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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  fine car - 2004 Honda Accord
  By antatrumo - December 6 - 10:00 am

  I just purchased my 2004 blcak ex-l. I am very impressed with this car. Our last accord was a new black ex-l in late 2000 which was traded in 1 year later for a 2002 honda odyssey. Amont the previously unavailable features of the older accords, the new tan leather interior in very luxurious, and the wood inserts are very tasteful. we are very happy with this beautiful car, and this is our 5th honda automobile in the last 6 years.

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  Great Vehicle - 2008 Honda Odyssey
  By first-timer - December 6 - 9:33 am

  We love our new Odyssey. It has plenty of pickup, and delivers close to 20 MPG in regular driving, meaning some town, some freeway. All freeway were getting close to 25mpg. I think the people getting 13 or whatever have a lead foot or do a lot of stop and go. So far no defects except for a carpet stain that we found after buying it. The dealer cleaned it up, and I think a mechanic probably did it or something. This engine really pushes hard above 3000 revs, and it sounds wonderful doing it. The Sienna felt like a barge next to this, and the Caravan and Chrysler both seemed too "plastic" or something. The Honda fit us great.

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  Nice car - 2008 Honda Accord
  By royalty - December 6 - 1:36 am

  Traded a 2007 Azera Limited in on 2008 Honda Accord Coupe EX-L with nav. Black exterior and black interior are gorgeous. Get tons of compliments on the car. So far quite pleased. I am sure the V6 would have been a lot faster but with the price of gas I am happy with the 190HP 4cyl. Not a rocket but still fairly quick. The stereo is excellent. Nav works well. Comfy seats. Very good ride and handling - much better than the 2007 models. The only complaint I have is the intrusive headrest which Honda needs to improve. Hyundai has a front-to-back adjustable headrest that ratchets to the position most comfortable for each rider and it is the only item superior to that in the Honda.

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  Instrument Panel Driving Feedback - 2006 Honda Civic
  By RichardDietrich - December 5 - 10:43 am

  Cruise control is very helpful in sub-urban and urban driving as well as utilizing cruise control on the Highway. The car automatically charges and alternately expends electrical energy in the cruise control mode increasing the MPG that a tank of gas delivers. In fact the less hands on driving that I perform and the more driving the car performs in cruise control, the better the car performs.

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  I love my Hybrid - 2007 Honda Civic
  By Billy Pilgrim - December 4 - 5:06 pm

  I chose the Civic Hybrid for its smooth, quiet operation, driveability, advanced standard safety features, exceptional ergonomics, amazing instrument panel...and those 50 miles per gallon. I liked it when I got it, and I love it a few months later. It moves and handles well, protects my family like a vigilant Doberman, and lives up to its advertised MPG. My highest observed sustained mileage was 58.3 on a highway trip; I average around 47 mpg in largely-urban commuting and around town. Steering is quick and precise, braking is sure and solid. Other favorites: Standard 4-channel ABS with brake distribution and brake assist, Hondas exceptional airbag system and the tilt/telescope wheel.

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  CANT PLEASE EVERYONE! - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Katman - December 4 - 4:17 am

  Excellent car, I find it strange that you have a handful of complainers out of over 800 reviews. I dont even bother looking at those reviews when you have almost a 5 star score and just a few 1-2 stars.

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  The car you can trust ! - 2006 Honda Civic
  By hondafan - December 3 - 9:00 pm

  Very fun to drive, miles improved laterly . my first tank average 27mpg , 2nd tank 29mpg.... and now i got 33mpg. Engine runs quiet and smooth 78mph at 2500rpm. I love this car very much

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  More than we expected - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By Lenny - December 2 - 5:00 pm

  Picked up our new CRV-EX/2WD this morning and promptly went on a bit of a drive to check the highway mileage. 30.6 MPG at 70MPH. Fit and finish are great, more power than expected. I found the seats very comfy, everything works as advertised including the power moonroof. 6 disc changer works well and sounds very good. There are a lot of things I need to learn about this car though, this is our first import(guess it had to happen sooner or later)

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  A Sporty Sedan - 2006 Honda Civic
  By KeysCop - December 2 - 9:03 am

  Sporty sedan, great performance, even better gas milage. Headrests are tilted too far forward so that you have to recline the front seat so your head is not resting on the headrest.

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  Dumped the A4 and never looked back - 2007 Honda Fit
  By mvnicosia - December 2 - 5:53 am

  Ive only put 1000 miles on my new Fit Sport manual, but I must say I love it. It handles like a dream. Nice, tight steering. The clutch and shifter throws are short and the acceleration is peppy. The stereo is loud and thumping and plays my my iPod tracks great through the auxiliary port. How many seating configurations does this thing have? Theres room to tote my 64" self, my girlfriend and our baby, plus about a months worth of groceries (if we wanted to buy that much, which we dont). Or, it can haul a household appliance. Whats that you say, Mr. Salesman... delivery is extra? I think Ill pass. I traded down to this car from an Audi to save money and gas. No regrets.