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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  Rocket! Hidden Monster. - 2005 Honda Accord
  By Anthony - June 29 - 2:24 pm

  When people seek Hybrid, they want 40+MPG. This car will not give you that. What it gives you is the Legendary Honda reliability, no non- sense practicality, and utmost dynamic performance. My previous car was a BMW 325i, and aside from being FWD, the Accord performs up to par with the German Counterpart. Steering is tight, acceleration is quick, but cornering have to give it to BMW due to the RWD configuration. Only problem I had with the Honda was a Master Pwr Door lock module which was covered under warranty, and a check engine light on when I gun the accelerator. Dealership said it was a Hybrid sensor error with the electrical motor, it seems a software upgrade fixed that problem.

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  Honda Pilot 2009 - 2009 Honda Pilot
  By Werner Doerwaldt - June 29 - 9:20 am

  Has an excellent comfort level. Has a huge safety feel to it. Third seat, though, is a wash.

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  I love this SUV!!!! - 2009 Honda CR-V
  By Angel - June 28 - 8:02 pm

  I traded my 2007 prius in for this SUV. I am sure glad I did, this car drives great, very smooth. I got the 4 wheel drive and cant wait to take it to Tahoe, but this car is still perfect for city and highway driving. The voice activated navigation feature is fantastic!! I love this car!!

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  Excellent Design - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By Tom - June 28 - 6:25 pm

  Traded in a terrible GM product for my Ridgeline after testing them when my wife was deciding between one and the Pilot. The truck is solid, dependable and sturdy. Plenty of room, plenty of functionality, great handling.

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  Awesome Car - 2010 Honda Accord Crosstour
  By DLSab - June 28 - 4:43 pm

  I accidentally found this car while looking at other Honda models. It is everything I wanted. My husband and I fight over who can drive it. Had many features that werent included in some of the reviews we read about it. Only thing it doesnt have is an automatic start. Everything my Lexus had and more. Rear view slightly difficult, but we both got used to it as we have had sports cars. Don Carlton had MANY colors and styles - more than even Dallas. Sam, at that dealership, was great to work with.

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  Id buy it again - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By Matt - June 28 - 9:32 am

  My wife bought an LX AWD, and I ended up liking it so much, I traded in my Expedition (kids got older didnt need all the space anymore) and got an LX AWD too. It is sturdy, reliable, solid, safe and quiet. It also has all the safety features of the highest end Honda (we like that about Hondas). I mostly drive in the city, jumping on and off the interstate on occasion, and I average about 22-23 mpg. On highway trips, I get 26-28 mpg. The best words to describe our Hondas are basic (in the best sense of the word) and solid. They have everything you need (including the AWD and ABS for snow/ice) without all the extra bells and whistles and related cost. Also, no worries and no problems.

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  Best value for the money - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Yo from Michigan - June 28 - 5:43 am

  After researching several sedans in this category, I zeroed in on Accord. overall I am a happy camper. In the first two weeks of my driving, I averaged around 29MPG in mixed driving conditions. not bad for a big car. I would guess around 33 in pure highway driving. The interior room is enormous. All the safety features are standard in all Accords unlike Toyota where you have to pay for some. I selected EX-L, since I wanted leather, premium audio, dual climatic control and heated mirrors. these features were once the holy grail of luxury cars. 190 HP engine is a good compromise for performance and fuel economy. My biggest gripe on this car is the road noise. Honda can do much better with this

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  New car perspective - 2005 Honda Civic
  By rsdkaiser - June 27 - 11:56 pm

  I just bought this car this weekend. Beautiful on the outside, very plain on the inside. Rides very smooth and provides a nice acceleration. Great value but nothing special in the package. This is a great commute car, but not nice enough for a family car. With a few extra purchases at your local auto store you can make it like the upgrades for a lot less. Auto doors, remote starter, remote trunk pop for $179 at your local auto parts store. If you no someone who can put it in for you, you will have the next upgrade for a fraction of the cost.

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  Holds its Value - 2005 Honda Civic
  By Happy Dad - June 27 - 3:55 pm

  I bought the car for my daughter with 35,000 miles on it. The few times I have driven it I have been pleasantly surprised. It is especially comfortable at highway speeds. I just looked up the resale value and it has only depreciated $1,500 in two years. I would like to see the front bucket seats beefed-up somewhat. I weigh 225 and the seats do creek upon entrance or exit.

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  Im in love - 2005 Honda S2000
  By Susan - June 27 - 10:40 am

  I was feeling pretty low as I started my search for a car. You see, Id had a stupid wreck, my fault, and now I was being forced to replace my beloved 300ZX. A friend told me Id know my new car when I saw it and boy, was he right! One test drive was all it took. You have to drive this car to understand how tight it feels. I challenge any car lover to drive it and not smile. If you want interior bells and whistles, look elsewhere...no dash GPS here...but if you want an amazing piece of affordable engineering that is a real drivers car, this is it. Also, the red color I purchased is so loud you can practically hear it.