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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  Good Value - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Fred Kovalyak - February 9 - 8:04 pm

  Just Broke in

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  ourfirstimport - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By ourfirstimport - February 8 - 8:36 pm

  This is our first import purchase, and have only had this vehicle for two weeks. In this time of astronomical gas prices, we took a gamble in purchasing an SUV-type vehicle. We were hoping for better gas mileage like many other reviewers, but barely 20 mpg is all we get so far with this 4-cylinder rather under-powered cross-over. Handles well, but ride is rough. Hoping the Honda reputation stands true for our new CR-V as we keep our vehicles for the long haul.

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  Headrests - 2010 Honda Accord
  By NW - February 7 - 7:13 pm

  We had not purchased a new vehicle since 1994, and we are currently still driving a 2006 Toyota Camry LE. I have wanted a Honda Accord for a long time and chose the 2010 Honda Accord LX-P for my "retirement car." So far I have not been disappointed in this car. My only complaint is that the drivers headrest will not stay in position. We took it back, and the mechanic swapped it with the passenger headrest. Once the passenger headrest was in place on the drivers side, it would not stay in place either. I am a short person so I really need this headrest in the correct position. If this can just get resolved, I will be a happy camper. The car drives very well. The road noise was not too bad.

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  Fun Fun Fun - 2003 Honda Element
  By Chobie - February 7 - 10:00 am

  Absolutely practible. If you like to be different, this is the affordable choice for you. Plenty of room for four people. Single guy can use the space in back to haul all the things you wanted to, but couldnt in that coupe type car.

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  Accord LX - 1992 Honda Accord
  By butterfly - February 7 - 2:14 am

  I have had this Accord since it had 28480 miles on it. It has now 203,700 miles. It has had master cylinder replaced, radiator, power window electronics, and main relay. It currently needs paint it looks terrible!!! It has a small power steering leak and it must have an oil pan gasket leak as it is always wet when I change the oil. Honda so called fixed the PS leak but it reoccured 1 year later and they refused to repair under warranty. That dealership has had a lot of problems over the years. A lot of personnel changes. Honda refuses to acknowledge its defects and Im skeptical about buying another Honda. Im not thrilled with the other offerings out there either. Its been a good car overall.

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  Nice - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By jrmike - February 6 - 2:43 am

  Car rides smooth. Plenty of power for a minivan. Handles well. Honda navigation is great, but voice activation is not very good. Great car. The storage is great and there is plenty of room for everything.

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  True Blue - 2016 Honda Civic
  By Phil Bodine - February 6 - 1:00 am

  I love the Royal blue (Aegean). Great gas mileage.

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  5 Years Later - 2000 Honda Insight
  By Carl Abert - February 5 - 5:22 pm

  Car has excceeded my expectations. The MPG for 122K+ miles is 70.5 MPG. Coming from a Dakota, gas consumption has been reduced by 700+ gallons a year. Do the math. While a bit underpowered, the 5 speed manual allows for compensation. Wheres the Insight II with 90 MPG or so...?

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  Oh, Wheres the Gas going?? - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By L. Sutton - February 5 - 9:03 am

  I absolutely love my CR-V EX, but I drive around town all the time and my gas mileage has only been between 15-16 mpg. I expected it to be lower then the EPA estimate, but not 7 mpg. Ive had this car for about a month now and the gas mileage has not improved. I had a 1992 Nissan Maxima and got better gas mileage - 17-18 mpg. Ill give it a little more time to "break in" and if it doesnt improve Honda will hear from me. I do love the way it handles and the looks are great. Other then the gas mileage I love my CRV.

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  Needs More Horsepower! - 2001 Honda Accord
  By HondaAccordSE - February 5 - 5:20 am

  Get the VTEC engine or a V6.