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:

• 

  great car fun to drive - 2007 Honda Civic
  By beverly gortner - March 3 - 11:53 am

  the first time that i saw the honda civic coupe i knew then that is the car for me. coming back from the jersey shore over the labor day weekend i said its time for me to buy a new car. that monday i went to the honda dealer in edison and ordered a 2007 white honda civic coupe. i have never been so happy with this car.

• 

  Leader of the pack - 2009 Honda Fit
  By Rebmo - March 3 - 7:53 am

  My wife just picked up her Honda Fit Sport with nav this weekend and really loves it. Cant say much about reliability since we just got it, but the last 2 Hondas we had were trouble free. Traded an Element and dont feel short on space. The visibility, comfort and features are really great. Its good to see a manufacturer offering some high end features in a sub-compact. The nav is very nice out ot the 3 navs we have. Visibility is great with all the glass. Im 6-2.5 and fit fine in the car. Ride is very comfortable. Not a powerhouse but didnt expect it to be, and its adequate for normal driving. The exterior is really nice with the sport package in metallic grey.

• 

  Excellent Value - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By Nishant - March 2 - 5:01 pm

  I have owned the CR-V for four months, and am extremely satisfied with it. The ride is comfortable and is a good small sized SUV. The only issue is that the computer MPG is almost always slightly higher than my calculated MPG (about 1 mpg error). Other than that, great car...

• 

  Great car - 2006 Honda Civic
  By kensa36 - March 2 - 12:23 am

  My wife wanted to get this car. Excellent choice. It rides good, excellent on gas - shes getting over 40 on the highway. Lots of room for the class of car.

• 

  So far so good.... - 2009 Honda Odyssey
  By sid - March 1 - 8:29 pm

  After months of flipping between Odyssey and Sienna, I am a very happy owner of a Honda. Its fun to drive and turns like a normal car. Doesnt feel when you are driving a van, only when you see the space, it feels like a spaceship.

• 

  09 EX-L w/RES Just off Assembly Line - 2009 Honda Odyssey
  By raechris - March 1 - 12:08 pm

  Just purchased my first Honda and first minivan. It just came off the assembly line two weeks ago and the family could not be more excited. Having driven sports cars, sedans and wagons up until this point, I can honestly say after a short adjustment to the driving dynamic of a van, it is just wonderful. Having the unusual ability to detect even the smallest fault, there is a slight rattle/buzz above drivers head area, but the radio easily compensates. It is a living room on wheels, the kids have plenty of room and love all the options/variations, space. Insanely comfortable, amazing visibility, plenty of power and a VCM system that is nearly imperceptible. On the first half tank 19 mpg city.

• 

  Solid Sedan - 2004 Honda Accord
  By adam0311 - March 1 - 12:00 pm

  I have owned it for 2 years. It is 5 years old now. The leather on the driver seat has a small crack, and in a door, there is a ringing noise from a loose screw. Other than that, Im impressed, I have had to veer out of trouble once and it handled superbly. Mileage is great, it is maintenance friendly. The cockpit is set up well and stylish, which will add to its longevity. The lumbar support is great. Leather is the way to go for ease of cleaning. The rims are stylish, and easy to clean without being flashy. The stereo is great with the 6 disc changer. For this particular year, I think the Accord beats out most of its competitors. Camry I think is good too, just preference.

• 

  The Hump Back Honda Delivers - 2013 Honda Crosstour
  By Kent Stannard - March 1 - 1:23 am

  I knew the vehicle I wanted when I walked into the dealership and the dealership in its own right is a whole different ball of wax nor do I wish to elaborate. The Crosstour has better handling than I expected from other reviewers though not as good as the 2011 accord which I also own. Four wheel drive I learned by the way does not mean you can go over 60 on ice and snow and not expect to spin out. The car did manage to right itself again when in a 200 yard skid over ice and snow as I realized the safe alternative would have been to travel at like 40 give or take in the first place. I didnt hit anyone or anything fortunately as the thoughts were going through my head, "please not the mail box, and I dont see anyone in front or behind me!" I have had it off road and it can get frustrating in thicker mud as it seems to clump and traction seems a little less (with no dents or scratches). It seems to have good cargo space as I am able to fit my string bass in the back and the seats all to easily come down. I also like the cabin as it reminds me of my old 1979 toyota celica supra with a lot more comfort. The ride is very good with little or no distortion over bumps or rough road. As with any car I recommend Sea Foam gas and oil treatment every 3 - 6 months.

• 

  Best car yet - 2006 Honda Accord
  By DickCheney - February 28 - 9:40 pm

  This is the best car I have driven or purchased yet. Volvo cant even come close. The navigation is awesome and very accurate (with little goofs, very rare though). Interior is way better than most ~$30k cars. In short, this is the best investment for your money.

• 

  Better than expected - 2004 Honda Element
  By aseltzer - February 27 - 2:00 am

  I was looking for a utility vehicle with a bit of personality and the Element became my single focus. I wanted something with a manual transmission and the Element is one of the few SUVs to offer this. What surprised me wss the sporting performance that this vehicle has in terms of passing power and handling, especially for its size. Combined with 4wd, a very decent sound system and flexible configuration, this car is an outstanding value.