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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  06 Si - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Jefferson - September 24 - 2:00 am

  Purchased car new in feb 06. Have 75K on it now (160 mi a day 2 work) Only problem has was rear wheel bearing dealership replaced for free. Replaced factory system and upgraded to a 15 in sub. Only problem is ive had to replace the spoiler twice since the sub beats and breaks the spiler off the deck lid and eventually falls apart. Seriously. Car does have problem with 3rd gear as a lot have mentioned. As far as performance not much can top for this price especially the style and power combined. Added K&N fuel injection performance kit and get 30mpg city 37mpg hwy. Happy with car which was designed better for systems but guess Ill shave those holes and have no spoiler. Otherwise great buy!

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  Love my CR-V - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By Mary - September 24 - 2:00 am

  Bought this for my new 16 year old girls, after my Odyssey died at 230,000 miles and getting myself a Pilot. The girls love this car! They can fit all their friends in it VERY comfortably, and have claimed they can fit over ten people in it if arranged correctly. The AUX jack is handy, and one daughter loves plugging iPhone in and being able to listen to music through it AND can talk through the car (without bluetooth!). Very VERY safe. Have never doubted Hondas reliability and never will. The girls have to fill up their tank, maybe once a week, and they do no highway driving, so they fuel economy is great! So impressed!

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  Accords Just Keep Getting Better - 2010 Honda Accord
  By Accords For Steve - September 24 - 2:00 am

  My 2010 Accord EXL coupe is my 2nd Accord. My previous one was a 2002 4 dr which I owned for nearly 9 years. It was the best car I have ever had so I stayed with Honda. This time I wanted something sportier so I bought the coupe. I now have 5,000 miles on it and have yet to have a single issue. I love it. Its fast for a 4 cyl (190 HP)and handles well. If you want to purchase any new car do it on- line using the Edmunds website. I received six different quotes within 24 hours. My local dealer, who I wanted to buy from, matched the lowest quote. I saved over $1,000 by using this simple on-line method. It was the easiest car purchase I have ever had.

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  Fantastic car for the money - 2010 Honda Fit
  By RJS - September 23 - 2:00 am

  Ive been driving this car for 2 weeks now. The gas mileage is outstanding, averaging in the low 30s, and I am not having to drive like an old man to achieve it. It begs to be driven lively, and its engine loves to rev. It looks small, but it has tons of space on the inside, and its build quality is so much better than anything else in its price range.

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  Awesome Car for the money! - 2010 Honda Civic
  By stup62 - September 23 - 2:00 am

  First import Ive ever owned. Like the attention to detail. Awesome sound system, although a 6 cd radio wouldve been nicer. Impressive acceleration, car just wants to go,go, go! Probably why my mileage is a little less than what I expected. Overall, very happy with the car.

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  Happy Honda and Even Happier Owner! - 2011 Honda CR-Z
  By CR-Z4me - September 22 - 2:00 am

  Decided to purchase this snazzy economic sports coupe after test driving many other makes/models. The CR-Z EX w/ CVT exceeded all expectations and continues to impress. Chevys Cruz was loud and had many rattles. Fords Fiesta/Mazda2 are cramped. The CR-Z is roomy, handles w/ precision, rides great, has brisk acceleration, gets 38-52 mpg and looks like a true sports car costing thousands more. The bright silver paint with gray luxury-sports cloth seating makes for a rich combination that turns heads. Many ask how we like our new Honda. Pamper yourself for just a tad more and treat yourself w/ the nicely equipped "EX" edition with navigation. You will enjoy waves, honks, smiles and thumbs up!

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  Reliable, efficient, sporty and fun! - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Michael - September 22 - 2:00 am

  Had a brand new 2010 Mazda 3 but got rid of it to buy a 4-year-old used Honda Civic for half the price. I cant tell you how happy I am with this car. I get great gas mileage (37 with mixed city/hwy), which is easily 12 mpg better than the Mazda! The interior styling is excellent - I have the beige interior and its so open, light and airy, especially with the sunroof. The seats are spacious and comfortable, and the trunk gives me plenty of storage space for hauling stuff. Back seats are pretty big for a coupe. Love the layout of all the instrumentation, including the handy steering wheel mounted audio controls.

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  Great Car - 2006 Honda Element
  By Adam - September 21 - 2:00 am

  I love driving this car. I bought it brand spanking new in November of 2005 with 63 miles on it. The stock stereo is awesome for stock. You could pack a smart car in the back if you needed to. TONS OF SPACE. Great gas mileage. Awesome in the snow. The only complaints i have are the road noise, and i really wish they put a V6 in it. The 2.4 L 4cyl is lacking. It would be nice to have usb connection for my iPod instead of the aux. You can definitely tell a difference when the a/c is on. The headlights broadcast perfectly and the car would benefit from HID lights. Other than that, the car is great.

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  40 mpg - 2010 Honda Civic
  By Ken - September 21 - 2:00 am

  Gas mileage is much better than the sticker says 32 city, 40 highway. If fuel economy, reliability, safety and a decent ride are your requirements, the civic is for you. The only thing I dont like are the tires, Continental tires are noisy and do not ride as well as most other brands. I have noticed this on other cars I have driven as well. I will be installing Michelin tires.

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  Thank you Honda - 2011 Honda Accord
  By Mike Greenwald - September 21 - 2:00 am

  I think this is the best car in its class for overall package. I looked at all kinds of reviews. But this vehicle was the most complete & it is made in Marysville, OH with 80% parts made in America