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:

• 

  First month in the books - 2010 Honda Insight
  By aw2pp - October 24 - 8:50 pm

  Bought mine this month, after running an old Ford Focus into the ground. First tank of gas returned 46 mpg in mixed driving, in ECO mode, with AC mostly on. And I have learned quite a bit in these last few weeks about driving in a way that maximizes fuel efficiency. I think 50+ regular is well within reach. I am 65", and have little trouble getting in a comfortable driving position. Thankfully, I dont tote anyone around the back seat (which is one of the reasons for choosing the car in the first place). Not much room back there. I know there are complaints about road noise, but in comparison with my previous car (a 2002 Ford Focus), this Insight is a vault at highway speeds.

• 

  99 prelude - 1999 Honda Prelude
  By SPEED200 - October 24 - 2:00 am

  awesome car, fabulous pick up and once that tach hits 5200...hold on to the wheel...car takes of like a rocket

• 

  great van so far , but poor mileage - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By 2007 van - October 23 - 4:50 am

  Great van so far never have any problems yet. A little road noise compare to 02 odyssey. Sliding doors hard to open also when closed especially from outside. Handling and steering very nice. Poor gas mileage average 16 in town, dealer said after 5000 miles will improved. Only like style changing from 02 model.

• 

  Best car ever - 1991 Honda Civic
  By Carmanic - October 23 - 2:00 am

  I just love this car. It is sooooo great!

• 

  93 Accord SE - 1993 Honda Accord
  By Turk - October 23 - 2:00 am

  Without a doubt, my 93 Accord SE has been the most reliable car I have ever owned.

• 

  Great Car! - 1993 Honda Accord
  By HonDaLuVeR - October 23 - 2:00 am

  I love this car! Looks good, runs smooth, good mileage... Ive had the car for about 6 months now and Ive had people making me offers for more than what I paid for her. I see a LOT of 3rd and 4th gen accords on the road where I live so I know shell probably last a while. The factory stereo and speakers dont sound too hot but once you put a nice system in there shes perfect.

• 

  Driving Sensation - 2002 Honda S2000
  By booty - October 23 - 2:00 am

  Honda is a good car

• 

  A decent compromise - 2010 Honda Insight
  By mheikka - October 22 - 12:40 pm

  The 2010 Insight is a decent compromise for the money. It is a good second or commuter-only car, provided your other car can carry all of the people and junk in your life. Despite having 4 doors, it is really a 2 seater car with room for 5 year old children occasionally. Most of the complaints (modest acceleration, engine noise, small back seat, blind spots, road noise, A/C shuts off at stoplights, short seat cushions, etc.) are true, but not unexpected for a small, inexpensive commuter hybrid. If you want a solid little commuter with its associated compromises, it is a solid choice.

• 

  Extremely disappointed with this CRV - 2009 Honda CR-V
  By nk - October 22 - 7:50 am

  We traded our 2002 Honda CRV for this 2009 Honda CRV. Same car, right? Wrong! The 2009 CRV we purchased 10 weeks ago has horrible wind noise/wind shear when you go over 55 mph. We have not yet had it on a freeway where we can drive 70 mph. We will do that next Tues. and take it back to the dealership once again. It has already been looked at twice and the last time the "windshield molding was poorly glued and removed, resealed and reinstalled." The noise is still the same. And when you go over bumps, there are various noises yet to be examined by the dealership. As much as I loved my 2002 Honda CRV, thats how much I hate my 2009 Honda CRV. Lemon law is becoming an option.

• 

  Great car! - 1993 Honda Accord
  By Honda lover - October 22 - 2:00 am

  Bought a 93 Accord SE sedan in April, 2002 with 90K miles on it. It now has 101K and rides and looks great! And the resale value is unreal. Think hard before you buy another American car! This one should last a long time.