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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  2010 Crosstour AWD without NAV - 2010 Honda Accord Crosstour
  By Anonymous - August 16 - 2:00 am

  Bought Opal Jade new --- Rear view is poor without the NAV.. Really surprised that the on board computer does not have fuel calculations for MPG, FTE etc. For all of the electronics this seems to be a simple one. Drives well through snow - 12 inches and not a slip .

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  Zoom zoom. Super smooth and responsive - 2013 Honda Civic
  By Robert Greger - August 16 - 1:16 am

  The power steering is incredibly smooth and requires practically no effort. Bluetooth sound quality is not great. Peppy even with econo mode engaged. Overall, a great car for the money.

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  Knocking Noise - 2007 Honda Accord
  By zhang - August 16 - 12:46 am

  Last October, I was excited to buy this car because I trust Hondas quality. Unfortunately, it is not true. One month after the purchase, I feel that the transmission hesitates when accelerating. Three months later, I always hear a KNOCKING NOISE coming from the front of the DRIVER SIDE whenever I stop or lightly accelerate. This made me very nervous. Now, it is even more trouble. One day, when I tried to break at a sharp turn at about 30 MPH, I could feel that the break suddenly stuck for a very short time. Does anybody have an idea? This makes me very nervous. I am considering trade in the car if the break keeps sticking when taking sharp turn.

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  honda turtle - 2005 Honda Element
  By Ed Bejsovec - August 15 - 7:20 pm

  my honda is the perfect vehicle for hauling...with the seats removed there is tons of room..as much as a pickup. the ride is a bit choppy becuase of the short wheelbase..the engine is good and if you need the power the engine reacts quick enough to get you in traffic..the seats and the interior is washable making it great for all kinds of loads.. the stereo in the ex is supurb great sounds with XM..the car sits up nicely and it is easy to see traffic. Ive been averaging 23mpg in mixed driveing. the only drawback is the silly moon roof which is lcated in the rear of the vehicle instead the front because the Element has alot of headroom.

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  The best car I have ever owned. - 2003 Honda Civic
  By RoadWarrior - August 15 - 7:40 am

  I decided that enough with the poor reliability and poor service I got with a domestic car, I decided I want some peace and comfort. And the Honda delivers. High quality build, very good looks, fuel economy that is second to none( I average anywhere from 30 mpg to over 40 mpg, just depends on how heavy my right foot is), excellent handling, and an interior that was designed right. Very fun to drive. And when I went for service, the dealer treated me the right way. No more domestics..they have lost me forever!

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  Great all around car - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Juan - August 15 - 5:46 am

  Ive had this car for about 5 months now and its a pretty nice car. It has decent speed with a really smooth motor. I dont really feel the VCM kicking in for the most part, so I really dont mind it. Gas mileage has been a bit disappointing, but it has been improving. Ive averaged about 23.5 mpg, but was expecting much better with the VCM technology. Ride and handling are great. Im still getting use to the "bigness" of this vehicle as I still sometimes feel like it is just too big for a coupe. Nav has been very useful, but at times has trouble finding everyday stuff like a Costco. Overall Im pretty satisfied with the vehicle.

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  Great fun for a reasonable price - 2007 Honda Civic
  By jayestew - August 15 - 1:36 am

  I have had the Si sedan for five months now and I love it. I wanted a new car that was fun to drive yet practical because I am married and have two kids, 6 and 4. The Si sedan was the sportiest car I could afford and still use to take the kids on errands, games, etc. Thus far I have had no problems with the car. Although it is probably better suited for drives down windy country roads, it works fine driving around Chicago. On a few occasions Ive been able to open it up down Lake Shore Drive and you can really feel wth VTEC kick in. Great handling in corners and curves. Safety features such as plenty of air bags great to have with kids in the car.

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  I Love My Odyssey - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By richard - August 14 - 2:50 pm

  I drive with the cruse controll on 80 to 90% of the time,at the speed limit or slower. My gas mileage on the Highway is 28 to 30 miles per gallon. The Intown mileage is 22 to 24 miles per gallon. I have the leather interior and couldnt be more pleased. I havent had the first problem with my vehicle.

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  Having fun with an "economy car" - 2005 Honda Civic
  By Crowdpleaser - August 14 - 7:06 am

  I am a first time owner of a "foreign" automobile. I was very impressed with the peppy VTEC engine and "tight" handling my Civic has. It is lots of fun to drive. The front seats are comfortable. But being that it is a coupe, the back seat is a little difficult to access. The gas mileage is amazing for such a quick little car. I am getting about 32 to 36 MPG in my combination city and highway driving. By just closing the door and the solid feel it has when doing so, you know that you are driving a car that is an excellent value for the money.

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  Kelly - 2000 Honda CR-V
  By ibekel - August 14 - 2:00 am

  I have had my CR-V for two years. It is very reliable and very easy to drive. It has big windows to easily see outside-no blind spots at all. Also, I love sitting higher than a regular car. It has manual transmission, which is a little noisy at times, but I would never have bought the automatic if I would have done it all over. The manual is just more fun in my opinion.