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:

• 

  Great Little Marvel - 2007 Honda Fit
  By Antonio - January 6 - 5:06 am

  Guys, Im very impressed!. I was thinking to buy, stay with it than give it back to get a Civic. Well, after experience it... no more. I will stick with it for good!. Absolute fabulous. Designed for the city but much better composed during trips. It even makes you feel youre going slower than what youre actuallly going!( Heres why: My family and I went to Tucson, after the first hour on the trip I was pushing it a bit (to TEST ;)) going 100MPH at some stints, then I was in shock when my wife asked me "can you go faster than this" thinking I was going 65MPH or so. The exact same perception I had! and why I was pushing it to check .Now thats composure! Try it!

• 

  Never been so happy - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By David - January 5 - 9:53 am

  I just love this vehicle. It is fun to drive and has plenty of enjoyable features. I expect the reliability to be the same as all the other Hondas I have owned. This is my first Honda van. I always had a GM product but the last one pushed me away. The leather in this vehicle is beautifull. The integrated dvd and nav system works great. Love the voice command prompts but still need to learn the lingo. Vehicle is tight, no rattles. Drives more like a sedan than a truck. Cant wait to take it on a long trip. Back up camera is great. Removes that fear of not seeing what is right behind you. I highly recomend this van.

• 

  My Sweet New Civic.... - 2009 Honda Civic
  By Elyse - January 5 - 2:20 am

  Decided to buy a Civic for my first new car. I have had it for 1 week/150 miles. Seriously considered Toyota Yaris/ VW Rabbit. Yaris was not as solid (felt shaky when compared to Civic) and VW has a reputation for being unreliable. You cannot go wrong with Honda-they are truly built to last. My Civic is not even half empty and the mileage is ~150 (and Ive been driving in city traffic, stop/go). The AC is amazing. The lowest setting keeps me cool in the summer heat of Tucson. The sound system is excellent (would like a little bit more bass!, the interior is very comfortable, and the engine has alot of pep. Of course, Im still breaking it in so Im taking it easy on the acceleration.

• 

  Going back for another one! - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By Robyn Dalton - January 4 - 6:01 pm

  This is my 2nd Honda (first - 6 cylinder Accord) & I am working on purchase of a 3rd one (another CRV EXL). They are dependable, seem to hold good value. With the rear seats collapsed (not a difficult task) the vehicle carries large boxes, bikes, lawn mower, long tools. Even a tall man rides comfortably. Excellent mileage of solid 30 mpg on a highway trip. Approx. 22 mpg with stop & go driving around town. Turning radius is amazing. Feel very safe in the car. Elderly parent who was quite short could get in & out w/o too much effort. Keep up the good work, Honda.

• 

  best car I ever bought - 2012 Honda Civic
  By Tom Hubbell - January 4 - 2:46 pm

  Ive owned Mercedes , Range Rover, town and country, vetted etc.... this is the best new car I ever bought. No/low maintenance , great handling.... just plain simple solid car that would my quit... buy one while the others are in the garage!!!!

• 

  Impressive SUV - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By ihabd - January 4 - 2:30 pm

  I was shopping for Honda CRV but could not resist leasing this SUV. Roomy interior, well layout of equipment. Very comfortable and smooth driving. The navigation system is very impressive. I cant think of any feature that is missing form the navigation system. Rear camera is very convenient, which is included with the navigation system option. Large cargo space. Although comes with seven speakerm sound quality is not that great. I wish they include Bouise radio system as Nissan Murano. The SUV is overpriced, compared with other mid-size SUV. Also, little more expensive than Honda Odyseey. Honda almost included all features with this SUV, including XM radio with three months.

• 

  I Love It - 2005 Honda Accord
  By Stephen L. Smith - January 4 - 8:13 am

  This is the greatest car. I had never owned a Honda before, and feel like I now have one of the best cars in its class. My gas mileage is much higher than estimated, and the 4 cylinder has all the power I need, with smooth gear changing, great comfort. I have seen reviews complaining of road noise, but I dont notice it. In fact, my car seems amazingly quiet on the road. I listen to CDs with ease, unhinderred by supposed road noise. In addition, I am not nearly as tired after a trip. I feel this is truly a quality car and I am pleased to own a Honda Accord.

• 

  Excellent Vehicle - 2005 Honda Civic
  By Philip - January 4 - 4:33 am

  This is my second Honda civic and I am once again satisfied. My career is in automotive engineering and I can say that Honda is the best. This car is everything that I expected it to be. There are no cons about it. Some pros are the excellent interior and exterior fit and finish. The transmission shifts seamlessly, the engine runs perfectly, and the gauges, stereo system, wheels, EVERYTHING is just perfect! The gas milegae is 38.0 on highway just as advertised, and 34 city/highway. One of the most favorable features is the 10000 mile oil change. Im not afraid to wait that long on this car, but there is no way I would wait that long on another vehicle (except maybe Toyota).

• 

  Its a Keeper! - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By rograncher - January 3 - 1:33 pm

  This CR-V replaces a 2006 Scion, bought with fuel economy in mind. The Scion replaced a 95 Accord wagon which was wrecked and has been sorely missed ever since. The CR-V has everything the Scion didnt. Very nice ride, good seating comfort, low road and engine noise level at highway speeds, good cargo space even with the rear seats upright. I expected the CR-Vs gas mileage to be a lot less than the Scions 32 - 33 mpg on the highway at 65 mph, but the CR-V is delivering within 1 - 2 mpg of the Scions best mileage. This is my 6th Honda built car in 24 years. Acura Legends and Accords. All were superb. I have only about 300 miles on it, but I expect this CR-V be the best of them all.

• 

  Top Class - 2003 Honda Element
  By sirspencer - January 3 - 10:00 am

  Very easy to navigate around the features. Lots & lots of room inside of vehicle.