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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  A fantastic car for a narrow segment - 2010 Honda Element
  By tictoknsac - August 10 - 10:23 pm

  The Element is a fantastic car for a very specific segment of car owners. If you want a car that can haul an incredible amount size-wise and, has AWD to go skiing and, gets decent gas mileage for commuting and, is large in terms of driver and passenger seating/comfort (4 max) and is incredibly reliable AND you can appreciate its boxy shape as a necessary attribute of much of the above for < $25K - THEN you can/will love this car. Otherwise, you either will not be interested at all -- OR you point out all the cars that will do SOME of these things better. But you wont find a car that does ALL these things better. This is my 2nd Element and I could not think of another car I wanted.

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  Awsome! - 2009 Honda Ridgeline
  By Stan - August 10 - 10:49 am

  Currently have 8500 miles on it. Just got back from 2000+ mile trip -- Amarillo to Walsenburg, CO to San Luis Lake SP to Navajo SP to Durango to Albuquerque, NM to home. Towed 4400 lb (600 on hitch) travel trailer @ 55 mph (my choice -- was more comfortable driving 55 than faster -- Im 67 yrs old!). Went over 3 passes (Raton: 7800ft, La Veta: 9400 ft, & Wolf Creek, 10,868 ft) -- 12.5 mpg while towing. Up passes at 55 mph until speed dropped, then reset cruise @ 40mph & stepped on throttle until transmission dropped into 2nd gear walked the passes @ 3800rpm @ 40 mph in 2nd on cruise with no problems at all.

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  My not so sport sedan - 2006 Honda Accord
  By Jett1 - August 10 - 7:52 am

  I enjoy my Accord but just like others the 3rd gear is screwy. I like the space the leather seats hold well for the occasional aggressive driving. I use it as my daily driver the V6 is very peppy. A little stronger clutch would be nice to hold the heavy (fast high revving) shifts but for normal driving it is just fine. For the fuel mileage I am averaging 23-25 mpg with a mix of city/hwy driving. I feel the mpg is great.

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  Love it still - 2003 Honda Civic
  By civic man - August 9 - 10:40 pm

  I got my 03 civic in may of 03. My car now has 145,000 miles on it and the only thing I have done is change the tires, brakes, and batt. The power lock does not lock my driver door anymore but not to worried about that. I still get about 32 mpg in town and 40 on the road. I could not ask for a better first car, after 7 years I would not even think of trading it. Amazing car!

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  Best Vehicle Ever Owned - 1999 Honda Civic
  By Izzy M. - August 9 - 8:24 pm

  I picked my car coming off the car trailer at my dealership and I knew this car was for me. After 247K+ , this car has gotten me everywhere I have asked it to and back. Replacing normal wear & tear parts has kept me happy.

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  Typical Honda Reliability - 2006 Honda Accord
  By Andrew - August 9 - 1:58 pm

  I have driven 5 Honda cars before and bought this one for the same reason I, or my family, has owned the others: reliability and low cost of maintenance. The only problems have been a faulty engine temperature gauge, which would have cost a lot more to replace in other car brands, and a window issue. In the last 300 miles, the drivers side window would not roll up. This has happened twice and is intermittent. I think the switch will probably have to be replaced. I doubt it will be a costly repair. Other than that, no issues. I just paid it off and plan to drive it to 300k, which is a possibility with these cars. My only complaint is Honda interiors tend to rattle, which started early on.

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  Keeps on Ticking - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By glaffin - August 8 - 9:48 am

  While not exciting, this vehicle has given us dependable, efficient service for 5 years. Adequate power, comfortable ride and cavernous interior for lugging "stuff". Great for our two large dogs who travel with us. Highly recommended.

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  Love it! - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By Momof2 - August 8 - 8:06 am

  I just bought this car about a week ago and I just LOVE IT! Its small enough where you can squeeze into tight spots yet its roomy and spacious inside. The only thing that I have found (which I read in other reviews) is that the seats are uncomfortable. But its nothing that a $20 gel cushion cant fix! I went from a V6 vehicle so I thought I might get annoyed with the slower 4cyl but it has PLENTY of pep! Its actually really fun to drive. Nice smooth ride. I am in love.

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  Excellent Buy! - 2010 Honda CR-V
  By Honda acura 101 - August 8 - 6:30 am

  After thirteen years with Honda, we are very happy. One odyssey, one fit, one civic, and now the cr-v. his car blows everyone away in the winter (Live in mass) and on the highway. Dont even think about the rav 4. (Had one and had to return it because it was awful)

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  Affordable hybrid - 2010 Honda Insight
  By Paul Yuen - August 8 - 12:24 am

  Good hybrid car with very affordable price tag ($22K with tax!), a little slow in pick up from stop light traffic,jirky at corners, especially in "Econo" mode, suggest use "S" gear for faster and responding pick up in stop and go traffic, uphill etc (Auto stop will shut off)overall it is a good hybrid car drive in town.