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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  Pretty Sweet - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Merv - August 30 - 7:03 am

  I traded in my 01 Acura CLS and thought I might be moving down a notch. Other than a less powerful and somewhat noisier engine, the Honda is about as nice (a lot less money too). The styling of both the Accord and Altima coupe got my attention, but this car gives you more for the money. My experience with the dealership was positive as well.

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  Great car, even after a decade - 1998 Honda Accord
  By Troy - August 30 - 2:28 am

  Owned this car since it was brand new, and now almost 10 years later it still runs great! Has almost 240k and had no major repairs yet. Im almost expecting something has to fail soon just because of the age and mileage, but it proves me wrong each day. If you want a great car that will take care of you if you take car of it, this is your car.

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  great! - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By kim - August 30 - 2:10 am

  i did just buy 24 hours ago but I cant get enough! The feel of the car is amazing.

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  Extremely fun, with some flaws. - 2009 Honda Fit
  By Jon from Milwaukee - August 29 - 11:30 pm

  The Fit is a tremendously fun car to drive. Power is more than adequate and the fuel economy is good (at least with the manual). I am fairly tall (61") and the fit is very comfortable with the seat in the rear-most position. Anyone taller would have a problem. The ride is stiff, dont let anyone tell you otherwise. The drivers seat is a bit too hard as well. The only significant drawback is the very stiff ride. This has got the firmest suspension of any car Ive ever driven.

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  Great SUV!!! - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By Honda Pilot EX - August 29 - 4:56 pm

  Upgraded from a Land Rover Freelander. Huge improvement! Lots of room and good amount of power. Dont believe the stated MPG. Expect 14-15 around town w/ air conditioning. You can get 19-21 on the highway. Not bad but I wish theyd be more accurate in their stated MPG estimates.

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  Best van ever! - 2008 Honda Odyssey
  By Tiffany - August 29 - 7:23 am

  I love the Odyssey, its by far the best van in the market which its proven. I love the DVD system, and I get great gas mileage. I had a great experience, I drove both Odyssey and Sienna before making my decision and I am glad I went with the Odyssey, its interior is higher quality and better laid out. I like the standard safety and luxury features. A great ride, over all I am very very happy!

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  comfortable ride - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By petras - August 28 - 4:28 pm

  i recommend the base lx version if you can live without the expensive "bells and whistles"..the lx is well equiped,roomy, and comfortable on long trips...if you dont need a vehicle for towing and want a lot of room, this and other minivans are a much better value than large suvs..dont worry about the "soccer mom" stigma...no reliability issues so far..highly recommended...

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  Go For it - 2003 Honda Element
  By Southpause - August 28 - 10:00 am

  I own two BMWs (740i and 325 Convertible) and I love driving this SUV. I traded a miserable Jeep Grand Cherokee and the Element is more spacious, handles better, rides better, is no doubt more reliable and was 10k less. My son and I are over 6 tall and the headroom is terrific. Is it noisy? Certainly but hey, its a box on wheels. Fuel economy could be better. but it still beats most SUVs.

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  Great SUV . . . I think - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By EdHan - August 28 - 10:00 am

  Its a good looking SUV. Not fancy in anyway, some may even say bland - but the look will grow on you. The ride is dependable and smooth. Fuel economy is not that great but then again this is much bigger than my old Maxima so its only logical. Its not quick or nimble on its feet but handling is smooth. Check out honda-pilot.org for more info.

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  Would buy again - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By logcabinguy - August 28 - 10:00 am

  After much research and many test drives it came down to the RAV-4 and the CRV. The Honda dealership was much more attentive to our needs. That factor plus the long term reliability of our 4 Honda Civics tilted the deck to the CRV.