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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  My First Honda - 2010 Honda CR-V
  By Ed - September 13 - 2:00 am

  I have friends who drive CR-Vs and love them. I researched different cars in its class and got a good deal on this. It does have more road noise than my former car did though the ride and seats are very comfortable. The radio, CD, MP3 system is great and sounds terrific. The interior is roomy and deceiving from the outside. Im looking forward to see how it handles in the snow. Not even 700 miles on it and Im getting 27.5 MPG on the highway.

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  Easy to Operate - 2010 Honda Accord
  By jdm - September 13 - 2:00 am

  Researched the car. Has lived up to much of the hype. Hard to put a car seat in the back (knew this going in). Bluetooth setup with cell phone was easy.

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  A great used car to buy - 2007 Honda Element
  By "D" - September 12 - 2:00 am

  I bought My 07 Honda Element. It has 63,000 miles on her but it drives like a brand new car. I was gonna purchased a Saturn Vue but it was promised to another buyer. It was a stroke of luck the dealer had the Element available. Yes it is a bit bouncy but I was very impressed with everything on the Element. Even being 3 almost 4 years old it was turning heads, I got the silver S C. A very handsome and very practical car. If you are looking for a Cadillac ride you wont like it. If you are looking for a great fun to drive practical people and property hauler look at the Elements. As far as the interior it is either a like or dislike. The triple design to me is a nice touch. Get one !

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  Transmission - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By acarspecialty - September 12 - 2:00 am

  Love the pilot we had a range Rover, ml430 and a BMW x5 before our Honda every service was over 4k the Honda just turned 100k and the service is under 1k wow it runs great and doesnt need lots of maintenance like our high end suvs I am a believer in Honda and love it very practical money saving car

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  The Best Reliable Car - 2010 Honda Civic
  By 2010 Honda Civic - September 12 - 2:00 am

  Ive been driving a Honda since 2001, they are very reliable and great. The gas mileage is perfect for me and the driving is awesome, best driving car around, as my opinion would not buy any other vehicle.

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  Great car - 2010 Honda Accord
  By tjkennedy - September 12 - 2:00 am

  After looking around at Mazda, altima teat drove them all I liked the Ford fusion, but after driving the Accord its a 5 speed manual that was it, I love it, I just changed the oil, smooth ride better than the fusion I am a happy camper

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  Couldnt go wrong with this car. - 2010 Honda Accord
  By ODIS - September 12 - 2:00 am

  I was comparing accord v6 with ford fusion v6 and Acura TSX . Accord won because of better acceleration and larger size. Pro: 1. Spacious size, EPA rating large. 2. Comfortable seat with lumbar support. 3. Fuel economy: 50% local 50% high way 25-27 MPG. Con: 1. No outside temperature display in EX V6. 2. Rear trunk hood could be more sturdy. 3. No preinstalled door visor.

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  Very Pleased! - 2001 Honda Odyssey
  By pithpress - September 11 - 2:00 am

  I have had absolutely no major problems with this van. Routine maintence, cleaning the electrical contacts for the auto-doors and windows (and replacing a solenoid or five). almost indestructible by the kids! Very pleased with the vans performance. So much so, we just traded in our Ford 500 for a new 2010 Odyssey to add to our little "fleet." I hope things keep going well, but I still feel I got my moneys worth out of this mini-van! Congratulations Honda!

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  Best Small Car for the Money! - 2011 Honda CR-Z
  By FondaHonda - September 11 - 2:00 am

  Were do I begin? We looked closely at the 10 Honda Insight & Fit, but could not help staring across the showroom floor at the bright red 11 CR-Z! Aside from the looks, we were sold on the bargain price for such a sexy well-built comfortable coupe. We test drove a loaded silver EX Navi-equipped model and were amazed at the high quality ride, materials and paint luster. After a short drive we immediately decided on the sporty red model that lured us in the beginning. The stunning good looks are complimented by a superb ride, great acceleration and 50 MPG on the highway. Even 40+ MPG on city streets is remarkable! Everyone praises the Honda as we drive by or park. The CR-Zs youthful & fun!

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  Best Drive Yet! - 2005 Honda Accord
  By driver_51 - September 11 - 2:00 am

  Considering that this is my favorite car owned to date, Tenth on my list. I love to drive her daily. Second on my list is 2003 Nissan Maxima SE that was totaled prior to purchasing the Accord as a daily driver but it has out-performed everything else I have driven, I know first hand the weakness of Honda and addressed them after purchasing the car new, Brembo Sport rotors combined with Ceramic Pads makes the brakes grab when needed, coilovers and a thicker sway bar make her handle like a dream on tight turns and Bridgestone Potenzas hold her glued to the pavement. I am a true driver that takes hold of all of Honda technology, no complaints after five years.