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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  Very Satisfied - 2004 Honda Civic
  By Lippster - July 11 - 10:52 am

  Ive had the car for a little over a year now. Ive put almost 25k on it! Definitely not overpowered, but its fine for me. Great gas mileage, comfortable and reliable. I love it!

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  Satisfied beyond expectation - 2010 Honda Insight
  By Hybrid Convert - July 11 - 9:22 am

  This review is an update to my earlier review. Driving the car for over 2 months now, I can say it is the best Hybrid money can buy today. Fuel economy is impressive, second to none. Averaging over 45 miles to a gallon so far. Read a lot of negative reviews on other web sites. I dont know what are these people talking about. I wouldnt be surprised if they are coming from Toyota camp. Car is an absolute pleasure to drive, you wont break your bank account buying it and monthly savings on gas purchases are enormous. Even the smallest economy box presently on the market will not deliver the MPG of Honda Insight. For under 20K you get fully loaded, roomy, good looking, very reliable car.

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  What a car! - 2010 Honda Element
  By Ed May - July 11 - 1:10 am

  I just traded in my 2003 Element on a 2010 Element. I have owned dozens of cars and trucks before, but the Element is the best. The 2003 Element had 136,000 miles on it, no repairs for the first 130,000 miles.

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  Good Van but some things to be aware of - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By Valeriemelman - July 10 - 10:11 pm

  I was considering either Honda or Sienna. Test drove several of both. Sienna interior turned me off, it just seemed so plain, acceleration and handling was adequate but seemed the Honda was better at both. However both are good vans and safe. If you buy the Honda EX-L RES model, you need to replace the DVD to CD control cable for it to work properly with the wireless headphones. There is a service bulletin for this. Also you may get windshield whistle which the dealer was kind enough to replace the molding, it stopped. Other than that its a great vehicle. Husband loves the sunroof and bright headlights. Only thing to worry about is the potential runaway problem.

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  Love this car! - 2010 Honda Accord
  By Rebecca - July 10 - 6:30 pm

  I traded a 2009 Caliber for this amazing car. I didnt need this car I wanted this car. In my job I drive 50,000 miles a year so I wanted comfort, gas mileage and bling. I got all three. Its a head turner where ever it goes. Love it! Worth every penny. Hands free blue tooth is so easy to use. The sits really fit my body.

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  Pass the gass stations - 2010 Honda Insight
  By tdandkids - July 10 - 5:56 pm

  Love my Insight, running in eco mode I have been averaging 52 Mpg in combination city and highway driving and lose maybe a mile per gallon with the air conditioning on. Car is fun to drive and despite Edmunds comments I do not find the vehicle noisy on the highway. Controls are simple, stereo very nice and the usb connection great for my shuffle. Wont be disappointed with this car - believe me.

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  Love it- but hate things as well! - 1999 Honda CR-V
  By Orangegirl - July 9 - 9:30 pm

  Sold our 97 Rav4 for this, comparing both, Id lean towards the Rav for my personal use. Dont get me wrong the CR-V is a GREAT SUV, but I hate the fact you cant open the back window/door manually, you need the remote or button inside the vehicle. VERY ANNOYING!! The space in the back, though sufficient, is lacking in height, because of a useless " picnic table". My Rav I could fit my bike in it and a dog, plus when yard sailing buy a snow blower or something else higher and fit NO PROBLEM. But all in all this a good car, and I do love Hondas, will only buy Honda or Toyota, however I do miss my Rav.

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  145,000 miles and going strong! - 2001 Honda Odyssey
  By CPS - July 9 - 8:06 pm

  We purchased our van brand new and have been extremely pleased with the purchase. We have had to repair the basics that would be expected in a 9 year old, 145,000 mile vehicle. Honda extended the warranty and fixed the transmission at 105,000 miles. Other than that, its been brakes, tires, timing belt, fluids, etc. No major mechanical or electrical problems

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  Excellent Automobile - 2010 Honda Odyssey
  By vamsi - July 9 - 3:27 pm

  I bought this vehicle 3 weeks ago,so far drove 1000 miles,mostly combined driving and MPG around 19to20. It drives like Car, easy to maneuver,i came from car to Minivan, did not feel much difference compared to car. I like driving this van with my 3 month kid,its kid friendly ample space to keep family stuff for travel,daily commute. This van is really fun to drive I chose Honda over Toyota because Honda Scores way over in safety ratings than Toyota Sienna.

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  Some flaws but Im buying another one - 2008 Honda Civic
  By Toomanycars - July 9 - 11:14 am

  This car is above most Detroit built, easier to maintain, and improve. When I first got the car and did a long trip, I hit an amazing MPG of 55. I havent hit again: avg city 25-35, highway 35-45. I live where there are a lot of hills and often having a manual is a bad idea but it works great once u get use to it. Ive had a tone of chevys, fords, and dodges, I bought a 99 civic and then this one. the 99 feels like a toy compared to the 08. the 08 has more capability and room than all my previous small cars. I dont leave a car as is sense no car is perfect, this is the first car I didnt need to do a single thing to the engine, but I did install a new air intake any ways :) helped with hp.