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 Driving Experience - 2011 Honda Accord
  By Patricia - October 12 - 2:00 am

  The 2011 Honda Accord SE is a luxurious car and a modest price. It handles responsively, especially when turning. The interior dashboard is no nonsense: what you need and nothing more. (This is a plus, IMHO.) The all leather interior gives this car a classier look, but its also very practical-- very easy to keep clean.

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  BMW like handling in a Honda! - 2009 Honda Accord
  By Cobra podrapuss - October 12 - 2:00 am

  I drove my friends 2009 Honda Accord LX on a 250 mile road trip and I feel that I got a better enough feel of this car to write a review. At highway speeds the Accord has road noise and some wind noise and ride quality is not that good. The 4 cyl engine is noisy also vibrates alot at idle. This 8th generation Accord has a cheaper feeling interior as well. The car has extraordinary handling characteristics it tracks like a locomotive and it feels very stable at triple digit speeds. Power from engine was good too. The Accord has 50,000 miles and it never caused a single problem so I recommend this car to someone looking for a reliable sedan with sporty driving characteristics

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  Amazing! - 2000 Honda CR-V
  By parrya92 - October 11 - 2:00 am

  My grandfather had the honda cr-v before he had given it to me (purchased in 2003) I have had no problems with the car. I have replaced the gas tank (western, NY weather corroded it) oil changes, brakes.

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  Reliable - 1998 Honda Civic
  By Bob - October 11 - 2:00 am

  I bought the car used with 144K miles on it, from someone who commuted 140 miles a day. It now has 226K miles. I am conscientious about recommended maintenance, and of course brakes and exhaust have been replaced. Other than that the ONLY repairs have been a squealing idler pulley, and the ignition switch replaced under a recall. Still rides and handles well, looks good, no rattles.

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  Hurts to drive - 2010 Honda Fit
  By Mamabear - October 11 - 2:00 am

  We bought my 10 Fit in Dec 2009 and after having it for less than a year I regret this decision. While it does get phenomenal gas mileage (36 mpg avg) it has become very uncomfortable to drive. I bought a flat, memory foam pillow to add comfort for my back but this has only made the neck pain worse because of lack of support. When I dont use the cushion for my back, my neck is pushed forward at an odd and very uncomfortable angle. Another issue I have with the car are the useless sun visors. Why bother! While the car is cheap to own, I do regret buying because now Im stuck with it :(

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  Brand New Honda Civic LX - 2010 Honda Civic
  By Greg Fletcher - October 11 - 2:00 am

  Just bought a 10 Civic LX and love it so far. Previous car was a Nissan Sentra which was a nice little car but not close to this Civic. Test drove the Chevy Cruze and Malibu, Ford Fiesta and Fusion, Nissan Sentra and Altima but the only car that was even close was the Cruze which was $2000 more than I got the Civic for. Civic has tons more room in the back seat than my previous Sentra or new Cruze which my kids noticed immediately. Not noticing the loud engine at all talked about in previous reviews. Pretty slow off the line but I didnt buy the car for speed. The Cruze definitely had a more stylish interior and features (bluetooth) and much "cooler" dashboard.

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  Honda Owner - 2007 Honda Accord
  By Jose M. - October 11 - 2:00 am

  Recently purchased my first car. I got a used 2007 Honda Accord EXL and love my car. The salesmen Joel Abreu, was great and really help me in every way and was extremely satisfied with his experience and I did not feel pressured at all like one would usually when buying a vehicle. I will recommend anyone.

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  Finally, a fun good looking hybrid! - 2011 Honda CR-Z
  By Quentin - October 10 - 2:00 am

  We have CR-Z ex with CVT. Its a fun to drive hybrid and we love the styling. We drive mostly in the ECON mode and are getting better mpg than whats listed on the sticker. We are averaging 45-47 combined hwy/city. On the highway at 55 mph we are getting 48 mpg, at 65mph 43 mpg, at 70-80 mph 39 mpg. If you need a quick pickup & go you just push a button and you get instant pocket rocket power. The inside is roomy & comfortable. Ergonomics are great. The hatchback/cargo area handles all our shopping needs and carries our 3 dogs with room to spare. A lot of thought went into this machine, it has the feel and looks of quality throughout.

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  Excellent, Only Minor Complaints - 2008 Honda Fit
  By ozziepuppy - October 10 - 2:00 am

  Awesome room inside and very creative use of space. Friend had leg surgery: We were able to put down the front seat (flat) & she sat in back with her leg completely extended. Transported a 9x12 rug with no problem. Got 42 mpg on a road trip out west. Minor complaints: the Sport trim hangs too low and gets scratched up easily. My fog lights have both broken twice (not protected enough?). No map lights. Road noise. Overall, though, a nearly perfect car in terms of economy, excellent use of space, being fun to drive, and (dare I say it?) basic cuteness. This is an AWESOME car for the price!!

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  Purchased Honda Accord EXL V6 - White - 2011 Honda Accord
  By sbains - October 10 - 2:00 am

  I purchased my 2011 Honda Accord EXL V6 on 10/9/10 from AutoWest Honda. I got a great deal, as I negotiated $26,250 + fees (=$750 destination, $482 DMV fees, $55 doc and 9.25% sales tax). This came to under $30k out-the- door. Car has very good torque (254lb) and 271 horsepower which makes it nice and punchy to get on freeways and for overtaking rubberneckers! I also own a 2005 Honda Odyssey and the 3.5l engine is similar but torqued differently. The road noise is not as bad as the editorial review, you will notice some wind noise and you will not hear the engine.