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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  They got it...............its the best - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By ED - May 21 - 8:53 am

  After several reviews and months looking for the best transportation for my people (3 adults and 3 kids) we decided wait until the new odyssey. I already have my touring for 3 months and we are really proud about our decision.All in this car is very intuitive,everithing is in the right place.My congratulations to all that people reestablish its dominance in the minivan marketplacewith this amizing car.

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  Good job Honda! - 2010 Honda Accord Crosstour
  By NWcar2 - May 21 - 8:30 am

  We have been looking for a new car for the last couple of years. When we read about the CrossTour, we wanted to wait until we could test drive it. All I can say is Wow! We tested about everything Toyota and Honda have to offer and the CrossTour was the standout. We love the quiet ride (thanks to the Active Sound Control). Also, the Honda Navigation system is the only one I would buy. It is awesome. If youre looking for a car with great comfort, a little extra luggage space/flexibility in the back and super technology, this is the car for you.

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  2010 EXL with Navi - 2010 Honda CR-V
  By Mike Anton - May 21 - 4:56 am

  This is the best vehicle I have ever owned. Its comfortable, handles well, has enough power, smooth braking and is fun to drive. Lots of headroom and overall driver space.

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  It aint perfect, but close enough. - 2014 Honda Accord Hybrid
  By dat4life - May 20 - 9:46 pm

  Ive had my base Hybrid for a month and put a little over 2K miles on it. Its been amazing so far. Ive averaged about 48 mpg so far in mixed driving, which probably be higher if temps didnt drop below freezing which caused me to average about 36 mpg on my current tank. Handling is good for a big sedan, and it feels like it has as much power as my former 04 Accord EX-L V6 Navi. Brakes are smooth and linear, unlike the jerky brakes found on the Priuss Ive rented. Seats are supportive and comfortable, and the interior fit and finish is quite good. I find the infotainment system to be decently intuitive. The base audio system is ok, though not great.

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  Safe, solid, satisfied - 2009 Honda Civic
  By edward - May 20 - 5:30 pm

  I have owned a 2006 Honda Accord since new, and have been very pleased. Along came cash for clunkers, and I happened to have a 94 Explorer that I was ready to junk, and lo and behold, $4500 was too much to pass up for a new car. This 09 lx-s sedan is really the ticket! Its solid and responsive. The black interior is unique to other civics, and really sets it apart. Both the 06 and the 09 are white. Seems to be the best color for looking sharp and to keep clean, although I do like black. Have had the car for a couple of months, get 30 mpg average, and really like driving it. Ive learned to keep my right knee away from the emergency brake handle. It bothered me at first.

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  Everything I expected - 2008 Honda Civic
  By Sarah - May 20 - 3:40 pm

  Ive had my civic for ~5 months now, and put over 9,000 miles on it. Its been fantastic, and Ive only had to get an oil change once (because of the new more aerodynamic design, according to my dealership). Its a solid car, that I am very happy with. I did a lot of background research before I made the purchase, and it definitely stood far out beyond the other cars of its class. Its got a slightly sporty interior, that honestly feels luxurious. My only real complaint is that Ive been getting approx. 30 mpg highway. I was expecting much higher, but considering I dont exactly drive in a way conducive to ideal gas mileage.

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  Great Insight - 2006 Honda Insight
  By Robert - May 20 - 2:11 pm

  I have owned this car for 5 years. It has more storage than others give it credit for. Love this car, no problems of service required so far. I own a Prius too. Both are great cars. Was in an accident, T-boned by an elderly woman. No damage to my body.

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  Best car Ive ever bought - 2005 Honda Insight
  By DriverMan - May 20 - 12:04 pm

  What a refreshing, wonderful experience: a car Ive bought that does exactly what I expected and a lot more plus is saving me MORE and MORE money every day. I love it. Plenty of power, fantastic mileage. When it hits 200,000 miles, Ill definitely buy another Honda Insight!

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  Best Car Ever - 2007 Honda Civic
  By ryanj1178 - May 20 - 6:23 am

  Bought this in Nighthawk Black. Has the full body kit from Honda and aftermarket exhaust from Injen. One test drive and you will be hooked. The handling is outstanding would never know it is front wheel drive. On top of that this car loves to be driven quick and it drives like a rocket. i have averaged 29 mpg in mixed driving including fast starts and high speed stints. The interior is typical Honda quality with everything looking very refined. I do not know of any car that comes close to the SI in terms of the complete package.

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  2005 Rallye Red EX - 2005 Honda Element
  By beaker - May 20 - 1:30 am

  I really like the Element. It drives well,and has excellent acceleration. I would suggest if you are considering any color that is paired with the blue or black composite panels to reconsider. The black composite panels are difficult to keep clean. I had owned my car for about 5 days when a thunderstorm came through. I drove on all paved roads, yet the dirt and mud that accumulated on the panels was unreal. I had to wash the panels at least 3x to get rid of the dirt. Water spots are also a problem. The regular gray panels would be much easier to clean. The red and black look sharp together but it takes a lot of time to clean the panels.