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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  much better than the first one. - 2009 Honda Fit
  By Erik - June 26 - 11:26 am

  Had my old fit for 2 years and liked the multifunction seats and gas sipping ride, so to go for the new one wasnt difficult. Much improved and drives a lot more than a normal car, better springs and wider axle stand gives a smoother ride. Took the at in BASIC trim, makes fewer revs in top speed and more miles to the gallon as the manual or sport autom. Add cruise control to it so its even better for the wallet.

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  I Love My Maroon Box - 2008 Honda Element
  By Abe Glaser - June 26 - 10:07 am

  After driving a Toyota Tundra TRD for three years I found that I could not work our of the high bed. I need a covered vehicle that would hold some merchandise and double as a pleasure car. The rear seats can lay down or come out if necessary. I love my Element. It gets the sticker gas millage and a bit better. The car is comfortable and roomy. My daughter owns a Pacifica and claims the Element has way more leg room. My auto insurance cam way down due to the improved safety features of the Element.

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  Why did Honda drop the Accord Hybrid? - 2006 Honda Accord
  By BWM - June 26 - 6:37 am

  By far this is the best Accord ever! On a recent trip (June 2008) the mileage computer registered 511 miles, we still had 1/8 tank left, computer showed 39 mpg. After filling up I rechecked the mpg with a calculator and it showed 40 mpg! I dont know what Honda was thinking but my Hybrid Accord is outperforming every other Hybrid out there while 260 horses provide pure zooming fun!

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  Not a Viper but awesome still - 1997 Honda Accord
  By Darling, N - June 25 - 4:46 pm

  I have had this car almost 2 years and only had to do oil changes (on time, always). My mechanic can never find anything else to do with it. It isnt fast, like my Accord Sedan was, but it is comfortable, quiet, and very good on gas, about 30 mpg-awesome for a wagon! It has good ergonomics all gadgets are easily accessible, seats are well placed but I am short so I wish the seats could adjust more. The front windows are slow, but overall this car is a 9 1/2. IT is a typical Honda-reliable to the bone.

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  Love my Honda - 1994 Honda Accord
  By StevenSanAntonio - June 25 - 1:30 pm

  Only had a few minor repairs as far as the engine is concerned, but nothing major. Almost about to hit 200,000 miles on the odometer, which is equal to about 75,000 miles on most domestic vehicles. This car has proven to better than the 1999 Accord I purchased but ended up selling. Its always great to see another older model Honda on the roads, great advertisement.

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  I love it - 2010 Honda Insight
  By sass1125 - June 25 - 6:30 am

  I have had mine a week - already getting 45.2 mpg. Ive been driving SUVs and thought it would be hard to go back to a car, but I love it. This is my first purchase, usually lease, but I know Ill have this for a long time!

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  Still doing it all well - 1999 Honda Civic
  By MaceThomas - June 24 - 10:07 pm

  First off, the car has had only two problems in my 8 years of ownership. I had to replace the clutch slave cylinder (very cheap and quick fix - right in front of the engine) and the drivers side window likes to jump the track if you wind it up when wet (Easy fix, but use the bullet-proof and freezing cold A/C). Other than those things, I get about 33 MPG with my foot to the floor when I get the opportunity (Mixed driving) and there is a lot of cargo room with rear seats folded. If you get the opportunity to get a good example of this hatchback, you will not be sorry!

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  This is a great truck! - 2008 Honda Ridgeline
  By Christopher - June 24 - 9:28 pm

  Just purchased my 2008 Ridgeline RTX and even though I am not a truck/SUV guy, I truly love this vehicle! It has a great ride and handles beautifully. Part of my commute is through steep mountain passes, and this 4500 lb. truck handles like a 4 door sedan. It is a remarkable trait for a vehicle of this size and weight to be so nimble. There are lots of creative features that make this truck really unique, including the flip-up rear seats, lockable bed trunk, and useful center console and sliding armrest. I just filled up today and averaged 20 MPG including a steep commute but little city driving. I ordered a tonneau cover to hopefully increase MPG. Overall, a very satisfying purchase!

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  my CRV performs - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By navycmdr - June 24 - 7:40 pm

  great utility car .. quiet .. comfortable ... economical 23-25 mpg ...extremely well built room for 5+ .. space for weekend trips to the mountians or Home Depot :-)

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  Make That V-Tec Noise - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Rev Happy - June 24 - 6:23 pm

  As we pass the threshold of middle age, we decided that life is short to drive a boring car. Enter a S2000, extreme fun, not practical. So our test drives, (What didnt we test drive!) reviews, (thanks Edmunds) lead us to two choices, a GTI and the Si. We bought both(his and hers). I got the Si. Comfortable, extreme handling, braking, snick snick shifting, confidence inspiring, what a blast. Drive it like a Civic, than hit that Vtec, it becomes the S2000.(well almost) Ride comfort who cares.Do 20 MPH or 90 MPH the car feels and responds sensationally. Plenty of room for this 6 footer plus a trunk and fold down seats make this a everyday joy. Outward vision excellent. Note: Buy a radar detector