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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  2007 Honda Accord - 2007 Honda Accord
  By 2007 exl honda accor - April 30 - 7:16 pm

  This is the third Honda Accord that I have owned. Great cars lots of nice features for the money. My wife puts on 25000 miles a year. My first car was a 1979, 2004, 2007. Our 2004 had 77000 miles on it when we bought the 2007. Oil changes tire rotation and some time keeping the car clean so when we drove it we could enjoy it. In a nutshell, these are great cars.

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  Lovin Our Element - 2005 Honda Element
  By Micks M - April 30 - 5:56 am

  Weve been driving our Element between Phoenix and Los Angeles for the past couple of months. The interior space is our favorite feature - plenty of room to kick back and sleep on long trips / it cruises between 75 and 90 mph smoothly with plenty of power to spare. We also like how easily the rear seats can be removed [ recently moved a full size bed and headboard with no problems ]. We also love the fact that we can go to the beach and not worry about the sand and water messing up the interior. So far were having a blast with our Element!

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  nimble urban assult vehicle - 2006 Honda Civic
  By bhogge - April 30 - 5:20 am

  the 2006 civic is a great leap forward from its predescesor. the car has ample power for getting on the kill or be killed freeways of houston and brakes that will stop you on a dime and give you 9 cents change. the other evening i wanted to make a u-turn on a major street at a stop light and found myself nearly kissing my backside. The mileage is as advertised, our gas bill was reduced 65% over our nissan maxima...happy here!

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  My CR-V - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By Honeybunny - April 30 - 2:26 am

  I purchased the CR-V less than a month ago and I love it. The car is very roomy, especially in the back row. I had three of my guy friends in there and they were pretty comfortable. I used to have a Corolla and parking was easy, but the CR-V can be pretty tough on small parallel parking, if you have the extra $2000, get the back up system with nav. The heated seats are pretty nice. Gas from the three weeks we had it mileage is so so but not bad, just dont rev the car too much because it kills the mileage.

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  Great minivan for a family - 2008 Honda Odyssey
  By Shero - April 30 - 1:30 am

  This is our first minivan, and we absolutely love it!! We looked at every Crossover on the market, Sienna and Quest, and this was by far the best value for the money. Seats 8 comfortably (3 kids in the back, 1 in a car seat) and 3 adults in the 2nd row. It was a little tight for the adults, but not uncomfortable. Mileage isnt bad for the category & better than SUVs. The rear seats easily fold flat, although removing the 2nd row seats takes a little getting used to. We love the built in window shades for the kids!!

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  love this car - 2007 Honda Fit
  By jpb - April 30 - 12:50 am

  Thoroughly enjoying my 2007 Fit. Superb price with all the safety features standard. Handles great and is fun to drive. Spacious inside. My first Honda, and I doubt Ill buy from another company any time soon. All I need to do now is convince my wife to trade in her VW for one of these. 36+ mpg in mixed use, though will probably increase as the engine breaks in.

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  Incredible Car - 2007 Honda Civic
  By Chris - April 28 - 9:53 am

  What a great car. One of the best cars I have ever driven. For under $21,000 you cannot beat the standard features. I researched for months what car to get and nothing came close to this in value. Fun car to drive. Good mileage, only down side is premium gas. For the performance that you get it is worth every penny. Interior is also great. Seats are extremely comfortable. All competitors dont even come close to interior quality. Noticed when researching this car that some complained about the smoothness when shifting. Now that I have bought it I do notice a very slight grind when engine cold. However, I have been told by many people it is as easy as changing to better tranny fluid and prob gone

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  Honda Civic hybrid.....LOVE IT - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Sue B - April 28 - 1:50 am

  Got my car yesterday and immediately fell in love. My husband was impressed how it handles, its roomyness,and comfort. He has a bad back and was very comfy in the seats. The first 80 miles I got 39 mpg!!!. I am so glad a chose the honda, I had been looking at the Prius but finding one is impossible. This Civic is much the car that the Prius is, just not hatchback or bluetooth ( dont care about that anyway)capable and only one cd in cd player. It is a fabulous car regardless. Buy One and see.

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  99% - 2005 Honda Accord
  By FlowerMan - April 27 - 3:43 pm

  Quality car you wont regret buying. Fun to drive, quiet, comfortable (although not quite as comfortable as a full-size luxury car), great gas mileage, really nice sound system.

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  99% - 2005 Honda Accord
  By FlowerMan - April 27 - 3:43 pm

  Quality car you wont regret buying. Fun to drive, quiet, comfortable (although not quite as comfortable as a full-size luxury car), great gas mileage, really nice sound system.