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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  Love my Accord - 2006 Honda Accord
  By jag57 - June 21 - 4:06 am

  Great Car! This is the first Honda I have ever owned and I love it. I have owned my LX for one month now and have 3400 miles on it. The 4 cyl. is great. We drove 4 adults with lots of luggage and traveled over Colorado mountain passes and you couldnt believe how much power it had and the gas mileage was still 30 mpg. On one trip I got 38 mpg. I also got my 1st ticket in this car, it has so much power and fun to drive that I wasnt paying attention.

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  The Cars I Missed Buying Rolled Into One - 2002 Honda S2000
  By Crabby Guy - June 21 - 2:00 am

  Its just not possible to go 100 feet in my S2000 without breaking into an ear-to-ear grin that lasts for hours after leaving the car. This is truly, by design, a racing car. The S2000 does not really handle like a car--its somewhere between a go- cart and a motorcyle. The engine is perfectly satisfactory up to 5000 RPM for driving in even stop-and-go traffic. From 5000 to red line at 9000, you go into warp drive. I missed buying a Porsche Speedster and a 356SC, I turned down a great deal on a 289 Cobra, and I passed on a Lotus Super 7. They are all in the S2000 with the reliability of a Honda. I will keep this car for the rest of my life.

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  Dont Believe the Negativity - 2008 Honda Accord
  By HondaLover - June 20 - 3:50 am

  I have read the reviews. I have nothing bad to say about my car. I bought the Red Coupe 24 hours ago and I have already put 150 miles on it. I read the negativity, I have not any of those issues thus far. There is no noise when driving. There are no blind spots, just use your side mirrors correctly. The plug for my iPhone is in a great place. This is my fourth Honda and my first Accord. I had my last 1993 Honda Civic for 11 years. I was just ready for a upgrade and it was good to me until the last few years. Follow the instructions on how to buy a new car. It really help me get my car only $500 over invoice and 4.9% interest rate. I came in already financed, so I came with buying power.

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  Let er scream - 2006 Honda Civic
  By lookingglass - June 20 - 3:20 am

  With about 25,000 miles on the car, and having read most of the online reviews of this car I wanted to add my two cents worth. The car is great as a small performance car. Handling is superb, it is quite fast. The two tiered dash takes a lot to get used to. The throttle hang that many complained of began to disappear at around 15,000 miles and now is mostly non-existent unless shes cold. The third gear notchyness that many complained of was noticeable when the car was cold during the first winter but this winter has not appeared. Honda has a new gear lube for this tranny for winter driving. Overall, the car is a gas to drive, is very comfortable for two, very high build quality.

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  Alive in 95 - 1995 Honda Odyssey
  By moonchild - June 20 - 2:00 am

  I bought this Odyssey in 1998 with 45k miles. In 2003 it has 150k miles. It has been a dream except for the brakes/rotors which seem to wear out too soon and I live in the flat midwest. I did not have the oil changed as often as I should which has taken its toll on the engine but instead of purchasing a new Odyssey, Im having this engine rebuilt. The newer Odysseys might be okay, but the body/style of the 95s are the best. WHY did Honda have to change it? It was perfect to begin with.

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  terrific - 2001 Honda CR-V
  By ann h. - June 20 - 2:00 am

  this is an incredible car? SUV? Drives like a car but does great in EXTEME conditions... I live in Idaho, came back from Sun Valley last year down terrible road conditions, my cr-v did great... cars, SUVs, pickups all over the the side of the road (off the road and ditched... my cr-v just kept going... no problemo.... P.S. We have a 1992 landcruiser (old tank type) and for on-road conditions of any type, this really does better!

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  I am back to Honda - 2010 Honda Accord
  By Joel - June 19 - 9:46 pm

  Many cars today are close in quality and price and the choice is wide. So, I am reaching down to the soul of this auto to base my review. Peel away the layers and you find a very well engineered and built buggy with the best reliability in the business. Remember all the competitionÂ’s products are copycats of the Honda Accord, for me, I want the original item. This Accord is my third and they keep improving every time. This model seems like it has unlimited technology that I need to have an engineering degree to learn it all; which is a good thing. The car stands out (Pearl White) and I receive compliments on how classy it looks. The gas mileage on my last 200 mile trip averaged 34 MPG.

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  Happy Hybrid - 2008 Honda Civic
  By RONALD4266 - June 19 - 2:00 pm

  Purchased the Hybrid almost 1 yr ago. To date 26,000 miles and it runs fantastic. As for mileage, last summer I was averaging around 50 mpg since I do all highway driving. When winter came it dropped off about 5 mpg. Still beats my pickup truck I traded in. The navigation was my wifes idea and I am so glad she talked me into it. This is the greatest nav I have ever used. Had several hand helds and a Lexus. The only problem I have found is the tires. I have just replaced the stock tires since they were shot at 25000 miles. When I replaced them the tire guy told me I would lose about 2-3 mpg and he was right. I recommend buying hybrid tires.

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  Loves it, Loves it! - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By Chantel - June 19 - 12:43 pm

  I traded in my 1997 Honda Civic for a bigger car. I decided to get the CRV due to my love for Hondas. They run FOREVER! Also I love the low maintenance. My CRV feels like Im driving my civic, the only difference is that I can see so much more due to being up higher. This car gets good Gas mileage, handles like a dream, and just fun to drive in general. The airbags all over the car make you feel extremely safe. Very, very roomy interior, I can drive around my siblings, my friends and my dog all at the same time!

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  A little bit more.. - 2006 Honda Accord
  By Steve1 - June 19 - 9:53 am

  The 06 is just a little bit more of everything. A bit more powerful, a bit more quiet, a bit more sophisticated, a bit more styled, etc. I traded an 03 and the 06 is just a bit more refined.