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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  Best in its Class - 2010 Honda Civic
  By EJMG - February 2 - 5:43 pm

  Ive had my Honda Civic for a little over 6 months now. I LOVE IT!!!. In my opinion is the very best in its class. Performance, power, handling is great. My favorite feature FUEL EFFICIENT. In the City I get an average of 32 -34 Miles for Gallon. In the Highway for Long Trips, you can get 37-40 Miles per gallons of course the depending on the speed, and terrain you encounter, But if you drive this car at 65 MPH, you can easily get 40 Miles per gallon.

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  My personal tank - 2010 Honda Element
  By acw02 - February 1 - 6:53 am

  This is my 3rd Element. Each time I trade the Element for another brand I always end up coming back to Element. This time I tried a Scion XB--enough said--I am happy to return to the Element. It has solid build quality, excellent reliability and the most versatility of any vehicle. Updates are appreciated like outside temperature display, voice controlled navigation, center console storage and over head storage. No complaints, no rattles, no leaks, no squeaks--I am a happy camper and I think I will stay with Honda Element this time around.

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  Smart Car for Local Driving - 2009 Honda CR-V
  By niteflite - January 31 - 7:25 pm

  This is my third Honda previously I had owned a 99 Accord and 04 Accord, both 4 cylinders. This cr-v actually shares the same engine as the 04 Accord, so given its bigger size, it lacks some power. Yet it had the most comfortable ride of the other cars I test drove - the rav4 and rogue. This car is great for local driving to run errands and stuff but for long distance driving it lacks the horsepower to make it up the hills easily. I also feel and hear the engine having to work too hard which isnt good.

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  Best car purchase Ive ever made! - 2003 Honda Element
  By Jcazzle - January 31 - 6:00 pm

  I got my element used in 2009 and it still drove off the lot like a new car. Its been noting less an absolute pleasure owning this vehicle. I moved and it would have been a nightmare if it werent for my element. It carries more than I could imagine. Its so spacious and really handles the road well. It also handles mountains well! My element handled a mountain camping trip like it was its job. I cant say enough about this car! I thought it was kind of ugly at first but after owning it for a few months, I love it so much it seems like the most beautiful looking car ever.

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  08 Si Sedan - 2008 Honda Civic
  By Vaughn - January 31 - 12:54 pm

  Ive owned my 2008 Si Sedan for about 3 months now, bought it used with 25,000 miles on it. It drove exactly the same as the brand new one I drove with 5 miles on it, so I save myself about $7,000. What can I say? Its a great car, I love driving it, the engine sounds awesome when over 6k RPM, and it will take spirited driving with no issues. Did an autocross event last weekend, and that was ridiculously fun. The car gets 28-30mpg, and feels faster than it is. Certainly fast enough for me. I have had no issues with the shifter, the stock stereo is decent, and the car handles great. Looks awesome too : )

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  Extremely Pleased - 2010 Honda Civic
  By Matthew - January 30 - 11:36 pm

  Traded in a 2003 VW Passat GLX, and couldnt be happier. Feel the LX-S is best combination of features and price in the Civic line up. First tank of gas in mixed driving got me 32 mpg. Fit and finish is excellent, as expected, and while some complain about the plastic interior, what do you expect for a car that can be had for less than $19,000? I rate the performance as a 10, because for a car like this, the overall performance is excellent. Its a Civic, not a Bugatti Veyron. If you want high performance, buy a performance car. If you want quality, economy and value, buy a Civic.

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  Love my civic - 2005 Honda Civic
  By Ray - January 29 - 6:44 pm

  Best car Ive ever owned. I wanted a 5 speed trans in the newport blue color and thats what I got. I wanted a sunroof and glad I have it. This car gets awesome gas mileage and is fun to drive. I havent had a single problem with it.

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  Saved my life!! - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By Sharon - January 28 - 11:22 pm

  We bought our Odysseys because of the safety ratings. We ended up loving them. The ride is soooo comfortable, as driver or passenger. We live in lake effect snow belt region and always take extra caution with snow tires. Never had problems. Only had to do oil changes and minimal scheduled maintenance. Six days ago my 2005 Odyssey saved my life. A speeding driver blew a stop sign and t-boned me with such force that the van was thrown on its side (the drivers side) and then bounced back up on all fours. The fire department was shocked when I literally walked out of that totaled van. They thought theyd be sending the med-evac chopper for me. I am sore and bruised but alive.

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  wise choice - 2010 Honda Insight
  By xana - January 28 - 2:33 am

  Economical. Thats what the car is. It give great mileage and driving is smooth and easy. Though like the other reviews, power and acceleration needs improvement. Going up on an incline is pretty hard. It takes a while for the car to speed up. Though, I may say this "deficiency" had made me a "more lawful" driver. I got the EX with Navi and I would have to say that adding extra to get the top of the line of this model is worth it rather than spending the same amount on other standard hybrid models. I would also like to add that I had my seat covers changed to leather for no additional cost. I know this feature is not offered but my dealership did so as requested. )

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  Best car I have ever owned - 2009 Honda Civic
  By azaggie - January 27 - 10:47 pm

  I have had my 09 Civic hybrid for 8 months and absolutely love it. I get significantly better fuel economy than the epa estimates, averaging around 53 mpg, though I drive conservatively and make a game out of trying to get the best fuel economy I can. The cars sweet spot for fuel economy is 35-50 mph (around 60-65 mpg), and driving around 70 - 75 youll see your fuel economy drop to the low 40s (one drawback). The hybrid assist-regen system works well on small to moderate hills but doesnt sustain on large hills, leaving you with a small engine that has to work hard to get up long inclines. Another potential drawback is the back seat doesnt fold down, but it only an occasional problem.