ever was my much loved black 1988 Honda CRX Si that I bought brand new right after college. After getting through college in a 1985 CRX, I had to have another one as I thought the CRX was the perfect little sports car. Well, eventually I needed something to haul around my drum kit and gear to gigs. I acquired a 2005 Element EX AWD with about 21,000 miles on it. It now has 138,000 and has literally NEVER been in the shop. All I have ever done is changed the fluids and filters per the recommended schedule. In fact, I have only recently put on new front brakes. Overall, an incredible vehicle and I am currently looking to sell this one and purchase another.

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  Great car for the money - 2010 Honda Insight
  By Gill - October 30 - 2:00 am

  I have had this car for just over 3 months now. This is the first Honda I have bought,I usually own toyotas. I bought this car because I have a new job that I commute 60 miles a day on the highway. Honda had a $5000 rebate on the car, and my Province was giving $2000 environmental rebate. I compared the price of the Yaris and Corolla to the insight, and once I added options like A/C,P/W, cruise, AT, etc. with the rebates the insight was cheaper. The car is great to drive, the dash and gadgets are great. I drove my wifes 2005 loaded rav4 for a week, and I missed my insight big time. This car is made so the working person can afford a hybrid, and provides great fuel economy, & it delivers.

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  Awesome - 2011 Honda Odyssey
  By cheleng - October 30 - 2:00 am

  Got the 2011 Odyssey after trading my 2007. Lots of perks on the new one. Like the design not boxy as the previous models more of a JDM car but built in the USA. Have room for improvements but in all it is the best minivan out there.

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  My second Honda! - 2010 Honda CR-V
  By 3 months ago - October 30 - 2:00 am

  I like everything about this vehicle except the lack of power. It has enough power to get you to point A,B,C,and all the way to z and back. I just think it can have a V6 engine. The door speakers could be larger to make that subwoofer sound like a BOSE system.

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  Awesome car, couldnt be happier! - 2011 Honda CR-Z
  By Brendon - October 29 - 2:00 am

  I had been looking for a new car for the past two years, including the Speed3, Civic SI, Scion TC, WRX etc. I came across the CR-Z, test drove it and was immediately impressed. That same day my car search ended and I ordered a manual. I Added on every accessory available (the armrest is highly recommended), and 3 weeks later I had the exact car I wanted. At first I thought I would be slightly disappointed with the average performance (8.3 0-60) and average fuel economy for a hybrid, but from the minute I got into the car I have not stopped smiling and making excuses to get back on the road! And as for performance, its around 8s to 60 (feels zippier though!) and I get 34/43 mpg (above rated)

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  The 1 all Prius owners wish they bought - 2011 Honda CR-Z
  By GR - October 29 - 2:00 am

  Honestly there are very few low – mid range priced car makers out there any longer that smart consumers would feel confident with purchasing one of there vehicles Honda is one exception. Honda has always built quality vehicles and provided very good customer service / relations. We have purchased six new vehicles in our life-time so far and had always bought American made vehicles in the past. I have found there is no longer any such maker, Fords are made in Mexico, Chevrolets in Canada, Dodge – Chryslers in Mexico and just about anywhere but America so-long to built in America unless you buy a Harley Davidson. I had to voice this due to the fact that we painfully found out the

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  Best car I have owned - 2010 Honda Insight
  By frenchaln - October 29 - 2:00 am

  I have owned over 20 cars. That one is by far the best. No rattle. Very quiet. Sub compact but drives like a mid size car. Cheaper then Prius.