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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  My 2nd favorite Honda - 1997 Honda Accord
  By thehub - June 7 - 10:40 am

  This is my second 97 Special Edition four door, and neither has disappointed. The ride is smooth (on new Pirellis) while it is not a Porsche, it is reliable, safe and fun to drive. It is comfortable as all get out! This is my 6th Honda, and only my 1989 Accord Lxi has been better. Honda is a cut above the rest. Buy one, and you will not be disappointed.

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  Reliable workhorse - 1996 Honda Odyssey
  By Odyssey Driver - June 7 - 6:53 am

  For a large vehicle it performs superbly. Accelerates and powers up hills well, handles cornering nimbly, performs braking well. Parking is easy, visibility through windows and mirrors is excellent for a wide, long vehicle. Fold down seats creates enormous capacity for transporting items. Seats are comfortable. Controls are within acceptable reach. Excellent sized, solid family car.

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  My Civic EX - 2010 Honda Civic
  By billykeyc - June 6 - 9:57 pm

  I recently bought a Civic EX sedan. I drive a lot and just traded in my 08 Altima. I miss the acceleration and the CVT on my Altima but I love the increased mileage and the look of my new car. I got a great price and love it.

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  Follow up to previous review. - 2010 Honda Insight
  By Hutch42 - June 6 - 4:54 pm

  I initially wrote a review on this car after only 1,000 miles, but now, about a year later, I have driven it almost 14,000 miles and still love it. I get anywhere between 45 to 62 mpg depending on conditions, weather, and speed. Ive discovered that I get the best mileage when driving between 40 to 50 mph. If I get up on the highway and get my speeds up to 70 to 75 mph, the economy is not as good, but still exceeds 40 mpg. This is a great car: looks good, drives nicely, handles well, great fuel economy and fun to drive. I highly recommend a test drive of an Insight before wasting your money on a Prius or some other so called economy car.

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  Smart Choice - 2010 Honda Civic
  By Randy Magers - June 6 - 11:06 am

  Owned for 2 months. My first Honda. TMV for most cars I researched usually fall between sticker and invoice. At the time I purchased this car, the TMV was $450.00 under invoice. Dealer did not hesitate selling for TMV. Dealer actually voluntarily knocked off another $60.00 to make it an even $18,800. Afterward, I thought I should have tried to haggle an even lower price since the dealer didnt even bat an eye at the TMV. I think the looks of coupe is much better than the sedan. In my opinion, the EX model is well worth the cost over the LX. I like the exterior styling, very modern, should still be relevant for several years to come. I have not noticed the road noise everyone complains about

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  Ugh! With the tires! - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By hanksbank - June 6 - 12:01 am

  Bought this car new in 2007, during the high spike of gas prices. Perfect family car, and ratings above reflect what a 22K new car will get you. For whomever is researching this car, please be aware that you will be replacing tires like nobodys business. We pretty much go through about eight in a years period. The front ones are good for about 10K miles. The quality, alignment, whatever can be changed has been done. It also doesnt matter who drives it. My spouse is a very slow and cautious driver. It is what it is. Careful with the turns, too. My Dodge Dakota truck does better on turns than the CR-V. Drive like a granny around curves, or else!! Other than that, a great car.

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  Honda = Lemon - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By paul - June 4 - 10:29 pm

  Ive always been a big fan of Honda. No longer. Had civics, accords, and now the odysseys (owned a 2003 before). Had problems with the steering reservoir, gear hunting at 40 mph, delay in shifting to "d", brake rotors, and now a leaky steering rack! Talked to Honda customer service who was no help and not at all sympathetic. Honda wants $1400 for a new steering rack. Ive owned 10 cars and never had a leaky steering rack. And Ive had many cars over 150k miles. The quality seems to have gone down and the customer service has definitely gone down. After having owned 6 hondas in the past, I will not buy another Honda.

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  Accords rule! - 1997 Honda Accord
  By tennisballs - June 4 - 8:52 pm

  I have really enjoyed this car. It has been incredibly reliable. Ive been driving it for 11 years and would drive it for 10 more if my family didnt need a bigger car now.

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  Honda still cant fix the steering - 2009 Honda Accord
  By bobby - June 4 - 7:43 pm

  I bought the car a year back. The car is spacious, handles well. Negative side: Excessive road noise. Surprisingly various annoying problems: Steering was making noise. Dealer finally changed the steering, but soon noticing excessive vibrations at highway speed, and when u apply brake. I have been to the dealer 5 times about steering problems but problem persists. Remote wont work beyond 20 ft etc. Let me give you my honest opinion: 1) Accord is not anymore trouble free as it use to be. 2) Road noise makes ypu deaf on longer travel.

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  What a car! - 2009 Honda Fit
  By j - June 4 - 6:57 pm

  Ive been a Honda owner for 25+ years and I love my Fit. Its my favorite Honda to date. Its the most sensible car Ive ever owned. Im getting 33 mpg around town and close to 40 on the open road. Its surprisingly comfortable on long rides. I love its super versatility and its deceiving amount of cargo room. I easily fit a full size washing machine in the back. Maybe thats why they call it the FIT, everything seams to FIT. In my book it beats the heck out of any boxy top heavy gas guzzling SUV.