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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  Honda EX V6 2004 - 2004 Honda Accord
  By JohnnyC - December 7 - 10:00 am

  If I were an american manufacturer, I would be very concerned with the quality of the foreign competition at this price level. The quality of this vehicle is just as nice as many other vehicles costing 3- 10 thousand more. A real winner.

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  Not just a mommy-van! - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By Wendy Minshall - December 7 - 9:03 am

  We searched for a long time to find the perfect van. The only downside is that you cant buy the touring model with 8 passenger (which was important to us) and I wish the middle seats were stowaway like the back seats. Other than that it is PERFECT! When you are driving it, it feels more like a luxury car than a Mini-van! We also liked the Toyota Sienna, but we are 100% sure that this was the right van for us! Good luck!

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  honda - 1998 Honda CR-V
  By paco - December 7 - 2:00 am

  Perfect vehicle. Workes flawlessly around town or on the beach. No engine problems.Minor dent and very small scratches on top. Otherwise perfect.

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  2008 Accord EXP - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Rob R - December 7 - 12:00 am

  I just turned in my 05 Malibu for the Accord and what a major difference, should of gotten the 05 Accord when I had the chance. Ride is excellent and secure, power is good. One thing I will say to everyone who gets a car: do your home work. If you had read some of the car or consumer report write ups about the car a lot of your concerns I was reading about would have been answered, i.e. poor gas mileage look close at your window sticker not the big mpg numbers but the ratings below, it tells you that you could get 17 mpg based on your driving habits. Next time you take a new car for a ride tell the sales man not to say a word and keep the radio off and find a road that needs work to drive on.

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  Amazing Vehicle - Luxury 100% - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Donttryitx - December 6 - 11:16 pm

  I put in Aftermarket Leather Seat Covers - and the car is Now 100% Luxurious, Drives Great - Smooth Pickup Acceleration - Gears You don feel - GAS (So So - Supposed to be 30 in the city, I get about 24 but that is NYC, Highways is As stated 40) Went from a big Car Q45, to this and I so far I am saving about 50 Dollars a week On Gas, about 100 a month on insurance, and another 500 a month on Depreciation. 650 Not bad for an excellent car - Not small at all!! - If you are a thinker, an Average Household - Dont buy a used JUNK! This will cost You A LOT LESS, IF nothing at all in the LONG RUN - Good Luck..

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  Excellent - 2008 Honda Civic
  By honda from now on - December 5 - 10:13 pm

  I have been driving this car for the past month and I love it. I took two long trips and during one I got 31 mpg. The other was a whopping 34.8 mpg I am loving this at the pump. The car is fun to drive and is very peppy. I came from a large SUV and although the ride is quite different, I wouldnt trade my Honda for anything.

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  Love this car! - 2010 Honda Insight
  By Diana - December 5 - 1:46 pm

  I really didnt believe the MPG promises made by the dealership, but I wasnt concerned because I knew it would be better than my trade in. In econo mode, Im getting about 46 MPG on surface streets! That is mind boggling! I routinely get about 50 on my commute which is a mix of freeway and surface streets. I do turn the econo mode off during the hot AZ summers and the mileage is still really good, probably about 45 MPG on my commute. The performance is great. I can pass when I need to pass, accelerate to get on the freeway. I also store a surprising amount of cargo in the back, with the seats folded down.

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  Highly recommed - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By ppetrey - December 5 - 7:10 am

  Honda has a winner with the "Pilot"! Extremely good handling, hugs the road, good acceleration. Wonderful for travel. Fuel efficient, however as with any other vehicle, could be better. Interior is comfortable and very versatile. Both rear seats are 60/40 seats and completely fold down, cup holders, outlet plugs(for all the kids gizmos)and reading lights through out the vehicle. And last but certainly not least the great safety features! I highly recommend this vehicle!

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  Sport Utility Van - 2003 Honda Element
  By Rowzell - December 5 - 2:00 am

  This is with out a doubt the most practical vehicle I have ever owned. Add the great look and Hondas "Quality and Reliability" and the Element becomes the perfect vehicle for Gen. "Y" and anyone that does not need to haul a kid transport.

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  I feel good in my Element - 2003 Honda Element
  By RobSeb - December 5 - 2:00 am

  I just heard from co-workers about the versatility of the interior, I was sold before I saw the vehicle. Ive been looking for a car that would combine the fun driving of my 93 Miata with the cargo space of my 90 Trooper,... I think Ive found it, now I can sell the other two. I carry musical instruments on the weekend and a black lab, I love the way the rear doors open when I carry 2 guitars and a bag. The leg room in the back is much much larger than average, the 2 guitars fit on the floor in front of the rear seats. I love it.