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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  Second Accord - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Honda Family - October 26 - 10:23 pm

  This is the second Accord Ive owned and it wont be the last. This one replaced a 2002 Accord EX 4cyl 4A with over 140,000 miles on it that I gave to my daughter. I really liked the 02 and I really love the 08. The bigger size has taken some getting used to, but the additional horsepower compared to the 02 and the performance are like night and day. This car seems to have much more "giddy up" than the 02. I was tempted to go for the V6, but I drive 42 miles one way to work and we have an 07 Odyssey with the variable cylinder management system and unless youre on long highway runs it doesnt get the gas mileage Honda claims. Im getting 26.5 MPG with the factory oil still in it.

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  made a good choice - 2009 Honda Accord
  By Mike B - October 26 - 10:33 am

  After months of looking found blk/blk 2009 accord coupe. Love it. Im the type that researches and test drives lots of vehicles prior to purchase. This car fit my needs: comfortable, safe, stylish, affordable, and quality build. No car has everything otherwise we would all be driving "that" car. The EX is good value but I think the EX-L in the 4 cylinder might be the apex of the group in terms of performance/value/style. The V6 is fast and will appeal to the enthusiast, but in my mind it would only get me a speeding ticket. The 190HP 4 banger is good once you get it above 3500 rpm. Below that accel is nothing to rave about. Buy this car in the EX-L: V4 for value; V6 for kicks.

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  Laminate the Windows! - 2008 Honda Odyssey
  By familyman - October 25 - 4:57 pm

  Its a nice van and gets decent mileage. Ride is a bit harsh and road and wind noise prevalent. Needs better insulation and laminate windows like the Buick Enclave and Chrysler Aspen, really does make a difference!

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  Nice but some wind noise and rattles - 2008 Honda Odyssey
  By delmartian - October 25 - 4:49 pm

  Compared Enclave, Sienna and Odyssey. Enclave was very nice in ride, handling and quietness. The Honda had a nicer price with the rebate. Its a good people mover and the navigation system is very nice. The rear entrainment system is very nice but not intuitive really need to read the instruction manual. Using 0-20w Mobil One and averaging 18.7 around town with up to 30 mpg on the highway.

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  Disappointing electronics - 2010 Honda Accord Crosstour
  By MikeyB - October 25 - 2:00 am

  This is a great car to drive and Honda has done a great job morphing an already "Highly Accepted" Accord into a multi-purpose sedan. The hatch back configuration with hidden bin is awesome. The rear visibility is not. I really love the Honda feel and power of the V6. However, I am really disappointed that a car company that made has done so many things right could get the electronics so wrong. The hands free blue tooth without Nav. is awful. Slow and tedious. I am already using the voice commands through my i -phone to circumvent the system. It cant even read or download your phone book. Needs hatchback release. Manual is archaic.

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  YEAAAAAAAAAAAAAA BUD!!! - 2005 Honda Civic
  By Miguel - October 24 - 11:53 pm

  This is the car for people who need to get around and dont need to carry a lot of stuff with them. The little engine is competent, esp. with the 5 sp manual. The EX has everything you could ask for in a $15K car. Can be fun to drive, if you push it. Seats can get a little stiff after 300 miles or so. I say get one!! A great car!!!

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  Cheep interior/ poor fuel economy - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By brigym77 - October 24 - 6:13 am

  Purchased this vehicle to replace horrible Dodge Caravan. Very happy with Honda except for the use of very cheep interior plastics and poor fuel economy. (12-15 city/ 17-20 hwy.) The plastic around the glove box, cup holders, and floor boards have many scratches and look worn.

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  Good Small SUV - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By Steve - October 23 - 11:33 pm

  Great small suv overall. Ride is smooth overall but can be jarring over medium to larger size bumps. Engine has enough power around the city, but could use more on the freeway or when merging. Interior is nicely finished, but leather is a little on the cheap side compared to a premium small suv (acura rdx, infiniti ex35, etc.).

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  Great Commuter Car - 2009 Honda Civic
  By shoofly - October 23 - 9:13 pm

  The Dealer said they had customers getting 45-49mpg. I have had the car for 2 months and have 9k miles already. Solid avg, mpg of 47! Drive posted speed of 75mph+ do not hyper- mile. 95 mile commute 1 way, mountains, hwy, etc. First service is $85.00 which I thought was kind of high. But looks like every 9k service so not to bad. I have friends who have Prius and dont get same mpg as I do. Tire noise is excessive, can overcome with MP3s. Navi is 1st class! Car Drives good in rain and at highway speeds, hopefully all will continue in the winter! Very pleasantly surprised of mpg claims from dealer were not exaggerated. Great lease rates, could not touch Prius even 09.

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  good car - 2006 Honda Accord
  By dan - October 23 - 6:56 pm

  I like this car generally, although a few things annoy me about it. First is the high catch point on the clutch makes it a little hard to drive at first until you get used to it. Also, the light steering on this car make it follow the grade of the road too much. I thought the alignment was out, but it just tracks the road curvature a lot. The seats collect lint very easily. The brakes are really grabby.