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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  Traded in a BMW 3 series + Love my Honda - 2009 Honda Civic
  By MikeNJ - September 13 - 2:00 am

  I traded in my BMW 3 series when it became too expensive to maintain. I leased a Honda Civic because its cheap, safe, and good on gas, not because its the kind of car you fall in love with, but I fell in love with it! Ive driven it from NJ to Montreal and Williamsburg for weekends, and its comfortable for long drives. It handles well, even in light snow. Very solid build quality: no squeaks, no rattles, no loose parts. Turn the key, and off you go. With easy driving you can get about 40 mpg on regular gas. This is my first Honda but definitely not my last. I would recommend Honda to anyone. Unbelievably comfortable, nice car for the money.

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  My First Honda - 2010 Honda CR-V
  By Ed - September 13 - 2:00 am

  I have friends who drive CR-Vs and love them. I researched different cars in its class and got a good deal on this. It does have more road noise than my former car did though the ride and seats are very comfortable. The radio, CD, MP3 system is great and sounds terrific. The interior is roomy and deceiving from the outside. Im looking forward to see how it handles in the snow. Not even 700 miles on it and Im getting 27.5 MPG on the highway.

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  Easy to Operate - 2010 Honda Accord
  By jdm - September 13 - 2:00 am

  Researched the car. Has lived up to much of the hype. Hard to put a car seat in the back (knew this going in). Bluetooth setup with cell phone was easy.

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  A great used car to buy - 2007 Honda Element
  By "D" - September 12 - 2:00 am

  I bought My 07 Honda Element. It has 63,000 miles on her but it drives like a brand new car. I was gonna purchased a Saturn Vue but it was promised to another buyer. It was a stroke of luck the dealer had the Element available. Yes it is a bit bouncy but I was very impressed with everything on the Element. Even being 3 almost 4 years old it was turning heads, I got the silver S C. A very handsome and very practical car. If you are looking for a Cadillac ride you wont like it. If you are looking for a great fun to drive practical people and property hauler look at the Elements. As far as the interior it is either a like or dislike. The triple design to me is a nice touch. Get one !

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  Great Storage and Fun, Fuel Efficient - 2011 Honda CR-Z
  By Mary - September 12 - 2:00 am

  Im 56 years young and just turned in my leased 550SL. I decided to look for a sporty hybrid that would hold golf clubs, plants trays, blue tooth, and groceries. My rule is only buy groceries that will fit into my car. It seats felt identical to the 550SL (without the leather and heated seats). It was easy to drive and fuel efficient. IPOD connection as well as lap top. Has everything I need and fuel efficient. I just returned from Denmark and realized that Americans have it backwards and this is my step to help the economy as well as my pocket book. I recommend you take for a test yourselves.

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  Overall great vehicle - 2000 Honda Accord
  By Erik Olson - September 12 - 2:00 am

  I bought my accord in my second year of college. I was replacing my 00 GMC Sonoma due to lots of traveling. When purchased Honda replaced its cursed transmission at the dealership for free. I have had no problems with this car but basic maintenance such as tires, timing belt, oil, adding 134-a, and brakes. I am currently at 142,XXX miles and the car still runs like new. The car is a blast to drive and can keep up with almost any current v6 car. The vTec system engages flawlessly and still impresses me for a 2.3 L SOHC motor. As for comfort, I am 250lbs and I am very comfortable for 500 mile road trips. Plenty of power for passing. Gas mileage 55 mph 34 mpg, 65 mph 28 mpg, 75 mph 22 mpg, 100+ 12- mpg

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  Transmission - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By acarspecialty - September 12 - 2:00 am

  Love the pilot we had a range Rover, ml430 and a BMW x5 before our Honda every service was over 4k the Honda just turned 100k and the service is under 1k wow it runs great and doesnt need lots of maintenance like our high end suvs I am a believer in Honda and love it very practical money saving car

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  The Best Reliable Car - 2010 Honda Civic
  By 2010 Honda Civic - September 12 - 2:00 am

  Ive been driving a Honda since 2001, they are very reliable and great. The gas mileage is perfect for me and the driving is awesome, best driving car around, as my opinion would not buy any other vehicle.

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  Great car - 2010 Honda Accord
  By tjkennedy - September 12 - 2:00 am

  After looking around at Mazda, altima teat drove them all I liked the Ford fusion, but after driving the Accord its a 5 speed manual that was it, I love it, I just changed the oil, smooth ride better than the fusion I am a happy camper

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  Couldnt go wrong with this car. - 2010 Honda Accord
  By ODIS - September 12 - 2:00 am

  I was comparing accord v6 with ford fusion v6 and Acura TSX . Accord won because of better acceleration and larger size. Pro: 1. Spacious size, EPA rating large. 2. Comfortable seat with lumbar support. 3. Fuel economy: 50% local 50% high way 25-27 MPG. Con: 1. No outside temperature display in EX V6. 2. Rear trunk hood could be more sturdy. 3. No preinstalled door visor.