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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  Great car for the price! - 2010 Honda Insight
  By ThreeHondaFamily - September 17 - 2:00 am

  An excellent economy car overall. Many of the observations made by others are true: The motor is buzzy at high RPM. ECON mode turns it into a total slug. Forget using this mode if you live in a hilly area. I do, and I leave it turned off and shift into Sport mode almost exclusively. Even so, Im still averaging 39 MPG. A worthy sacrifice for improved pep. Handling is good for a car with tires that skinny. The styling is pleasing and it draws positive attention from onlookers. Theres a lot of hard plastic in the interior. Some slightly softer surfaces might have been nice. Predictable Honda road noise, but hey, its a $19k car, not a Lexus. Overall, Im very pleased.

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  Honda Is The BEST! - 2010 Honda Accord
  By MichelleA - September 17 - 2:00 am

  I have owned all Honda cars. I traded my 2009 Honda Civic for the 2010 Accord. It feels more roomy, comfy, and less engine noise. Got to say I feel safer in the Accord over the Civic. I love driving this car I purchased 3 weeks ago.

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  My 3rd Accord and sadly my last - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Rosemary b - September 17 - 2:00 am

  When I purchased my first 4 cyl Accord, the salesperson said the luxury is under the hood. I was coming out of a BMW, which I couldnt afford anymore as my priorities had changed with 2 small boys. Well that car lasted me 12 years and the only reason it died was because my son totaled it. I immediately picked up the phone and called the same salesperson who sold me my 2004 Pilot. In 2 days we picked up our new addition to the family, a 2008 Honda Accord 4 cyl EXL, it was affordable and gorgeous. From the 1st day we drove it out of the dealer, the engine noise was horrible. While driving, theres a loud rumble in the engine and a slight whistle. Theres no more room on this post. Terrible car

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  Works for Me ! - 2011 Honda CR-Z
  By Tk - September 16 - 2:00 am

  Have 1000 miles on it now. I bought the automatic. Lots of fun. The fuel mileage is increasing now that I"m driving it in "Normal" all the time. Getting 38.4 mpg now. Has plenty of PEP. Handling is good. No the smoothest ride because the battery under the trunk is so heavy. Hope it holds up! Happy so far! Got 7.0 seconds 0-60 on the 5th try in "Sport-Mode".

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  My fit fits me - 2008 Honda Fit
  By jim - September 16 - 2:00 am

  I recently took a trip from Lima Ohio to Middlesboro Ky and and back to Lima. I averaged 42.1 MPG. for the trip, with my 2008 5 speed manual Fit.

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  Excellent Small Car - 2010 Honda Fit
  By James - September 16 - 2:00 am

  I selected the 5-speed manual as the automatic stole too much power from the engine. The manual offers surprising performance, smooth acceleration, and is averaging a 28-30 MPG around town. Very fun to drive and has good handling for small car. It can be loud at highway speeds due to road noise and high engine RPM. No problems with front seat comfort as others mention I am 62". The rear magic seat is amazing. With everything folded down, the fit will swallow an unbelievable amount of cargo, surpassing many small SUVs. Audio system is excellent. Interior design is simple and functional, but does not feel cheap. No other small car can provide so much value and versatility.

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  Influenced by the past - 2010 Honda CR-V
  By Flyfisher - September 16 - 2:00 am

  This is the 3 rd CR-V since 2005 and what a change. The new CR-V was made in the US which may make a difference. The other 2 were pure Japanese. Acceleration is nonexistent. Feels like I am pulling an anchor whenever I hit the gas. With AC on, its even worse . The center console is nice but if you drop anything between it and the seat, you have to hire a contortionist to retrieve it. I dont like the auto drivers seat as the ranges are not as complete as the old manual controls. Loads of blind spots in this baby. I didnt even consider a different car as mt 2007 was a peach. I shouldnt have traded it in. This is my last CR-V and I cant wait to trade for a different brand.

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  First CR-V and PROUD OF IT! - 2010 Honda CR-V
  By SR - September 16 - 2:00 am

  I recently bought a 2010 CRV EX AWD and very happy with my purchase. Had for a little over a week now and did about 250 miles already and only because I enjoy driving it. Runs real smooth and handles like a car. The additional height is perfect for someone who has owned 2 sedans in the past. My only gripe is that the wind noise is not blocked completely but given my kind of driving [home, office, weekend groceries and movies], it really doesnt matter to me. I keep it at 60-65 mph most of the time mainly because I love the feel of driving it and I am not in a rush to go anywhere. Ill probably come back with more updates later.

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  Last Honda - 2011 Honda Pilot
  By cessna100 - September 16 - 2:00 am

  From 2006 MDX Touring(Best car I have ever owned)to the Pilot. Very poor sound engineering. On 3rd set of Michelin tires and still loud road noise. 85 decibels at 60 mph. 95 to 105 decibels at 70 mph! To much hard plastic on the inside. Poor fit and finish. The VCM operation is rough. The 2007-8 Pilot is the better car. Test drove the 2011 Touring model with Michelin LTX M/S2. Very quite and nice ride. Poor fuel mileage. The VCM system works great in the Accord. The Pilot is to heavy for the VCM system to be effective.

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  Great design - 2011 Honda Accord
  By Mike Greenwald - September 16 - 2:00 am

  Great car. I looked at the 2010 Accords & was comparing it the Altimas, VW CC, Sonata, Fusion & Malibu. I read all kinds of reviews & it seemed like all the cars were compared to the Accord. I didnt really like the back of the 2010 Accord , so I decided to wait til the 2011s came out to see it in in person instead of just internet pictures. I loved the changes to the front & rear of the Accord. I drove it and all the above mentioned cars and I realized the Accords overall package was the best for me. The other cars were rated well, but I didnt think any of them were as nice a car with the quality & reliability as Honda. I couldnt be happier with my decision to buy the 2011 Accord.