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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  An overview and corrections - 2005 Honda Insight
  By Frank Manley - March 23 - 9:46 pm

  84 yrs old, and cars all my life, including Ferrari, and road racing, This is finest engineered ever, with worlds most advanced engine. Also, fun to drive. You guys lie a lot-the 5 speed will give 65 M/G all day. 70 M/G is common. I have a CVT and can get 60 plus/gal on flat roads to Cal. from Seattle. Next year when oil goes to 80/barrel, I will have to lock it up!

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  Buyers Remorse - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Dolce - March 23 - 5:26 pm

  Just traded in my 03 Toyota Highlander, which I absolutely adored to buy this Accord. I am so very disappointed with the gas mileage! My Highlander was doing the same! I traded in my beautiful Highlander for a couple of miles less than the Accord. So, for this reason, Im sick. I traded for better mileage, and this is what I got. Eventually will trade it in for something more fuel efficient, hoping the gas prices wont make it depreciate more. I could kick myself! I miss my baby!!

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  Love it - 2007 Honda Civic
  By handyhonda - March 23 - 1:46 pm

  Love my Honda Civic EX coupe 5 speed. This is the best Civic ever built. It beats all the competition. Honda legendary reliability. Gas mileage. I have been averaging about 35 mi/gal. Awesome. Fantastic styling. Best color is black. I love everything.

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  260k miles and going strong - 1993 Honda Civic
  By mike c - March 23 - 3:23 am

  I am a Honda person for life now!! 260,000 hard miles, uses no oil and not a single major repair. Over 40mpg highway and 35mpg city. I suggest sending the fuel injectors in for off car cleaning every 100k miles (NONE of the bottle stuff works, I tried it all) and do yourself a favor and install a high flow airfilter and muffler. It does NOT have to be a loud "coffee can" to improve performance AND mileage. My exhaust manifold developed a crack around 200k and I replaced it with a header because of lower cost. I would never go back. There was no downside and my engine was more responsive at all rpms. I use a 50% mix of synthetic and regular oil this made a noticeable improvement in hp & mpg.

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  Masterful Design - 2004 Honda Element
  By Brenda H - March 22 - 5:28 pm

  Even though it has unusual appearances, we were intrigued enough to take one for a test drive. The automatic transmission left us interested and engaged. But, we were practically screaming with delight after driving one with a manual transmission and could not make the purchase transaction fast enough. We would purchase this car again. Due to its unique styling, we encounter numerous inquiries from strangers that allow us to emphatically tell them about the car. This car is such an impressive combination of function and comfort that the exterior styling naunces have become truly endearing!

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  Great Investment - 1997 Honda CR-V
  By StartingAFamily - March 22 - 12:58 pm

  I have had my CRV for nearly three years and have not had a single problem or even a hiccup. The value in three years has only went down several hundred dollars! My wife and I love our CRV. Go Honda!

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  Teach me oh MPG gurus - 2008 Honda Civic
  By Linda - March 22 - 12:36 pm

  I loved my Mazda 3, 5-door w/ leather, but I wanted better gas mileage than the 20 mpg I was getting. I was on waiting lists for the Prius and the Civic. The Civic was available first. I like (do not love) its styling. I am disappointed in my mpg, however. My first two tanks were 40 and 38 mpg. My current tank reads 33.5 mpg. I need fuel economy lessons. My friend hates to ride with me because I drive so slowly. I just dont know what Im doing wrong. The only time the gauge has me getting good gas mileage is when my foot is off the gas pedal. My mpg is better than in my Mazda 3, but Im not sure if it was worth the switch.

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  Still the best - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By Ellicott City - March 22 - 10:00 am

  After owning for 6 months and 8k miles, I like it more than the first time. It is indeed quiet while cruising, the ride is smooth on good surface but too sensitive on bumpy road. The engine is very smooth but 5 speed auto trand is just adquite. During a long trip, found the 3rd row seat is more comfortable. 2nd row seat is not compy with vibrations. For long trip, Sienna is definetely better choice but going around town Odyssey is the winner.

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  Keeps gettting better - 2001 Honda Accord
  By First import - March 22 - 10:00 am

  Bought the vehicle new, have had no problems to date, Honda sent out 100,000 mile transmission warranties for problems the auto had to all buyers. I have yet had any problems with the trans. I did have to replace the coolant sooner that maint. req. The dealer recommends 30,000 intervals. Gas mileage is consistent, with the right oil. 5W-20 is recommended. I am getting 20 mpg in town, 29 hwy at 75mph. Have been very impressed with this vehicle, it just keeps getting better. Only draw back is poor paint quality on the hood and front bumper.

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  Whitney B. Walker - 2002 Honda Civic
  By WhitneyCmachine - March 22 - 10:00 am

  I got a civic because my previous car was an unrestored 64 ford mustang (that needed a lot of work) and I just wanted a car I didnt have to worry if it was going to overheat or use a tank a day. I go out of town often with my civic and even with 60000 it still gets almost 400 miles to the tank.