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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  Great Gas Mileage - 2006 Honda CR-V
  By G Money - December 29 - 4:43 am

  Sure you could get better gas mileage with a sedan, but the CR-V gets great gas mileage for a SUV. It has lots of cargo space for a smaller SUV. It handles like a car, but you still get to feel like youre riding high and driving a bigger automobile. If you can afford it, and dont mind the lower gas mileage, then get the Pilot. But for a small SUV, the CR-V is great!

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  Honda Accord - 2006 Honda Accord
  By Rick B - December 28 - 11:56 am

  I own a 1990 Honda Accord (thats 16 years) and have 180,000+ miles on it, also purchased at Manchester. Upgrading to a 2006 was the best decision I could have made. The exterior and interior are great, the safety features (including the steel beams in the doors and the all around air bags) were all I needed to make my decision. I traded in a Olds Intrigue which was the last American car I will own.

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  CRV EXL fun to drive.... - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By Jimmy Drew - December 28 - 6:26 am

  Traded my 2006 Toyota RAV 4 V6 for the 2008 EXL CRV. While the engine is smaller on the CRV I find it very capable. It cruises at turnpike speeds with no problem. The fit and finish of the vehicle are superior to the RAV 4. The riding comfort is much better than the RAV4 and ride is very smooth. I am extremely pleased with the rear hatch opening on the top rather than on the side and front seats seem to have more room front and back as well as side to side. This vehicle seems to exhibit a much higher class of material as well as arrangement of the dash and the radio is simply terrific. I had the JBL system in the RAV4 but the Honda radio is much better.

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  bought a solid utility vehicle thats fun to drive - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By Gary wright - December 27 - 3:34 pm

  research before serious shopping. know what you want and what options. set a price to pay and hold to it. you may be able to include some dealer add on,s in the final deal to enhance the purchase.

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  I Fit! - 2017 Honda CR-V
  By William Woodruff - December 26 - 10:37 pm

  I am 6feet 2inches tall and the cabin does not feel cramped, my legs fit and I feel like I,m riding high off the road. I did not expect these impressions in a "small" SUV and now I get significant MPG improvement (was driving Nissan Murano) and dont give up the larger car feel. Happy!

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  Great overall but poor gas mileage - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By DLook - December 26 - 5:26 pm

  Best looking Odyssey ever. Love both the outside as well as the inside. Drives very nice as a Honda should. The only thing I am not very happy with is the mileage 20mpg city/highway combined -- EPA est. was 22/28 for the EX-L.

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  Wonderful Car!!! - 2007 Honda Fit
  By TxMom - December 26 - 1:23 am

  The Honda Fit is a wonderful car!! The gas mileage is another great aspect of it! I was driving a Honda Accord and loved the gas mileage it got, but was simply amazed after purchasing the Honda Fit & seeing what it gets. I have gotten up to 43 mpg on the hwy. I recommend this car to everyone!!

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  I LOVE MY ACCORD SPORT!! - 2013 Honda Accord
  By k00lbr33z3 - December 25 - 9:57 pm

  I purchased my 2013 Honda Accord Sport Sedan on 10/15/2012. This is my first Honda and Im very happy to have made the switch. I was on the fence between this and the 2013 Toyota Camry. I really felt the Accord was the best value for my money and long term use.

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  This ones just right - 2006 Honda Element
  By bpd - December 23 - 10:30 pm

  We tried a cr-v, that was too small. We tried a highlander, that was too big. then we tried the Element and it was just right. The interior is perfect for our active lifestyle as well as the lifestyle of our 90 lb dog. The exterior is sleek and functional. The gas mileage is better than we had hoped for in an suv. Overall we are very pleased with the element.

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  Excellent Car! - 1998 Honda Civic
  By Jsabe03 - December 23 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car with 69,000 miles in 2001. I have driven to Chicago, Cleveland, and other places. It never fails to start. I now have 111,000 miles and it runs like it has 2 miles on it. The only thing ihave had to repair was the A/C system, other than that it is the perfect car. WAY BETTER THAN ANY CAVALIER OR SUNFIRE AND DEFINITELY BETTER THAN A NEON!!