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:

• 

  7000 miles and happy - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By review by George - February 19 - 4:15 pm

  When shopping for a vehicle I wanted one that was very versatile and got decent gas mileage. This CR-V does just that. Most of my driving is around town so my 23-25 mpg is OK and is higher on the highway. There is very slight torque steer to the right only on acceleration but it isnt a problem. Ive been able to carry my bike laying inside and at other times much stuff from home supply stores or lawn and garden stores.

• 

  Beautiful ride - 1999 Honda Accord
  By twazthere - February 19 - 3:01 pm

  The last car I had was a 1996 Honda Accord LX sedan. I loved that car... unfortunately a guy pulling out of a parking lot in a truck didnt share that same love. To make a long story short, I wound up with this 1999 Honda Accord EX-L. It performs very well with a lot of peppiness. I get about 30-35 mpg on the highway and 20-25 mpg in town. The car is comfortable to drive in and is very spacious. The bottomline is that you cant beat a Honda for value, performance, and integrity.

• 

  Look Carefully Before You Buy - 2006 Honda Accord
  By mrbritcar - February 19 - 9:16 am

  Blinded by Honda reputation. Did not look as carfully as we should have. Seats are very hard. No lumbar adjustment. Brakes very touchy. Sheet metal is thin, almost dents by pushing on it. Paint quality not good (lots of orange peel). Not smooth, steering wheel and shifter vibrate at idle, worse when cold. Glass in windshield is poor quality, lots of distortion. Its an inexpensive car that will probably run great for a long time but it is clear that they needed to cut corners to keep the price down. In retrospect, something else would have been a better choice.

• 

  Every Mom Deserves this Luxury - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By Dawn Zajk - February 19 - 8:43 am

  I cant say enough about this van. The heated leather seats make my back feel like it is melting into them. The navigation has been very helpful with clear directions and restaurant phone numbers on the fly. The view out of the rear camera is so complete that I feel absolutely safe backing out of my sons busy preschool now. The parking sensors are helping me learn where the van is so I dont bump anyone. The auto open doors and lift gate are so convenient for moms/dads with full hands. Lots of room in back to change diapers,store strollers, etc. The sound system is very good and surround sound makes watching DVDs very fun. I think the Touring w/DVD/NAV was worth every penny.

• 

  Everything we expected for 3 little kids - 2001 Honda Odyssey
  By A & J - February 18 - 5:04 pm

  We recently paid off our van and plan to keep it for another 5 years. It has been very dependable and would highly recommend this van.

• 

  Fun and Practical - 2008 Honda Fit
  By wdb - February 18 - 4:03 pm

  I wanted a commuter that was inexpensive to buy and own, good on gas, and had a big hole in the back. The Fit "fit" all of those. To my great surprise it is also a total hoot to drive. Light, quick and nimble, perfect for country roads and city streets. Also holds its own on the highway. Complaints; fairly minor, all to do with driver comfort/convenience. I added an aftermarket dead pedal and home-made drivers door armrest pad. Next is a "Genuine Honda" center console, special order from Japan because they do not offer them here (Japan gets nav and climate control too!) Ill also do map lights. 37+ MPG avg so far, mix of commuting / local jaunts. Hope ScanGauge gets me to 40 :)

• 

  I love Hondas! - 2003 Honda S2000
  By Rob Owens - February 18 - 2:00 am

  This is the greatest car Honda has ever built. Including the NSX. The technology and engineering that went into developing this car is first class. It is not for people that want plushness, amenities, and creature comforts. This car is for the pure driving experiance. Honda took roadsters back to the basics with this car and hit the bullseye!

• 

  S2000 Review - 2003 Honda S2000
  By Eddie Pryor - February 18 - 2:00 am

  I own this care and it is fun to drive. The overall handling is exceptional. Getting in and out of the car is a pain. Also, the 0-60 time is not fast enough for me. I would definetly recommend this car for anyone who likes to ride with the top down.

• 

  Most Cool Weird Car Ever - 2003 Honda Element
  By Daniel1716 - February 18 - 2:00 am

  This car is cool. The doors are cool. The power is cool. The CD system is cool. I like this car alot. (can u tell) Honda has done it again by creating a reliable car that is functional, safe, and up to date. The looks of this car start outside and go in. The sterring wheel has a great design (same wheel as in pilot) and the metal accents add a modern twist. The perfect car if you have a small child.

• 

  So far so good - 2003 Honda Element
  By fm77oh - February 18 - 2:00 am

  I got the car after months of research and I am confident that I made a good choice. The engine is capable and the ride is smooth. The interior has a nice look and the rear seats are comfortable enough. The height adjustment for the driver seat is a bit of a pain and does not go up high enough and the steering wheel tilt stops short of where I would like it. The cargo area is deceptively large as is the area used to get into the rear seats. Overall it is a car that allows someone to do with as they please, which is what I was looking for.