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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  Former SUV Mom - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By fantp - July 25 - 8:20 pm

  We just bought the 2007 Honda Odyssey and I love it. I was driving a 2003 Chevy Tahoe which I thought I couldnt live without until I drove the Odyssey. This van handles wonderfully and is very comfortable, not to mention the excellent gas mileage. We traded in our Tahoe because we were so tired of pouring gas into it. At about $70 to fill it up; we were dying! The Odyssey costs about $45 to fill it up! We couldnt beleive it. The road noise is worse than I had hoped, our Tahoe was very quiet but was also high off the ground. It is very easy to get my 18 month old in & out of the van, no more climbing up to load him in his car seat! I love it; even though I said Id never drive a van!

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  Quality drivers car, bang for the buck! - 2007 Honda S2000
  By DJ - July 25 - 3:27 pm

  Have only owned the roadster for a week but have researched for years being an enthusiast of this gem. Why pay $20- $30,000 more for a name like Porsche or Bimmer when you only get the cache and moreover, major league repair costs. Driving behavior was better than expected with the point and squirt steering which is as predictable as you will find. Power is as well better than expected. The torque at lower RPM in V 2.2 was desperately needed and now that has been addressed. 8 model years and still going strong. Not many cars are produced this long and still sell like hot cakes. CR version would likely be my next car.

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  Best Car Ever! 97 2 dr se - 1997 Honda Accord
  By Rob Elliott - July 25 - 2:02 pm

  Bought it w/18 miles on it in dec. 96. It now has 215,000. Zero problems. Only 15 oil changes in 11 years. One new battery & a few tires. Still looks & drives like new. Solid car. Have gotten my money out of it. Still gets over 400 miles on a full tank that holds 13 gallons. Ive opened the hood twice. Once when I bought it and again last year when I put a new battery in it. Priceless.

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  My first Honda - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By Usanda - July 25 - 5:06 am

  Its my first Honda and I like it so far except for the fuel consumption. I drive 90% of time on the streets (Los Angeles) and I average 19 miles per gallon. This would be my only concern. On the freeways with no traffic a get about 30 miles per gallon which is pretty good I think. On the positive side, the ride is very comfortable and quiet. Stereo system is awesome with 6 disk changer. I burned my mp3 music on the cds and now I can listen to music for ours without changing a disc. Front and rear seats have a lot of legroom (Im 62). I would definitely recommend this SUV to a friend)

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  More fun than I expected - 2008 Honda Fit
  By Allison - July 24 - 5:16 pm

  I transitioned from a basic, bare-bones Toyota Echo to the 2008 Honda Fit--what a difference. MPG is less than I was used to, but this is much more of a car and well worth the slight decrease in mileage. This car is fun and solid to drive pickup is great, especially for a car with such little horsepower, and the car is very comfortable on long road trips. The sport model is worth the higher price, since those little luxuries all factor into the enjoyment of driving this car.

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  Safety # 1 - 2008 Honda Pilot
  By Jonna - July 24 - 11:40 am

  I am recovering from a car accident. I was hit by a Cadillac Escalade. I was not moving, he T-boned me at approx 40 mph. I flipped over. The side airbag deployed, I had on my belt. I have 1 broken bone, fortunate to be alive. The police and hospital both said how lucky I am. You only get 1 chance in an accident, so choose the safest vehicle on the market. This has 5 stars, the top. This is a great vehicle to drive and very safe. I am going to buy the 2009.

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  Civic sets the bar - 2005 Honda Civic
  By crossfive - July 24 - 8:57 am

  This is a our commuter car (110,000) 108 miles a day, mostly highway @ 70mph. We get 35 to 38 mpg. We were pretty smart in 05 to get it then. Im 61 and find it ok for the hour drive. My 16 year old twins hate the back seat but that is what the mini-van is for. Ok for quick hops. We have the autotrans (my wifes choice) and that takes some getting used to when braking. It automatically down shifts and feels like an additional brake. Before this Civic we had an 02 lx and it did the same thing. A feature? The 02 was never the same after the deer strike so we traded it in. All in all, great vehicle and we are looking at the 08 Civic lx - and the boys cant wait to get the 05

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  best minivan in the usa - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By sofimatrix - July 24 - 12:23 am

  very nice, lots space and utility, decent gas miles for 4400 pound vehicle, kids love it.

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  Love my Element! - 2008 Honda Element
  By Joleine - July 23 - 11:37 am

  My Element is a lot of fun to drive, has great get up and go, is very utilitarian and has everything we needed in an SUV!

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  Crosstour beats Venza hands down - 2010 Honda Accord Crosstour
  By Howie D - July 23 - 10:30 am

  My lease was up on my RX350 and test drove the Toyota Venza and Nissan Murano before trying out the Crosstour. The Crosstour was a clear winner! Excellent drive train and quieter engine vs the RX350. Love the new styling, very sporty and fun to drive. I am 63 so headroom is very important and the Crosstour had the most headroom.