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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  Quietist Honda Ever - 2005 Honda Accord
  By TheGraduate - November 25 - 3:13 pm

  I have never owned a quieter car, and I have had 15 of them in the last 25 years. It has plenty of power, gets 28 mpg in rush hour traffic, has room for my family, which includes two men over 63", and all the features I could ever want. It was the best $22,000 we could have spent.

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  Gas Saver - 2005 Honda Civic
  By clecakes - November 25 - 2:36 pm

  Great dependable car. I have gotten as high as 52.9 MPG. Driving on secondary flat roads at 45-55 MPG. I never got less that 43MPG and thats with the A/C going full blast. I am getting an average of 47MPG over the past 7,000 miles. I am 6-1" and I have plenty of head and leg room. I have no trouble keeping up with traffic at interstate speeds and the car will run along with ease at 80 MPH. Gas mileage suffers above 70MPH. Handles like a dream which makes me wonder why everyone isnt driving one. I drive it every day and with the price of gas at $3.20 per gallon this vehicle is a real money saver.

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  All in all, I love my CR-V - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By Dessiree - November 25 - 4:23 am

  I test drove a used 2006 CR-V right before I drove the new 2008 and theres so many differences. The 08 much more roomy, comfortable, efficient, just all around better. Theres been many improvements. I do have to say that aside from the fuel efficiency this is the best car Ive ever owned. Its going to be the perfect car when my family starts to expand.

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  Best buy ever - 2008 Honda Accord
  By JAPEREZ - November 25 - 1:43 am

  I just bought this 08 Accord and I love this car. I had an 03 Civic and I am glad that I updated to the Accord. The features on this thing is excellent (nav, XM, mp3, dvd, bluetooth and great sound system) so dont test drive this car unless you want to buy it because you will fall in love.

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  MPG not as good as they say!!! - 2007 Honda Civic
  By Bill - November 25 - 1:33 am

  I leased my 2007 Honda Civic almost one year ago and I am very disappointed with the MPG on this car. I am averaging about 20 and that to me is ridiculous. I bought this car because of the great fuel efficiency it was supposed to have and it has not met my expectations. I was told that it would average around 28 city and highway combined. I have not seen 24 or higher yet. Of course they told me that the engine needs to be worked in and then I will get better gas mileage but after 6000 miles I have seen anything yet. I also saw someone else on a discussion board say they recommend 10-15k before you see better gas mileage. My lease will be up before then. I am very disappointed in Honda.

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  Great car; no regrets so far - 2006 Honda Accord
  By bluecoat4 - November 24 - 9:00 pm

  Ive had my 06 Accord SE for about 3 weeks. Overall Im very pleased with the car. The 4 cyclinder for the most part provides enough power. Youll notice a little sluggishness with the AC running. I love the interior. The look is clean and well thought out. The dash illumination is crisp and clear. No gaudy color combinations or cluttering displays. The ride is a little stiff, but smooth and responsive. You may notice a little road noise, however, I didnt feel it was as pronouced as I was lead to believe. Complaints.. glove box doesnt appear to line up with its surroundings, trunk feels extremely cheap. If youre looking at a basic 4 cyl EX check out the SE, youll save a little money.

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  Great Car-INSIDE & OUTSIDE THE BOX !! - 2008 Honda Element
  By rondor - November 24 - 6:43 pm

  Love this car. It is fun to drive and the gas mileage is way better than my Buick SUV. It feels bigger than it really is. The leg room in the rear is unreal. You have to really see and get inside this vehile to appreciate it. The composite black panels are easy to clean and cheap to replace. No dings or scratches.

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  Very satisfying purchase - 2007 Honda Fit
  By Anna - November 24 - 6:53 am

  I wanted a vehicle that gets very good mileage, but did not want a boring sedan. This vehicle holds a lot of cargo and is a good camping vehicle for me (I can even sleep in the flattened back area). I got the manual transmission, which is very smooth and has improved mileage. The car is fun to drive and has many safety features and feels secure on the highway.

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  Great planning - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By Mike - November 23 - 11:20 pm

  Just gave my wife my 05 pilot and bought the Ridgeline. This is also first truck I have owned. After seeing and driving it, I was taken by car like ride and Honda quality. Creative engineering, such as amazing room, teriffic options, trunk in truck bed, and outstanding sound system. This is my fourth Honda and I will keep buying as long as they continue to get it right!

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  Proud Owner of a 2005 Honda Odyssey - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By pebbles93065 - November 23 - 5:10 pm

  Recently my husband and I felt that it was time to trade-in our 2002 Honda Odyssey for something newer. We looked at several other minivans but none could compare to our Odyssey. I love my Odyssey inside out! Other vehicles might come close but once you have driven the Odyssey there is just no way to settle for anything else. We are a family of 5 and do quite a bit of traveling, we fit very comfortably and with plenty of room for luggage. Sometimes we even take our parakeets and dog with us and there is still room remaining. The Odyssey is extremely quiet and has a very smooth drive. I highly recommend the Honda Odyssey for anyone that is looking for quality, style,reliability and comfort.