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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  Perfect for all my needs - 2003 Honda Element
  By sa829 - March 5 - 2:00 am

  I call it my maxi-Cooper- mini-Hummer! I am a middle-aged old hippie who is a scenic artist and a fly-fisherman. This vehicle does it all for me! I previously owned a Volvo station wagon and a Ford Econoline van----this is like putting them both together, and adding 4WD, and a great stereo system.Plus I love the way it looks. Other SUVs look like muscular sneakers- this looks cool. I have never seen an interior that was better designed. So much room-----and headroom to spare!! Its wonderful to own a vehicle that some real thought has gone into. Form follows function beautifully in the Element.And its just plain flat-out fun!!!

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  We love it. - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By Dr. Daryl - March 5 - 2:00 am

  We needed room we got it with the Odyssey. The second row of seats has more room than anything we looked at including the gargantuan Suburban. It is perfectly reliable, easy to drive, easy to see out of, and provides all the room needed for long holiday trips. Remote side doors essential when raising infant twins. The dealership (Honda of St. Johns in Portland, OR) was the best automotive experience Ive ever had. I expect that level of service from nice restaurants, not dealerships, but we were treated so incredibly well.

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  So Far, So Good... - 2010 Honda Accord Crosstour
  By Bruce W - March 5 - 2:00 am

  First thing that caught my eye about this vehicle was its style. After the test drive I was sold. Nice handling, great smooth ride, almost no road noise, even on the highway. Drove a Caddy SRX before the Crosstour, like it just as much if not better. Plenty of interior room including head and leg room in the back seat. Have had many rides in the new Accord sedan, the Crosstour beats it hands down, no comparison.

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  Sweet - 2010 Honda Accord Crosstour
  By kellyk - March 5 - 2:00 am

  I love it my First Honda and it is everything I have ever wanted. I have always been a Mitsubishi owner have had 4. I wanted to check out the other markets to see what is out there, first stop was Honda the second I saw the crosstour I was sold, the best ride I have ever had. So smooth on the road, easy to handle, comfortable. overall awesome looking. could not be happier

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  All in all best Honda I have ever owned - 2010 Honda Accord Crosstour
  By Cedrichondafan - March 5 - 2:00 am

  I look for reasons to drive this car thats how much fun this machine is! Driving this has been a heck of a lot better than my previous 2006 Honda civic and 2008 Honda accord. The car hugs the road and gets through traffic with ease. Just a couple days ago I was in wal-mart and this guy got out of his fully loaded Lincoln navigator and as I was walking out of Wally world to my car he took out his camera phone and took a couple pics of my car! As I passed him He asked was that my car and I gladly said thats my new toy and he said thats my next car Im sending pics to my wife! The car has surpassed my expectations and more. Honda you have outdone yourselves with the CT!

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  The Si - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Caryn - March 4 - 7:10 pm

  I found that the Si is a great car overall except for the gas aspect. Overall i enjoy owning/driving this vehicle. It has great pickup and a smooth drive no matter what speed you are at.

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  From RX-7 to CR-V and not disappointed - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By Rober - March 4 - 6:50 pm

  I replaced my 94 RX-7 sports car with a CR-V SE because I was having trouble with my knee and getting in and out of it every day was not fun at all, even though driving the RX-7 was. So I went looking at all the different small SUVs (Escape, RAV4, Subie, Equinox...)I had test-driven other SUVs in the past and they all felt too boaty. When I found the CR-V and drove the SE model, I thought "This could be it .. I could tolerate it". Well, I not only tolerating it, but actually enjoying it. It is quick, nimble and uses much less gas than the RX-7. The other day on the freeway at about 80mph, a delivery truck decided it wanted the same lane I was changing to. The evasive manouver was no sweat.

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  Very Happy Honda Hybrid Owner - 2007 Honda Civic
  By sooziesdad - March 4 - 4:20 am

  I am so glad I bought this car. I have a one-way 53 mile commute everyday. Most of it is on the highway, and this car is doing great. I get 43-46 miles per gallon; more if I dont push it over 70. It is not the most comfortable car in the world over longer distances. Other than that, the cockpit feel is pretty cool. I love the jack to hook up my I-pod (Ive listened to a whole bunch of books on tape), and the trunk space fits my golf clubs and thats good enough for me.

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  It doesnt get any better than this! - 2003 Honda Insight
  By Tim Guiles - March 4 - 2:00 am

  In the summer I get 85 miles to the gallon while driving normally through the mountains and valleys of Vermont. This car is great in the snow - - - I live 2 miles off the paved road at the end of a small dirt road and I continue to be impressed by the capabilities of this car.

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  Oil imports? Trade deficits? Pollution? - 2000 Honda Insight
  By skyemoor - March 4 - 2:00 am

  (50,000+ mile review) 2 Seat Family Car Limitation: First, install an on/off switch for the passenger side airbag. Next, the Insight can be used when 2 or fewer occupants are to be transported. Our 33 mpg family car used otherwise. The 2 seat limitation never keeps anyone from going anywhere. Mileage: When I drive carefully, the Insight rewards me with 70+ mpg. When I drive otherwise, I average 60-65 mpg. Handling, Driveability: Not an out and out sports car, it does have a sporty, nimble feel. Fit and Finish: Its a Honda... Reliability: Its a Honda...