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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  Its Honda. Just not the Honda you knew. - 2010 Honda Accord
  By MiddleRoad - June 20 - 3:20 pm

  Driving this car is a positive tactile experience. Good throttle control, smooth drive train, tight suspension, good steering feel. It has a very rigid feeling chassis ala BMW. Thats good. However, several weeks after taking delivery, I noticed little black and orange metal particles stuck to the paint in a few places. Rail dust. Theyre tiny, you have to be looking for them. If successfully removed by dealer, then I would rate this car pretty high. 8.5 to 9 re: meeting expectations. Still take a hit on quality for allowing this in the first place, no free ride.

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  Great SUV - Great for the Road - 2010 Honda Pilot
  By MDG - June 18 - 2:16 pm

  Great SUV for Highway driving. We consistently get 22 MPG (wish it were better, but not bad for this size car). Great Nav system (negative is you have to pay for version upgrades). Good size interior to hall stuff, a MUST is the back area plastic cover. For me I got the full area cover (pricey at $300 - but worth it). Great hide away storage in the back - good for jumper cables, tools, trailer hitch, and other stuff. Rides great on the road and in town. Sound system could be better for this price - but lots of electronic toys to play with - a plus for me 110 volt outlet and Ipod connection that is integrated. I would recommend this car to anyone and would purchase it again.

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  Love my Hondas - 2010 Honda Civic
  By Sils79 - June 18 - 10:05 am

  I absolutely love my Civic, this is my 4th Honda and it is wonderful just like the rest. The car handles wonderfully and the craftsmanship is top notch for this class. Could use a little more punch under the hood, but for 40 mpg freeway, I guess Ill compromise a bit on acceleration. All in all it is a wonderful car and based on this, the other Civic and 2 Accords I will keep on coming back to Honda.

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  I love my Insight! - 2010 Honda Insight
  By Wizard - June 17 - 11:15 pm

  I decided to look at hybrids when my old SUV qualified under the Cash for Clunkers program. I was attracted primarily to the Insight because of its sportier design by comparison to other hybrids I looked at. Any improvement in mileage was a leap forward from my SUV so super duper gas mileage wasnt my primary goal. I just wanted a vehicle kinder to the environment. My mpg almost exactly matched the advertised mpg of 41 city and 43 highway until I got interested in hypermiling techniques about four months ago. Im now consistently getting 48-51 mpg (and rising) with my daily in-town commute. Ive been astounded how a few minor changes in my driving habits have made so much difference.

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  Clear Choice for Commuter - 2010 Honda Insight
  By Chevy2Honda - June 17 - 8:37 pm

  I was driving Chevy Suburban daily for the last several years. With a recent job change, I was spending close to $500 in gas every month. That had to stop. After reading reviews on Prius and Insight, it was pretty clear that I needed Insight. Bought EX model in the middle of June 2010, and I have no regret at all and love driving it. My weekly gas bill is mere $20. Even with my monthly lease payment, I am spending less money every month. The quality is great, and the console is well thought out.

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  I Love My Accord - 2010 Honda Accord
  By MarkB - June 17 - 1:40 pm

  I love my new Accord. Got the EX-L w/o Navigation and cant believe the great price I paid for this car! I have had three great cars all of which lasted over 8 years and I can honestly say this is the best of the best! I know I will have many happy years of enjoyment driving this car. To those who made statements about outside temperature reading, the Accord does have outside temperature reading. You have to push in the tripometer pin and it will show the outside temperature. -)

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  2010 Accord-Perfect for me - 2010 Honda Accord
  By fnc119 - June 17 - 10:06 am

  After test driving and researching cars for eight months I went with the Accord. My wife, daughter and I took a trip to NH and it convinced me the Accord was the best car for me. I split the driving with them and they were very pleased with the cars ride, comfort and performance. I was very happy with the MPG/28.5. After the 450 mile trip my wife seems ready to trade- in her new Outback for a Crosstour.

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  Honda Hits Another Home Run - 2010 Honda CR-V
  By Holly and Gary - June 17 - 7:15 am

  Best value for the money. The quality of the Honda CR-V is far superior to that of Toyotas RAV4. Its very comfortable to drive, has an excellent navigation system, solid performance, and RELIABLE! Having looked at many other CR-Vs, Honda provides the best value for the money. It is very roomy, with back seats that easily fold up like an accordion for more room. The dashboard has a smart layout, with controls on the driving wheel, plenty of leg room, well designed and fun to drive. Great visibility and handling on the road - a very well built car.

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  My 5th Honda, best car - 2007 Honda Accord
  By HONDADRIVER - June 16 - 6:41 pm

  I traded in my 07 camry for this car, after I could not get used to the camry driving, accelerator dies when you slow. I am very sad honda withdrew this car from the market, car magazines stupidly compare this V 6 to the 4 cylinder hybrids. This is a very powerful car , with amazing gas consumption 36 Mpg HWY. To save money you need better gas consumption in the HWY. This where you put most of the miles. I have put 65,000 mile. 0 problems., feels like brand new. All cars are hybrids. As all cars uses a battery to start. This is not a performance car, this is an Accord with the best performance. I think Honda should bring this car back with 4 and 6 cylinder option.

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  One year old still nice - 2010 Honda Accord
  By andrew - June 15 - 9:06 am

  The Accord 6 cyl sedan is a year old now and has 11,600 miles on it with no problems at all. Its comfortable, sporty and it gets reasonable mpg. Winter driving 20 to 22 around town. Just did a check and summer combined 23.7. The one trip to n. Y. With mostly highway with some slowdowns it did 30.2. It would do better in a long run like to Florida I am sure. Always looking at other cars and for the price it is hard to beat this car. I have had 50 to 60 cars and this would be a hard one to replace since it does most things very well and is easy to live with.