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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  Never Breaks, Great Mileage - 2000 Honda Civic
  By Jeff - September 17 - 2:00 am

  Bought this car 3 years ago in 2007 with 100,000 mi. Now up to 140,000. Have not replaced or fixed anything on it and still runs like new. The design is very nice and I like the sporty look of the 2 door coupe with spoiler on the back. Interior is very comfortable and still looks like new after 11 years. My only complaint is the acceleration is pretty weak. I really dont care though because I average 33 MPG driving to and from work in the City of Pittsburgh stuck in major traffic jams every day. On the highway I average 50 MPG using cruise control at 65 MPH. I have averaged 60 MPG before driving to Philadelphia from Pittsburgh. Its amazing how efficient this car is. Would highly Recommend.

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  Honda Is The BEST! - 2010 Honda Accord
  By MichelleA - September 17 - 2:00 am

  I have owned all Honda cars. I traded my 2009 Honda Civic for the 2010 Accord. It feels more roomy, comfy, and less engine noise. Got to say I feel safer in the Accord over the Civic. I love driving this car I purchased 3 weeks ago.

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  Excellent Small Car - 2010 Honda Fit
  By James - September 16 - 2:00 am

  I selected the 5-speed manual as the automatic stole too much power from the engine. The manual offers surprising performance, smooth acceleration, and is averaging a 28-30 MPG around town. Very fun to drive and has good handling for small car. It can be loud at highway speeds due to road noise and high engine RPM. No problems with front seat comfort as others mention I am 62". The rear magic seat is amazing. With everything folded down, the fit will swallow an unbelievable amount of cargo, surpassing many small SUVs. Audio system is excellent. Interior design is simple and functional, but does not feel cheap. No other small car can provide so much value and versatility.

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  First CR-V and PROUD OF IT! - 2010 Honda CR-V
  By SR - September 16 - 2:00 am

  I recently bought a 2010 CRV EX AWD and very happy with my purchase. Had for a little over a week now and did about 250 miles already and only because I enjoy driving it. Runs real smooth and handles like a car. The additional height is perfect for someone who has owned 2 sedans in the past. My only gripe is that the wind noise is not blocked completely but given my kind of driving [home, office, weekend groceries and movies], it really doesnt matter to me. I keep it at 60-65 mph most of the time mainly because I love the feel of driving it and I am not in a rush to go anywhere. Ill probably come back with more updates later.

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  Great design - 2011 Honda Accord
  By Mike Greenwald - September 16 - 2:00 am

  Great car. I looked at the 2010 Accords & was comparing it the Altimas, VW CC, Sonata, Fusion & Malibu. I read all kinds of reviews & it seemed like all the cars were compared to the Accord. I didnt really like the back of the 2010 Accord , so I decided to wait til the 2011s came out to see it in in person instead of just internet pictures. I loved the changes to the front & rear of the Accord. I drove it and all the above mentioned cars and I realized the Accords overall package was the best for me. The other cars were rated well, but I didnt think any of them were as nice a car with the quality & reliability as Honda. I couldnt be happier with my decision to buy the 2011 Accord.

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  My driving this honda ridgeline - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By john wesley harding - September 15 - 2:00 am

  I really enjoy driving this truck drive beautiful, handle the road and curve easy,drove it to the mountain in Gatlinburg Tennessee it handle the high hills with no problem. not too bad on gas.

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  Spirit of the old CRX intact - 2011 Honda CR-Z
  By CRXLover - September 15 - 2:00 am

  Picked this car up as soon as it hit the showrooms. I love the styling, it attracts quite a lot of looks from everyone. Really does look like a modern CRX. Mine is the EX with the 6 spd and it was quite hard to find, had to preorder from dealership. It was worth the wait because I absolutely love taking this car out on the road. Its very fun to drive and still gets great gas mileage. I have about 1500 miles and average 38 mpg with the stick and hard driving. The hybrid power train is very torquey but still provides the Honda high rpm VTEC rush in sport mode. If Honda comes out with an Si version with the K20Z3 from the Si I will trade it in but i love the fact that this car is a 2 seater.

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  Just Love IT! - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By Smiley - September 14 - 2:00 am

  I just bought mine this weekend and I love it. It has 139,000 miles on it but the guy took care of it and has all the paper work down to every oil change. It rides very well.

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  Best (affordable) hybrid yet - 2011 Honda CR-Z
  By GoHuskies - September 13 - 2:00 am

  What an amazing replacement for my civic hybrid. Great fuel economy in econ mode over the highway, nice passing power if I flip into sport. Interior is what really sold me and makes me look forward to taking a drive. This is by no means a sports car but it takes the win as the sportiest hybrid one can easily afford.

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  Traded in a BMW 3 series + Love my Honda - 2009 Honda Civic
  By MikeNJ - September 13 - 2:00 am

  I traded in my BMW 3 series when it became too expensive to maintain. I leased a Honda Civic because its cheap, safe, and good on gas, not because its the kind of car you fall in love with, but I fell in love with it! Ive driven it from NJ to Montreal and Williamsburg for weekends, and its comfortable for long drives. It handles well, even in light snow. Very solid build quality: no squeaks, no rattles, no loose parts. Turn the key, and off you go. With easy driving you can get about 40 mpg on regular gas. This is my first Honda but definitely not my last. I would recommend Honda to anyone. Unbelievably comfortable, nice car for the money.