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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  Driving 100 Miles a Day - 2010 Honda Insight
  By Rick from Woodstock - August 19 - 3:22 pm

  Ive had my Insight for less than a month, but I drive 100 miles every weekday and Ive already driven on highways, in mountains, and in NY City. I feel I can now rave about how much I love this car (and not just because my monthly gasoline bill will be half of my gas bill for the 2000 VW Golf I traded in). Others in these reviews have complained about the auto stop feature, but Im a fan. I like the idea that my engine isnt idling for no reason when Im sitting at a long red light. The first time it happens you might thing you have stalled, but by the second time it happens, it just seems cool.

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  The Best Used Car Ive Ever Bought - 1993 Honda Prelude
  By link4253 - August 19 - 2:18 pm

  I was 15 when i bought my car from some guy down my street for about $3,000, he told me it might need some work on it, but after i did my research on how much it would cost, i was bought within the week, it only cost me about $150 for the parts i needed and the labor was only $85, but after all that, it was ready to hit the streets, its never broken down, its been the most reliable car if ever seen.

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  Great Overall Car - 2004 Honda Accord
  By Dennis Schlottman - August 19 - 1:35 pm

  Purchased this car in April 09 with just under 28k. Now at 58K and no problems. Great performance from the V6.Fuel economy is excellent at 28 - 32 mpg. I do my own maintenance which includes draining and filing the transmission fluid every 15k. "Honda Trans fluid only.

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  My Analysis - 2010 Honda Fit
  By The Dork - August 18 - 11:10 pm

  Alright, I think this car is great. More specifically a car that is made for me. If youre a new driver this has the proper features to teach you good driving like a lower hp so you arent getting reckless and learning how to accelerate and decelerate properly. Ive never learned stick so I got the sport auto which is really cool. I can learn how to handle the gears and rpm to practice smooth driving. So I would def suggest sport auto too against manual. Not an expert driver but the feel it has when driving is nice. The xtra features with sport is def worth the cost. The road noise kinda loud but you can hear your engine and hear the revs. Again, I think sport auto is a great learner car.

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  282,000 Miles - 1998 Honda CR-V
  By Vito - August 18 - 5:59 pm

  I purchased this vehicle 8 years ago with 79,000 miles. I have averaged well over 25k miles per year and have NOT had any major issues. Original engine and transmission. Original A/C compressor blows cold. I have yet to replace the original muffler. I have serviced this vehicle per Hondas specifications with the exception of oil changes. I change oil & filter every 7500 miles.I have never got this kind of reliability & performance in 40 years of owning and driving American built cars. Gas mileage:21-23 city, 25-26 hwy. This vehicle refuses to quit. This is the best vehicle I have EVER owned! I will, without hesitation, purchase another Honda CR-V!

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  Love them hondas - 1992 Honda Prelude
  By myhondas0 - August 18 - 5:16 pm

  i have owned my prelude si for about 10 years now and i loved it! i am on the 3rd motor but it still around kicking strong! the body has 270,000 miles on it and has no rust or major dents, i did away with the stock wheels and put 19 inch rays racing wheels on it and it handle like a Cadillac lol had to do away with h23 and put the f22 in it for now, but not every one knows what they in the f22s you boost a stock f22 10 to 12 lbs and be just as fast or faster the h22, enjoy your preludes because i have enjoyed mine. bout time to sell want an s2000 to play with.

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  Well Rounded Vehicle - 2010 Honda CR-V
  By Hondadriver - August 17 - 8:41 pm

  I have had the CRV for a month. I downsized from a Ridgeline (great vehicle). I do more city driving but still needed a little utility. This is my first 4 cylinder. Therefore, I was quite concerned about the power. But, I had the use of a 2008 CRV for a week and had no problems with merging, passing etc. I just need to allow more time. There was no noticeable difference between 166 hp and 180 hp. The vehicle is comfortable and roomy. I am 6-02. It is a well rounded vehicle that does not overly excel or fall short.

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  Just As Expected - 2010 Honda Odyssey
  By JRD - August 17 - 8:21 am

  We have owned our Odyssey for 10 months now and so far we are pleased with how it operates and serves our needs. It has not seen a very long drive yet this year because its sharing the duty with our two older Hondas, but hopefully we can rack up some miles before winter sets in once again here in the East Coast. We have no problems at all with the engine, body and the instrument controls. The VCM works fine, although the claim of seamless transition does not hold true, for the driver can feel when its switching from either VCM or non- VCM modes. The steering feel is nicely weighted which gives a sense of control to the direction we want to go.

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  Best buy in this price range - 2010 Honda Fit
  By seetheoceanblue - August 16 - 2:20 pm

  This is my 2nd Fit, loved them both - Ive noticed a considerable improvement in mileage over my 2008 Fit. After 1600 miles Im averaging 32 mpg in mixed driving and the mpg is still increasing. I attribute part of this to paying some attention to that annoying but useful mpg bar display in the center drivers console. You WILL get better mileage with a Civic or Corolla sedan, but you wont be able to haul washing machines, large dressers, and find other amazing uses as with the Fit. Great for a single like me with no friends with pick-up trucks or SUVs. Its the best compromise between utility and economy in available US cars today, period.

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  Great affordable used sports coupe - 2006 Honda Accord
  By My06Accord - August 16 - 1:59 pm

  I sold my Acura and my Subaru WRX STi due to buying a house. I was looking for a reliable, affordable and comfortable coupe. I found this car with 53,000 miles, new tires and new brakes. Please check the battery carefully, mine was leaking and the positive terminal was corroded. The car is very comfortable and pretty quiet (not much road noise) compared to what I used to drive. I paid 14K. The V6 has 240 hp from the factory, I added the AEM V2 cold air intake for another 15. The car gets easily 300 miles on a tank and uses 87 octane.