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:

• 

  Adore it - 2005 Honda Element
  By pgray - April 20 - 6:41 pm

  This is my favorite vehicle of all time. Ive driven Mercedes and Volvos, but nothing is as fun as this vehicle. The cargo capacity is great and it is good for hauling dogs, landscape materials, and antiques. Also, it gets good mileage. I adore it!

• 

  Purchased used... - 2001 Honda Accord
  By Scott - April 20 - 5:29 pm

  My Accord is fully equipped, with leather interior... had 89k on it when I bought it and has 112K now. Absolutely perfect. Its a dream to drive (with one exception to be noted) comfortable and great ergos... took a 400-mile trip and aside from the usual stops, drove straight through. Got out of the car like Id gone to the store and back... that comfortable. Styling is impressive to me, the engine is very responsive and Ive gotten a high of 34mpg on the road... 21 +- around town.

• 

  Reliable and fuel efficient US made auto - 2009 Honda Civic
  By Happy Camper - April 20 - 4:26 pm

  Just passed 15,000 miles and still pleased. We average 36 MPG. The car is comfy. Four can travel on long trips without much trouble. Five is OK for short trips. Leg room in back is very good. I like the split dash as everything is right there. The road noise can get loud sometimes, but its mostly only noticed when the radio is off. If you want a solid fuel efficient, US made, worry free auto - you cant go wrong with a Civic.

• 

  Fun and efficient - best of both worlds - 2007 Honda Civic
  By BHutfless - April 20 - 2:10 pm

  I traded my comfortable truck for fuel economy and was worried that Id be compromising too much, but I have been pleasantly surprised. Nothing else in this car class comes close for the money. Saving on the car payment is just an added bonus. For $20k the Civic serves up great styling, impeccable fit and finish, good handling and a fun driving experience. The dash is easy to read without taking your eyes off the road. I routinely get 30 mpg. The powertrain is smooth for cruising and pleasing to push when you have to, or want to, and its sporty enough that youll want to. This is the car other manufacturers could learn from. This is simply a better car with fewer toys and more substance.

• 

  This aint no Trooper, thankfully. - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By Mike M - April 20 - 12:56 pm

  Replaced our 99 Trooper. We gave up space but got economy and refinement in return. The CRV is really fun and easy to drive. It is quiet and smooth highway speeds. Theres no unsettling feeling go through long sweeping turns as in the Trooper.

• 

  Great Urban and Suburban Mileage - 2014 Honda Accord Hybrid
  By hizonr - April 20 - 8:33 am

  I will have had my Accord Hybrid EX-L four weeks tomorrow. I was expecting to buy a Fusion Hybrid last year, but by the time I was able to test drive one in January, reports of mileage far below the EPA ratings were coming out, so I decided to wait for the new Accord Hybrid. I was able to test drive one within a week of release; as soon as I drove it, I knew it was the car I wanted. I had been driving an Acura TL for 9+ years, so the Accord felt somewhat familiar to me. I have not been disappointed in my decision. The car is very nicely finished, handles well, and acceleration is better than expected. The seats are quite comfortable. We have averaged about 48 mpg driving locally.

• 

  A near perfect mini-van - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By Happy Owner - April 20 - 3:36 am

  The new Odyssey is close to perfect. Great handling with lots of power. I am a big guy 64", 230 lbs.. I find the seats very comfortable, with ample leg room. We nearly bought new last year, we are very glad that we waited for the new style and new standard options like sunroof, 6 cd changer, etc. Not as quiet as the Sienna, but overall a better vehicle. Reliability and depreciation of domestic mini-vans drove us to look at Honda/Toyota. Why cant Chrysler fix their transmission and front end woes? They have existed for years!

• 

  Delivery vehicle - 2005 Honda Element
  By John Hurley - April 19 - 4:26 pm

  A solid, reliable, economical option for a delivery vehicle. Just enough style to prevent embarrasment. Great cargo capacity combined with low cost of purchase and operation.

• 

  2nd Pilot - Worth the Wait! - 2009 Honda Pilot
  By Valerie - April 19 - 12:19 pm

  This is the 2nd Honda Pilot that I have owned. Previously, I had the 2005 Honda Pilot under a lease program. I ordered my 2009 Honda Pilot in Feb 2008. It arrived in June 2008. It was worth the wait. I purchased this one, it was better than leasing it. I have been a Honda fan since 1994. This truck has everything I wanted in a truck and more. Look no further!

• 

  Blue Civic - 2005 Honda Civic
  By AFCOP - April 19 - 1:00 am

  I love it Fun to drive and is sporty