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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  2010 Honda Insight w/ Navi - 2010 Honda Insight
  By m. cobb - August 3 - 9:20 pm

  What a great vehicle! I have always liked the first generation of Honda Insights, however I was unsure of the technology. I almost purchased a Toyota Prius last year, but the price drove me away. I have own my Insight for a week now playing with different methods of maximizing my fuel economy. The best I have obtained was 58.4 mpg at 64 mph, Eco button ON, cruise OFF and the A/C ON 58! I am impressed!! My combined driving is around 40.8 mpg. It is a really nice driving vehicle, despite it being a "hybrid". I have gotten two(2) thumbs up from some nice looking ladies, so I think it is attracting some attention... LOL! Now I am looking for a nice used 2006 Honda Insight to play with.

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  Great Design - 2005 Honda Element
  By Hairy - August 3 - 1:10 pm

  On the way to buying a BMW all wheeldrive 3 series wagon, we bought thiselement. The wife had the choice betweenthe Element and the BMW. The decisionwas not close; the Element had the appeal.It is a great little vehicle. Verypractical and fun. The BMW is quicker,but more expensive, and a lot lesspractical.This vehicle will easily carry fouradults, a big dog, and luggage. This isvery unusual in a small SUV or wagon.This vehicle was aimed at the surferdude market. While it may be great forthem, it is also great for the 40+ crowdwho are not trapped by stereo types.

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  Great Redesign - Love It! - 2007 Honda Civic
  By FriskieAnnie - August 2 - 5:56 pm

  Traded my 2001 Civic EX Coupe in on this car and I love it. Honda added so many great features - the 01 was a great car, but Honda has really hit the nail on the head with the 07 redesign. Everything I didnt have on my 01 and wanted I now have on my new 07, and then some - except for leather, heated seats. The 5 speed transmission and added HP were much needed. Its a great car, inside and out - my third Civic.

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  Up-Scale Design, Affordable - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By Adam - August 2 - 11:13 am

  My wife and I just purchased this CRV after doing our homework. Turns out that this one is affordable and best outfitted in its class. I really liked the 5 speed trans, and the upscale interior. My wife loves the design and the way it drives.

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  Nice Ride - 2014 Honda Pilot
  By Donald Weiss - August 1 - 9:39 pm

  Great vehicle to own. This is replacing a older pilot that I have owned since 2008. Very, very dependable.

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  Nice Ride - 2014 Honda Pilot
  By Donald Weiss - August 1 - 9:36 pm

  Great vehicle to own. This is replacing a older pilot that I have owned since 2008. Very, very dependable.

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  Test drove many, nothing compares to.... - 2007 Honda Civic
  By Anhela1977 - August 1 - 3:03 am

  I have looked for a new 2007 car for over two weeks. I have test driven everything, and really wanted a sunroof and navigation on the car i chose. However my budget limited my choice. I was choosing between camry, volkswagen etc, and nothing compared seriously to the perks that the civic had and the materials of the make. I found everything but the camry to be cheaply made. But camry with navi and everything else that the civic had was way too expensive. The civic just drove better and now that I have it, its awesome.

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  16 sport - 2016 Honda Accord
  By Philip May - July 31 - 9:22 pm

  I went in to lease the Civic EX and wound up with accord Sport. I love the leather trimmed seats and paddle shifters. Gave up a lot of my favorite features of China Vic EX though...moonroof, technology stuff and safety features. But I went with accord because we are family of 4 and went with the extra space. By the way my wife says I am too young for the old people car (I am 36) because it is huge- it is bigger and than her Highlander! Check your garage space, this.car is gargantuan!

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  Go-cart reflexes - 2007 Honda Fit
  By Larry B - July 31 - 3:40 pm

  I have 3500 miles on this car and my only disappointment has been the 29 mpg average fuel economy. The interior is roomy, the seats are comfortable, the ride is excellent for a small car, and you can converse with your passenger at 75 miles/hour. I found an excellent center armrest on the internet for $129 that was very easy to install and matches the interior perfectly.

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  The big space inside my CRV - 2006 Honda CR-V
  By Mario E Saez - July 31 - 4:56 am

  My CRV is a good suv, beautiful design, big interior space, easy to drive, very stable in curves by the AWD. The motor is powerful when I need it. The wheel outside leaves a big space under the carpet. Its very useful a table for the camping inside the car.