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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  Poor mans prius - 1990 Honda Civic
  By netpokerstar - January 3 - 11:34 pm

  I bought this car because I live in California, the state with the highest gas prices in the continental U.S. I would recommend this car for gas mileage only. No appreciable luxury. Dated styling, unless you put a body kit on it. O.K. performance if you are willing to push the motor to the max, which is very unwise if you want an old car to last!

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  Beautifully Used - 2004 Honda Element
  By coachbarnes11 - January 3 - 8:33 pm

  This is the 7th Honda I have owned. I was curious about the Element when they first came out and was glad to finally purchase a used one with a manual "yeah!" and 100k on it. Of course it has been flawless since I have owned it. So many possible ways to use this vehicle. As a competitive triathlete I am looking forward to this summer and using it for fun weekends. I am going to keep up on the maintenance and do a big service here in the spring (plugs, fluids, etc.). As long as I take care of it, the E should go another 100k for me easy. The skylight is way cool! Stereo is more than adequate and iPod friendly. I might even go camping with my son and sleep on the seats that make beds!

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  Great Minivan - 2000 Honda Odyssey
  By DaveA - January 3 - 7:21 pm

  Yeah, its a minivan. But...if what you want is solid reliability and flexibility, then the Odyssey delivers. I have had mine since new in late 1999 and it has only been to the shop once over 130,000 miles for a timing belt. Thats it. I have used Mobil 1 and been careful to keep up with the maintenance, which is very little other than fluids, battery, plugs and brake pads. I am going to buy another Odyssey if my 10 year old one ever decides to conk out.

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  1995 Prelude Si - 1995 Honda Prelude
  By Murrell - January 3 - 2:47 pm

  I have had my prelude for 5 years now and i have put a total of 85,000 miles on it. It has been the most fun car to drive I have ever had. It still has the same amount of power since the day i bought it. Actually a little more because of a few mods. I added a cold air intake and a full exhaust. The sound of the car is amazing. I have nothing bad to say about it. It is a totally reliable car. With the mods i made i get about 28.5 miles per gal around town driving.

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  Good Car - 1992 Honda Accord
  By redone - January 3 - 12:44 pm

  This has been a great car, got it in 1997 for my sixteenth birthday. It had around 40000 miles. Now thirteen years later and with 265000 its still running strong. Ive maintained it pretty well. Any car though as time passes has to have things replaced. Have put in a few radiators, window motors, stereo system, one clutch and clutch system, oil sending pump, etc... The clearcoat has peeled off on the roof and in a few other areas. Going to repaint it soon. No rust though in Alabama. I did buy a weekend sports car, an s2000. I commute to work in the accord and look forward to it everyday. Sometimes I think about upgrading to a new one but I grew up in this car and cant bear to see it go.

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  Nice Truck - 2008 Honda Ridgeline
  By DANSWAK - January 3 - 8:40 am

  I like everything about this truck except the lack of integrated lock on tailgate. The inbed trunk has an integrated lock which can be opened using keyfob. The tailgate does not even have a lock on it. Once I added a tonneau cover I had to add a "pop-a- lock" which necessitates me carrying an extra key.

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  Lives up to her name-Grace - 1996 Honda Accord
  By fajenkins - January 3 - 8:23 am

  When i test drove the car, I loved the pick up and go. because of her age, Im having the original parts give out, but i have an awesome mechanical team that will give me a fair deal and fix her/maintain her one time and well. (shes 13 years old). My mom states in two years I should retire my car and get a newer one,if I have the money then, I will if not, Ill keep this one going until she cant go anymore.

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  Great car - 2008 Honda Odyssey
  By Rifat - January 2 - 4:11 pm

  This is my second Honda Odyssey, first one 2002-2008, it is a great van, fun to drive, smooth, good fuel economy, strong and dependable, I drove the van from Cincinnati to Chicago with family of 5 and infant in a car seat, carrying 10 luggages, no problems at all, navigation needs update, dvd is excellent, wish if awd is available. This van worth every Penny.

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  2008 Honda Civic Hybrid Miliage - 2008 Honda Civic
  By chuck woods - January 2 - 2:19 pm

  I am having some severe mileage issues with my 2008 Honda Civic Hybrid. I was fighting to keep mileage above 49 mpg when I went in to have new tires and oil change at 30,000 miles. Up to that point, I had never gotten less than 50 MPG (measures by dividing miles driven by gallons of gas to fill up). This included summer and winter driving, city and town. Immediately after tires (original?) and oil change I had difficulty getting 40MPG. I am now fighting to get above 35MPG. Dealer claims to have checked out and can find nothing wrong. I drive better that anyone at getting best mileage (slow speeds, cruise, tire pressure, gentle starts and breaking, little heat and air conditioning, etc)

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  25mpg in town, 38mpg hwy - 1 complaint - 2006 Honda Accord
  By Rob P - January 2 - 11:25 am

  I have owned more than 10 Honda/Acuras over 30+ years. My 2006 Accord is way up as #1 or #2. My 1996 Accord has 215k and still sings. I am really surprised @ the power & MPG combo from my 2006. I AVERAGE 25mpg around town consistently with my 2.4 (4-cy)2006. I average 34 MPG on the highway, and I drive ~ 75-80mph on cruise. Hwy varies ~ 33mpg(lowest)-38mpg(highest). Honda Engineering, Quality, and made in U.S.A.!!