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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  Best Ive ever owned - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By silverback - January 10 - 10:00 am

  I love everything about it. Its a spunky car in the city, and no problem on those steep mountain roads out west. It feels the same at 90 as it does at 60.

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  Transmission Anyone - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By icetime - January 10 - 10:00 am

  Have one week under my belt now. Anyone having problems with transmission? I think either Honda or I have a problem. 0 - 45 MPH is very smooth. Over 45(maybe 50) the tranny wants to shift up down and all around as you speed up and slow down. Its not real bad but definitely noticable. Also level speed between 50 and 55 gets you a low throttle sound like there isnt enough power. More than likely it is shifting too soon. This is true all the time not some of the time. My wife and kids hear it also but so far my wife loves the car (go figure). I like the car but it is easily the worst transmission "feel" for any car I have ever driven with such few miles. Guess its off to the dealer.

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  Great buy - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By ozwirk - January 10 - 10:00 am

  Best overall vehicle I have purchased in 15 years

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  Smooth Sailing - 2001 Honda Civic
  By W. Stevenson - January 10 - 10:00 am

  I dont know what all the bad talk is about this vehicle. We have put nearly 21000 miles on ours since July of 2001 and not had a single problem. The car is very reliable, efficient and fun to drive.

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  Completely Satisfied - 2006 Honda Civic
  By HappyHondaOwner - January 10 - 2:53 am

  I love my new civic. I get so many compliments on it and people staring while Im on the road. Most people think its the accord. I like how the dash is angled toward the driver and the dash is like no other car out there. Initially I wanted navigation but the system looked too plain for the bright new dash and stereo system. Every 1 out of 5 times the SRS light comes on and I found(owners manual) it happens when my foot hits a sensor while getting into the car.At first I had a problem with the stereo (scrambled letters numbers & wouldnt play) when I changed from MP3 CD to regular CD. I had a 98 civic EX before this one & the only problem I ever had w/ it was the window came off track.

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  Recomended Buy - 2007 Honda Civic
  By New car great - January 7 - 9:16 pm

  Great car,well put together,excelent road manners. The mileage thus far about 40-45 mpg. Changed my driving style. I think better than Prius, only regret not buying the GPS system. Highly recomended!

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  Great car, so far - 2010 Honda Insight
  By GodOfThunder - January 6 - 7:16 pm

  Ive only had it a few days, so Im sure Ill come back to this review. Im averaging about 47MPG with city driving in Florida with the AC blasting. In "eco" mode, the car is slow. That is how it is supposed to be. However, in "sport" mode, it has enough pickup to get moving quite well. The auto shutoff takes a little getting used to but can be turned off by not using "eco" mode. The ride is smooth and quiet and the car is well-made like most Hondas. The USB interface for iPods is great as well as the fuel economy screens and the plethora of information it supplies to you to improve your driving. I strongly suggest the EX for Cruise Control.

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  Love the car and will get one but... - 2016 Honda HR-V
  By Chris wants a HR-V - January 6 - 6:50 pm

  Love the car and want one so bad but theres no special money factor or special leasing option I want to lease this beautiful Car Ive been looking at it for months now but its gonna lease more then the CR-V!! Why why why if they fix this I will buy today

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  wow - 2004 Honda Element
  By dmars - January 6 - 11:33 am

  i have been in the service and collision industry as a manager for thirty plus years and this is far one of the finest vehicles i have ever come across.

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  My new 2004 6mt - 2004 Honda Accord
  By Jeremy - January 6 - 5:00 am

  First off being a car fanatic, and having driven almost everything on the market, I am going to be a tough critic. However, I recently purchased an 04 Accord coupe in silver, black leather with the navigation and xm package. After two weeks of driving, I absolutely love this car! For me it is the perfect blend of a sporty 2 + 2 with practicality and reliability. Great interior ergonomics with excellent styling. The six speed is smooth along with the consistant power band of the engine. It has made my work commute in atlanta traffic much more fun.