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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  Excellent SUV - 2011 Honda CR-V
  By michaelpaul - January 23 - 7:43 am

  I purchased my CRV 10 days ago and I am very happy. The body style, handling in snow and interior design are all top notch. The only things that I would change are: lack of storage space, inexpensive fabric used for seats and small arm rests. This is my third Honda in the last 10 years and I will remain a loyal customer.

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  Steer Clear of Civics - 2010 Honda Civic
  By pmdclassics - January 22 - 8:38 pm

  If you live in a cold climate do not buy a Honda Civic, the heater is very, very poor at best. Your car will not heat up if the temp is 20 F or colder. Worst heater in any car I have owned the last 30 years. Not only that the gas mileage is like driving an SUV. 24 MPG in town and highway mix. I leased my Civic and boy do I regret it. Cant wait until the lease is up to dump this car.

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  Great truck for what it is - 2007 Honda Ridgeline
  By timmyboy188 - January 21 - 9:19 pm

  I have owned Toyota 4x4s, GM 4x4s, new and old. I like 4 wheeling, but dont NEED to do it, so I hardly ever went 4 wheeling anymore. I wanted to buy an 07 Tundra 4x4, but couldnt afford it. I drive mostly highway miles, and take trips snowboarding and camping and use it for work hauling water around a flat city, so this truck has everything I need to make that happen. Im verry happy with it, MPG is ok (averaging 18 MPG city/highway mixed). Its a great truck, its weird as heck, but a good truck.

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  its ok - 2008 Honda Accord
  By evilkev - January 21 - 2:55 pm

  I came to this from a 2001 Maxima SE. Have put 59k in 2 years on it. Only repair has been the back brakes at 32k. The cons: in same driving environments, only averages 27-29 mpg with a 4cyl, compared to the Maxima that got 26-28 w/6cyl. Thought the Accord would do better than that. Front seats are not very comfortable. Didnt notice in the short test drives, but daily driving 2-3 hours a day results in discomfort. Interior seems to suffer from louder road noise than the Maxima. Stereo is not bad. Wasnt thrilled with the center dash, but its not horrible. The good: It does handle pretty well. When on 100% highway, I have gotten 32-35 mpg. I do like the body style of it.

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  Enjoying my 11 EX Insight - 2011 Honda Insight
  By benjiej - January 21 - 12:20 am

  OK, I had a 2010 Insight LX, but only for a few months. There were many things I didnt like, but most of them were due to features I had given up by choosing the LX instead of the EX. I have been driving the 2011 EX for about a month and I am much happier with this car. Some of this is subjective, but it seems to drive better than the 2010, the transitions from electric to gas arent as noticeable (the 2010 shuddered annoyingly), the Auto Stop engages for longer periods at stop lights, and of course I love the features the EX offers over the LX. (note that the 2011 LX has gained many features that my 2010 did not have). For the way I drive its a great car.

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  Its been a good car so far... - 2010 Honda Civic
  By ratphink - January 20 - 10:16 am

  Bought the civic last summer and its been pretty good so far. She had a body noise that I was told was a problem with the 2010 civics but the dealer took care of it. It still shows up when the road is especially bumpy but its ok. Milage is great and the car sips gas. Handles great and because I am average height, theres plenty of room for me and friends. It really is fun to drive and I love the reliability. I also notice that people arent dinging my doors cuz the car is slimmer than my Camry yet has the same room inside as my old car(98 camry). So far, overall, I would buy another.

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  1999 Odyssey - 1999 Honda Odyssey
  By jnkurban - January 17 - 7:02 pm

  Bought the van a couple years ago. The van looked great, power doors are nice for a family and the engine has ran good. Transmission is BAD, the transmission lasted a couple years and needs to be replaced. Honda dealer said $4000 to be replaced. If it wernt for transmission problems in this van it would be the perfect van. This Honda transmission has no reliablity. Unless youre willing to replace the transmission every couple years at a cost of $4000, stay away from this vehicle.

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  Test Drive - 2011 Honda CR-Z
  By jrd325 - January 17 - 1:45 am

  Drove both the manual and automatic and found the manual more fund to drive. Particularly the close shifting ratio of the gears and the smooth shifting. The critics reviews on Edmunds are accurate. I am buying an automatic 2009 Nissan Maximum V-6 SE Coupe, which has 270 hp and I am averaging 22 MPGs. Wanted to test drive the CR-Z, not available in 2009 due to its MPGs and MSRP and the high trade-in vale of the Nissan. Decided the CR-Z is not worth purchasing due to what I would give up with the Nissan for only 12 more MPGs and the MSRP of the CR-Z, which is not being discounted that much, even if gas went to five dollars a gallon. Also due to the crash ratings. Would prefer to wait.

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  Best hybrid I have tested - 2011 Honda CR-Z
  By exf150owner - January 15 - 7:48 pm

  Tested/considered many hybrids. I love the tech of the Prius but just wanted something different and better looking. I love my little CRZ and smile every time I drive it. I had a couple in a prius pull up next to me to say how much they loved the car. Dont get me wrong the prius is a completely different vehicle with excllent storage , but if you want a great looking car that handles great, looks awesome and gets close to 40mpg real world this is for you!. Gauges are beautifull. Sound system is incredible. Reasonably low road noise. faste enough in sport mode. Excellent fit and finish.

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  Low MPG - 2011 Honda Accord
  By onlyhondas - January 15 - 6:02 pm

  I have put about 500 miles on my new 2011 Accord and have yet to achieve anything near the reported MPG ratings. I was hoping that it would get better after a few fill ups but only got 17.6 mpg on this last tank that was 80% in town and 20 highway. I squeaked out 20 mpg on the previous tank that was about 60% highway. Well below the rated 27 MPG for combined driving. I love the car but the low mpg is very discouraging especially since I gave up my beloved Civic to trade up.