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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  Best Sedan on Earth - 2005 Honda Accord
  By VT - October 31 - 7:10 pm

  Honda Accord is no doubt the best sedan on earth. When I was looking for a car, I researched several similar sedans and Honda Accord come out as a winner. Camary looks too sloppy, though its a nice car but the new design is way inferior.

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  Great Car - 1999 Honda Prelude
  By Jesse - October 31 - 6:40 pm

  This has been a fun car to drive. It handles better than any car I have ever driven and it can move pretty quick for a 2.2 L engine.

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  Top-of-the-line Model w/ Navigation - 2009 Honda CR-V
  By Glenn - October 31 - 6:23 pm

  Overall excellent vehicle. Honda attention to design and reliability is well-known. My only concern with a design flaw is in regard to the optional roof rack (see my note below for suggested improvement). MPG tends to vary from manufacturer ratings. Inner city = 14-15 mpg; suburban city = 20-21 (rated at 20); highway = 30-33 (rated at 27). I was pleasantly surprised with a maximum of 33 MPG highway (60-65 mph) for Interstate driving; I recommend the high-end EX-L w/ Navigation, as well as optional fog lamps, mud flaps, all-weather & cargo mats; body-side molding; & Remote starter. Avoid the base model, as it wont hold resale value - opt for the EX with leather and/or navigation.

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  My best Honda ever! - 2009 Honda Pilot
  By joeydee75 - October 31 - 5:10 pm

  Ive owned five Hondas since 1983 and I have to say that my Mocha Metallic 2009 Pilot EX-L is quickly becoming my favorite one. Its car-like and quiet ride has surprised me; its roominess for 8 adults impresses everyone. Its a slam-dunk choice, especially for the goodies you get for the money.

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  Element #3 - 2007 Honda Element
  By Tony - October 31 - 1:21 pm

  We bought an 03 Element EX when they first came out and loved it so much so, we upgraded to a Rally Red 05 EX (w/side curtain airbags) in March of 2005. In Sept 06, my wife and two young children (1 & 3 year olds) were involved in a head on collision at 50 mph with an inattentive Ford F150. All three walked away from the accident with only minor bruises and burns (from the airbag). There was no doubt we would buy another. We decided on a silver SC and we ABSOLUTELY love the new styling inside and out. Great car for the kids, dog & all of your stuff. I would highly recommend this vehicle.

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  A car for those who dont really care. - 2001 Honda Civic
  By ziks30 - October 31 - 10:16 am

  High quality appliance. Gets you from point A to Point B very reliably. About as much fun as an elevator ride.

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  great car! - 2000 Honda Civic
  By manso - October 31 - 9:30 am

  I have had it for a year and I have saved lots of money on gas. I have only had to do normal maintenance on it! I have peaked up to 46 miles a gallon, but stay around 39-44. (I dont pass 2500 rpms) It has treated me very well and hasnt hurt my pocket book too bad. I would recommend the standard only, it has saved me from a few tight spots that an automatic wouldnt. It has a weak engine, but it is easy to manipulate with a standard and handles well. Remember though, this is a compact so it isnt the smoothest ride nor the roomiest, but I dont mind it.

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  I just love it! - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Kathleen - October 31 - 2:36 am

  I looked at the Mazda3, the Tc and the Civic. The quality of the Civic was what got me. It felt like a baby Lexus inside. I would rather have had amber illumination for the instrument panel and the drivers seat is too big for my 51" frame. The lumbar support is way too high and the head rest is too far forward but I love the manual pump lever to raise the seat and all of the nook and crannies are excellent! I wish for an outside temp, but the dash controls for the stereo and the air are beautiful. The ivory interior is stunning with the varying shades of ivory - very classy. The lines of the exterior are so fresh. Mighty peppy too. I wish I had farther to drive to work! Fun!!!!!!!!

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  Great car - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Jmmel - October 30 - 8:40 pm

  What a great car and so different from the previous model. Its so quiet but still has that sporty feeling. I love it and wonder why I dont see more on the road.

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  Decent car - 1997 Honda Accord
  By Ryan - October 30 - 2:19 pm

  The accord is overall a decent car, but I think there are better choices for the money. Yes, its a Honda. The engine will run for 250k miles. But thats only if you maintain it properly (not everyone does) and maintaining a Honda is rather expensive. If you buy a Honda with 100k miles on it, be prepared to spend another $1-2k on it right away to keep it going. It will need timing belt, water pump, and suspension replacements. I think people have misconceptions about what Hondas are. Theyre not above normal wear and tear. Beyond this, any Honda built before 1998 has terrible structural rigidity so expect a lot of flex and rattling. Interior doesnt hold up all that well either.