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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  Love Our Odyssey - 2010 Honda Odyssey
  By Wcj41978 - May 8 - 8:56 pm

  We are very happy with our Odyssey. We have the EX-L with the RES. Our kids love the DVD quality and the wireless head sets. We love the tri-climate controls, back up camera, power remote sliding doors and tailgate, and all the fun toys Honda included. We are averaging 22 MPG and do mostly city driving. We are taking a trip to Florida (from TX) in August and cant wait to drive the Odyssey there. We have found the ride to be comfy and quiet even on the highway. We considered the Pilot as well but loved the Odyssey so much more.

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  My Experience of the Insight - 2010 Honda Insight
  By pkw - May 8 - 2:23 pm

  Ive read numerous ratings and comments about the Insight and I find that its hard to believe theyre talking about the same car Ive owned for a year now. My Insight has never gotten lower than 42 MPG and then only in sub-zero weather. In normal weather I always get 45, 46 or 47 mpg and thats after I do the math, which is just below the instrumentations estimates. I also have a Prius for nearly four years, and the Prius is slightly faster, but the instrumentation is not as concise, but the Prius is now older than the Insight. The Insight is solidly built, and gets mpg greater than ratings which have been publicized.

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  Great Car - 2004 Honda Accord
  By ricks54chevy - May 7 - 10:49 pm

  While no car is perfect for all this one is great for many. Just got this recently from my dads estate in Az. Drove it to Maryland and have used it for a few months and now ready to sell. First off I will miss it. This car combines very good acceleration with great fuel economy for the size. It sits and transports four full sized adults and all their stuff comfortably. It rides on the stiff side but in return provides great control. If you want cushy and floaty buy a Buick or Camry. If you like apexes and sweeping on ramps this is for you. I have achieved mpg 20s in town and low 30s on the open road. Not at all bad for the level of comfort, performance, and reliability.

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  What a nice minivan! - 2010 Honda Odyssey
  By VegasRPh - May 7 - 1:12 pm

  First, I want to point out that this is our very 1st minivan. We actually never thought we would own a minivan, until our friends bought an Odyssey 2 years ago. My wife and I are very pleased with our new Alabaster Silver Odyssey EX with grey cloth interior (we did a 3 year lease). We have had the Odyssey for 1 month and 1,000 miles so far. The Odyssey is very smooth, quiet, comfortable, surprisingly fun to drive, excellent interior, plenty of room, and gas mileage is 18MPG so far in city only. The front driver seat/passenger seat is very comfortable (grey cloth) and the middle captain chairs are fantastic too. Overall, the fit/finish is excellent and we truly enjoy our Odyssey!

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  Sunroof air leak issues - 2010 Honda Pilot
  By Steve - May 7 - 10:16 am

  We are repeat Pilot owners of a 2004 and a new 2010 Pilot. We really like the new body design and this time we went with the higher end model with leather, rear entertainment and a sunroof. I had the car in for an air leak in the sunroof which gets worse at speeds over 55 MPH. Dealership service team said this is normal and I disagree.

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  Great Car! - 2010 Honda Civic
  By Great vehicle !! - May 6 - 9:43 pm

  I have been buying new cars over 40 years and I must say this one, the 2010 Civic EX-L is the best! People I know who drive large expensive cars say the EX-L drives and feels like a luxury car in a smaller body, cant think of anything negative or close to it!

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  Like Nothing Else, In a Great Way! - 2008 Honda Ridgeline
  By travelindog - May 5 - 9:11 pm

  Very pleased after 35,000 miles! Great in the snow and serves my hauling and occasional off road needs just great. Ive owned Chevy, Dodge and Ford trucks, and this Ridge is the best vehicle Ive owned, period. My hats off to Honda engineers and designers who obviously had their hats on straight when they drew up this vehicle. Would suggest that anyone considering a light pickup truck take a look at this.

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  Incredible little car! - 2010 Honda Fit
  By Don Groves - May 4 - 7:28 pm

  I bought it today, but I am so pleased with it. The flexibility of the interior design is incredible. All cars like this should have a magic seat! Great car for someone with a dog. Nice and peppy for a little engine even with the automatic. Excellent sound system that integrates with my ipod. Good bye to satellite radio. Excellent dealer experience.

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  My best vehicle yet! - 2010 Honda Ridgeline
  By 209flyboy - May 4 - 6:31 pm

  If you dont need to tow your 8000 lb. house around and are looking for an excellent family utility vehicle, ride, comfort and reliability, this is the truck for you. Sometimes I forget Im driving a pickup. The rear seats have a pull down center arm rest with cup holders which is a blessing when the kids are riding with me. I like the huge trunk space under the rear deck and the two way deck door opening. I carry my golf clubs under the lift up back seats. Just finished a 3600 mile round trip from California to Texas and back which was very comfortable. Avg. 21.8 MPG over the whole trip. High Grade Michelin tires are supplied on alloy wheels. You cant go wrong with this truck.

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  Second Honda - 2007 Honda Accord
  By autobuff - May 4 - 6:05 pm

  This is my second Honda that I have purchased. The first a honda CRX Si drove it to 305,116 miles. The ride is smooth, and the interior much improved compared to my friends accords. The interior is quiet enough to have a civil conversation, though not as quiet as a Lexus. Pick up is effortless with the manual with a slick feel. I bought this car used with only 27,900 miles on it, and the way i see it it is barely broken in. I look forward to minimal maintenance issues, and great return on this purchase.