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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  Not for everyone, but a great car - 2006 Honda Element
  By Jonathan W. - October 18 - 2:00 am

  I have had my Element for 5 years now and am still waiting for the first sign of a problem. (OK, there was an airbag light that came on for no apparent reason, but a brief visit to the dealer fixed that.) It just keeps on running despite my best efforts to wear it out. The all wheel drive works great, and while it is not a performance car by any means, it has more than enough giddy-up. The absence of carpets, along with the water resistant upholstery, makes it an ideal choice for camping, swimming, etc. -- even with dogs. I am 40 years old, but I dont think I will ever outgrow the Element. I look forward to keeping this car for 5 more years and then getting a new Element.

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  Fit - 2007 Honda Fit
  By James - October 18 - 2:00 am

  I bought my Fit new in May 2006. It now has over 81,000 miles on it and I have never had to take it to the repair shop for anything other than brakes. Even at 81K miles, I am getting around 35 mpg. The only complaint I have with it is that it wears tires very quickly. I have an alignment done at every oil change, and it still doesnt help. The dealer says there is no known problem with tire wear on the Fit.

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  Great engineering, questionable looks - 2011 Honda Odyssey
  By Briann - October 18 - 2:00 am

  Picked up the vehicle two days ago strikingly luxurious inside, and very nice, quiet ride. I had previously leased an 05 and an 08 and was surprised at how much more upscale the interior is on the 11. Lots of technology upgrades. Im a little concerned that the change in the drivers foot-well will not be comfortable on long trips (left leg now not able to stretch fully). Also not happy about the roof rails no longer being present, as I actually used them on the previous models.

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  Great Car! - 2010 Honda CR-V
  By don927 - October 18 - 2:00 am

  Ive owned my CR-V for almost 4 months and I couldnt be happier! Just returned from a 4,500-mile trip out west and got 28 mpg. Performance in the mountains (Yellowstone and Montana) was not a problem. Im averaging 23-25 mpg with short trips around town. Acceleration has been more than adequate. This car is fun to drive!

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  Fantastic - 2002 Honda Accord
  By Amanda - October 17 - 2:00 am

  I love Honda without a doubt. Ive had 2 Accords and one Civic and I probably wouldve kept them all except 1 was totaled in a crash (not my fault) and the other Accord was damaged by hail. The Civic was tried and true but I wanted to upgrade. I have had nothing but luck with Hondas. They have held up and been nothing but good for me. GREAT gas mileage on all of them. Awesome ride, nice and smooth and they keep going, and going and going. I am completely spoiled by Honda and refuse to buy nothing else.

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  A Great Vehicle! - 2010 Honda CR-V
  By layabout1000 - October 17 - 2:00 am

  I just bought a 2010 CR-V for myself and a 2010 Accord for my wife. We love driving them!

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  Loving My Pilot - 2011 Honda Pilot
  By Thomas - October 17 - 2:00 am

  Purchased a 2011 4WD EX-L with Navi and have no regrets. Ride is fantastic. Gas mileage is what is expected, not sure why folks on here are all bent on it as it is not a hybrid. Very roomy, smooth ride. ECO Mode goes on and off and it can not be noticed other than the light on the dash. Great pick up and passing ability. Only minor grip would be the lack luster sound system from the speakers in the doors. Not as good as my Ridgeline. Traded a 2007 Ridgeline and this car has meet the same great expectations I have always had from Honda. This is my 5th. Just test drive and you will see how much you love it. Considered the MDX but for 8K more for not much more in features.

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  2011 Accord - 2011 Honda Accord
  By Surya - October 17 - 2:00 am

  After a 1 month search I bought this car. I am not disappointed after buying this stylish car. I had Audi A4 earlier and always want a bigger car than. Since Honda cost less than Audi A6, I went with this car. So far its running good. The features are good and very ergonomically placed. I have bad neck pain in my previous Audi vehicle. But the seats in 2011 Accord were good. I feel very comfortable. Though the initial pick up from stop is not that great, but it drives at high speed.

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  Real world mpg is 50+ - 2010 Honda Insight
  By Donna - October 16 - 2:00 am

  I have had this car for a year now and I love it. My mpg has averaged 51 over 20K miles. The dash def teaches you how to drive efficiently and it is fun to try to continually improve your driving habits and mpg. I am baffled by the "official" mpg rating of 41-43, I do try to drive well but I dont do anything crazy to get my results. I have no complaints at all, I love driving this car.

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  38-40 MPG - 2005 Honda Civic
  By Paul - October 15 - 2:00 am

  Great MPG (38-40 consistently), seems to allow the driver and passengers to sit higher than in other cars, which, in addition to the large windows (something I did not appreciate until driving other cars) make the car comfortable and easy to drive.