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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  Even better than our 1999 CR-V! - 2006 Honda CR-V
  By Two CR-Vs - May 9 - 5:47 pm

  After reading some other reviews, I expected to like the 2006 CR-V less than the 1999 CR-V we have owned for years. Since a manual transmission is a MUST for my wife and I, the SUV market has become increasingly limited. 2006 was the last year for 5 Speed Manual transmission on the Honda CR-V, so when we finally found a used one with the manual transmission, we bought it. I am pleasantly surprised that we both like our 2006 even more than the 1999! The 2006 feels bigger, feels even more solid and substantial, and is more powerful than our 1999. At the same time, our gas mileage is 26-28 mpg in normal mixed driving, just the same as with our 1999.

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  The EX is worth the extra money! - 2010 Honda Civic
  By Thomas Leo Obuck - May 9 - 11:48 am

  I purchased this sleek Polished Metal Metallic Gray vehicle for my aged parents since the 2006 Accord EX sedan they initially bought was too large for their meager-sized garage. They are delighted with their new Civic EX Sedan. They describe the car as "zippy", the "perfect size 4-door inside and out" and "extremely attractive"! The cloth fabric is quite stylish, sporty and luxurious. The gorgeous Accord became mine and as much as they love it, they claim that it is "too much car" for their simplistic lives yet, just right for mine. They literally scoot to church, shopping and back home. I wanted them to enjoy the standard sunroof of the loaded "EX" variant. They are thrilled and so am!

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  Outstanding SUV - 1996 Honda Odyssey
  By hondaman2 - May 9 - 10:19 am

  4 bangers" (2.2l. Engine) but lots of hp. Just like the "energizer bunny". Keeps "going, n going, n going "with minimum maintenance (oil change/s, etc.). Only issue is the "abs" light (bad brakes sensor/s?) kept turning on after getting "fixed" a year later. Minimal rust showing for a 14-15 yrs. Old van. Driven 5 times from Chicago to Florida and back with no leaks, issues, etc. Negative/s?Hard to find used parts in auto salvage junkyards (there is none in il.). Just like my wife, "sometimes" boring but very dependable, trustworthy, and "perky." I guessed Ill keep her than trade her in for newer/"younger" ones (my 96 Odyssey lolz). Overall, Im extremely satisfied with my 96 Odyssey. Its a 9 out of 10.

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  Absolutely Impressed - 2010 Honda Insight
  By Happy Hybrid Owner - May 9 - 9:24 am

  Test drove Prius and Honda Insight. Honda Insight won hands down. Truly fun to drive, quiet interior, plenty of power and of course excellent mileage. Driving Prius felt like being in the virtual arcade car. Honda Insight EX is priced thousand of dollars less than Prius II and comes fully loaded. Only extra option is navigation and blue tooth. Easily obtained at the fraction of the cost on the outside Hybrids will not break any speed records but if youre looking for excellent high millage family car Honda Insight is it. Honda Job Well Done!

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  Love Our Odyssey - 2010 Honda Odyssey
  By Wcj41978 - May 8 - 8:56 pm

  We are very happy with our Odyssey. We have the EX-L with the RES. Our kids love the DVD quality and the wireless head sets. We love the tri-climate controls, back up camera, power remote sliding doors and tailgate, and all the fun toys Honda included. We are averaging 22 MPG and do mostly city driving. We are taking a trip to Florida (from TX) in August and cant wait to drive the Odyssey there. We have found the ride to be comfy and quiet even on the highway. We considered the Pilot as well but loved the Odyssey so much more.

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  Takes a licking! - 2006 Honda Accord
  By shawn2e - May 8 - 5:20 pm

  I bought this accord brand new in Monrovia. The only problem I had was cheap arm rest had came unattached and the brake rotors would warp after excessive freeway usage. No other problems with the car from day one until totaled. I do have to say this is a safe car. First accident was striking a box spring and spare tire on the highway ripped front bumper right off. 2nd accident totaled car, rear end impact at 50 mph! Was able to walk out of the car shaken up and unhurt. I would have to say I would buy another Honda Accord when the time for me to buy another car comes around. its a good everyday car to run around, commute, errands, or go out in. Good price for the piece of mind.

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  My Experience of the Insight - 2010 Honda Insight
  By pkw - May 8 - 2:23 pm

  Ive read numerous ratings and comments about the Insight and I find that its hard to believe theyre talking about the same car Ive owned for a year now. My Insight has never gotten lower than 42 MPG and then only in sub-zero weather. In normal weather I always get 45, 46 or 47 mpg and thats after I do the math, which is just below the instrumentations estimates. I also have a Prius for nearly four years, and the Prius is slightly faster, but the instrumentation is not as concise, but the Prius is now older than the Insight. The Insight is solidly built, and gets mpg greater than ratings which have been publicized.

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  Great Car - 2004 Honda Accord
  By ricks54chevy - May 7 - 10:49 pm

  While no car is perfect for all this one is great for many. Just got this recently from my dads estate in Az. Drove it to Maryland and have used it for a few months and now ready to sell. First off I will miss it. This car combines very good acceleration with great fuel economy for the size. It sits and transports four full sized adults and all their stuff comfortably. It rides on the stiff side but in return provides great control. If you want cushy and floaty buy a Buick or Camry. If you like apexes and sweeping on ramps this is for you. I have achieved mpg 20s in town and low 30s on the open road. Not at all bad for the level of comfort, performance, and reliability.

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  Transmission? - 2001 Honda Accord
  By kc - May 7 - 8:40 pm

  This was my first Honda and my last. The transmission is shot and come to find out, this is a known issue for Honda. However. And beware. They will not assist in repairing the transmission if you are one day or one mile over the warranty. They knew the transmission was faulty and still used it for several years. The issue is not that a manufacturer has a defective product, but rather, that the manufacturer knowingly sold a product that had the distinct potential of failing and will not back up their product. I dont care how many great reviews Honda gets or has gotten. They have proved to me to be an unreliable company with which to deal. Stay away from all Honda!

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  What a nice minivan! - 2010 Honda Odyssey
  By VegasRPh - May 7 - 1:12 pm

  First, I want to point out that this is our very 1st minivan. We actually never thought we would own a minivan, until our friends bought an Odyssey 2 years ago. My wife and I are very pleased with our new Alabaster Silver Odyssey EX with grey cloth interior (we did a 3 year lease). We have had the Odyssey for 1 month and 1,000 miles so far. The Odyssey is very smooth, quiet, comfortable, surprisingly fun to drive, excellent interior, plenty of room, and gas mileage is 18MPG so far in city only. The front driver seat/passenger seat is very comfortable (grey cloth) and the middle captain chairs are fantastic too. Overall, the fit/finish is excellent and we truly enjoy our Odyssey!