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:

• 

  OUR 8TH HONDA - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By ernestb - February 1 - 12:20 pm

  Why did we buy a 07 Odyssey Touring R+N, well the VALUE of HONDA doesnt decrease like it does with any other van available on the market. SAFETY is the number one reason why you should buy an Odyssey, We get decent mileage considering that we drive a 4000+lbs tank. We have a 06 Odyssey EXL N+R with 33K miles and it drives and rides like it just came out of the showroom. So the 06 will have 150K in another 4 years. We could have gotten a ford product since my dad works for them but they would never hold the value. If they ever come out with a VOLVO Van we may consider it but until such time Its the Odyssey. Yeah it might be a tank, but it can do so much for so little.

• 

  Excellent Sedan - Highly Recommended! - 2009 Honda Accord
  By excellent car - February 1 - 10:23 am

  After 3 months of driving my Accord I can say, it is the best driving experience Ive had so far with sedans. I worked for a car rental company and drove all kinds of cars so I have something to compare to. Many people prefer dial temperature and other controls but I can say that all buttons are very intuitive easy to operate and contribute to a superior and modern interior look. Handling is great, acceleration is excellent, havent noticed dimming headlights. Lots of leg room. Have absolutely nothing to complain about. I love it!

• 

  Si Good Buy - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Chuchlain - January 31 - 11:57 pm

  The car is great I bought the car used with 7000 miles on it. I average about 23-27 MPG in town and 30-35 freeway but on one trip was averaging 40 mpg. I have had only one complaint and that is I got the Si which came with Michelin Pilot MXMA tires great tires but the soft rubber I had to replace within 20k miles not a big deal since they are a strictly sport tire not made for snow or rainy conditions. So I got a all season sport tire and no problems. I would definitely recommend this car as only maintenance I have done is oil changes and Ive had no problems.

• 

  One sweet ride by Honda. - 2008 Honda S2000
  By RussSeuffert - January 31 - 11:55 pm

  From the first day I took a test drive I new I was hooked, that I had found a true gutsy sports car. I leased my first S2000 (Red) in 05 and this past July I swapped it for an 08 Laguna Blue beauty. The driving experience, the amount of car for the money, the continual grin on my face says it all. Honda created a winner with the 2000 and although its production run is ending in this model year (09) this car will live on as one of the few remaining true sports cars on the road today, and one which I will own till I give up my license due to old age!

• 

  Nice car for daily office commute - 2013 Honda Civic
  By Kr2 - January 31 - 8:03 pm

  Its a really nice and good looking car from Honda. Its good for office commute and short road trips.

• 

  Surprisingly Good - 2010 Honda Insight
  By Bill - January 31 - 8:13 am

  Traded my beloved Wrangler for practicality and economy. Excellent handling. Great commute vehicle. Excellent value for the price. Actual fuel economy around 48 mpg.

• 

  The SUV that set the bar for ALL others - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By Jon T - January 31 - 7:09 am

  Things to take into consideration when looking at the 2016 CR-V EX (middle trim level). Features, Safety and Reliability. The 2016 EX has it all. Smart Key entry, Lane Departure camera, Touchscreen Audio and Personalized Settings, 10way Power Driver Seat (including lower lumbar support adjustment), Tilt and Telescopic Steering, "3" info centers for driver viewing. Not another in its class that is even close.

• 

  I love my car - 1994 Honda Civic
  By EHO - January 30 - 11:38 pm

  I bought this car new because my new wife & stepdaughter didnt fit in my CRX. From the day this car entered the garage my teenage stepdaughter coveted this car so you know it was cool looking from the word go. On the road it handles like a dream, it has reasonable go (5 sp manual), and slices up Santa Cruzs highway 17 like its on rails (w/ 185/60014 Yokohama summer tires). It gets great gas mileage, on the highway 400+ miles from a tank happens all the time. Recently, I had a major failure, most likely a throwout bearing and the main shaft on the trans is making noise (155K). This is how much I love this car: $2100 estimate and Im fixing it. Live on! (The Fit Sport will have to wait).

• 

  Hard to beat this vehicle! - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By D F - January 30 - 9:03 pm

  We were looking for a luxury SUV that was elegant on the inside and out, and one that was affordable with all the options. We looked at more expensive SUVs including Volvo XC 90, Lexus ES 330, and others, but nothing compared with the price.

• 

  MPG - 2010 Honda CR-V
  By Diane - January 30 - 6:43 pm

  I recently bought my 2010 CR-V. I love just about everything about it with the exception of the black cloth interior. Its not very comfortable and shows every speck of dirt. If I had known it was going to collect dirt I would have got leather. Also the gas mileage in town is only 20 mpg consistently. I havent taken on a road trip yet so cant comment on the best mileage it will get.