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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  Great Car - 2006 Honda Insight
  By jbyrne - October 16 - 9:24 pm

  I traded in my mercury Marquis when gas went over $3.00 per gallon. I drive a lot with my job and this car saves me $100/1000 miles compared to the old car. I figured out I could give my money to Honda or Mobil. I am getting between 65-70 per gallon at 65-70MPH. I drive about 3000 miles per month. I am just as comfortable in this car as the mercury.

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  Awesome Car, but good thing its a Honda.. - 2006 Honda Civic
  By wendtsc - October 16 - 1:26 pm

  I love this car, but... There have been two things about it that have me concerned about down the road. One, the fuel economy has been in the low 30s! This is even driving at an avg of 30 to 40 mph. I know they are suppose to get better after the break in, but I have never had a car that got 45% below the sticker ECONOMY! Two, the check engine light comes on randomly, and when I take it in to the dealer, no one knows what the engine error code means. I felt sorry for the dealer. They called Honda repeatedly over two days and no one at the factory knew anything about the 06s. So, they just clear the error. Unfortunately, the lemmon law doesnt protect against poor mileage or performance.

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  Very Dissatisfied - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Beth - October 16 - 9:40 am

  This is my first Honda. Purchased it 4 months ago and am already looking to trade. The seats are extremely uncomfortable. There is an excessive amount of road noise and its a very bumpy ride for a brand new car! Also, control panel is awkward. Loud rattling in the back when going over bumps and constantly squeaking brakes: the Honda mechanic told me both were normal and couldnt fix. The whole car just feels cheap.

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  Close to perfection - 2008 Honda Accord
  By mikeneb - October 16 - 4:43 am

  This is such a great car! The 4 cylinder is adequate for my needs and the fuel economy is superior. This car looks and feels like an Acura. Nobody believes its just a Honda Accord. Only issue would be there is no way to control your iPod for the console. Wish that was an option.

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  bring back this car man!!!!!!!!!! - 1999 Honda Prelude
  By john - October 15 - 9:41 pm

  always wanted one, got a fictus green ss auto, and although a manual would have been a first choice i am still impressed with the auto, leather seats were a nice perk, the vtec is an animal and i would not trade her in for anything else. a sexy car to look at and to drive. the prelude hates to drive under sixty mph and you can hear it under the hood. once on the highway shes happy. domestic cars look out!

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  2005 Odyssey - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By Tim Ferry - October 15 - 12:40 pm

  Wonderful vehicle. Rides great, good gas mileage, comfortable, and reliable. Cant beat it.

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  I Love My Baby - 2004 Honda S2000
  By Marc - October 15 - 11:57 am

  The S2000 is a great car, if its what youre looking for. I get people all the time that ask me what kind of car it is, and about its stats. These things are very rare, which I love as Mustangs and Z4s are a dime a dozen. Its a true roadster thats best with the top down on an open road. Long highway trips can be tiring when cruising in 6gear with the engin humming around 4k rpms for hours. I highly recommend test driving this beast as well as the compitition to truly get a feeling of what its about. I bought mine as a welcome back to America present after being deployed to Iraq, and did several months of research before purchasing. You should do the same.

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  My 2nd Odyssey - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By garlicgloria - October 15 - 7:53 am

  I paid $2500 over MSRP for my 2000 EX Odyssey, therefore paying MSRP for the 2005 Touring N/E was a bargin. I didnt even look at another minivan, my experience with the 2000 left me with no doubts that my next purchase would be an Odyssey. I only have 500 miles on the 2005 but I can say the changes made on the new model make this an exceptional vehicle. My daughter needed a larger car so she got the 2000 Odyssey along with the portable DVD.

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  Buy one, theyre fun! - 2006 Honda Element
  By Diana Abel - October 14 - 10:07 pm

  I LOVE my Element. Not only is it fun to drive, but there is not a time I go out when someone doesnt go nuts over it! We even got the tent. COOL! It has been the funnest vehicle Ive ever had and Im 45!

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  Transmission went bad after 2 days - 2009 Honda Accord
  By Robert - October 14 - 1:50 pm

  After 2 days of driving I got transmission light. Vehicle needs new transmission. Honda refuses to buy back this vehicle. Last time I am buying Honda.