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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  MPG - 2010 Honda CR-V
  By Diane - January 30 - 6:43 pm

  I recently bought my 2010 CR-V. I love just about everything about it with the exception of the black cloth interior. Its not very comfortable and shows every speck of dirt. If I had known it was going to collect dirt I would have got leather. Also the gas mileage in town is only 20 mpg consistently. I havent taken on a road trip yet so cant comment on the best mileage it will get.

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  Dont replace a BMW with an Element - 2008 Honda Element
  By kirkd1 - January 30 - 3:36 pm

  I thought the ride was buckboard with the 04 X3 but this sc is STIFF. Goes around corners better than the minivan character of the regular models but rear seat passengers need kidney belts. This is "she who must be obeyed"s and she doesnt complain but has mentioned the stripped down features coming from her X3 (no automatic lights or turn down passenger parking mirror bugs her). Really we wanted a smaller footprint (carbon and fuel economy) but this is only getting 19 mpg on a good day and the X3 was 17-18mpg. 6 pounds of pollution per 15k miles for the Honda and 15 pounds for the X3. My biggest beef is the short range, especially for a brick with bad fuel economy.

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  Not Overrated - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By BonkBonk - January 30 - 2:20 pm

  I live in Minnesota - it is quite decent even on all-season tires Here is my take: performance/fun-to-drive are both 10 (for minivans). It is more precise than most domestic cars and every other minivan (incl Toyota). Comfort is an 8 due to some stiffness - the price you pay for performance. Fuel economy is a 6 - I get 19, would be nice in the low 20s. Interior design is a 9 - spartan and practical + little to break. Exterior design and build quality both 10s - best looking minivan with great fit/finish. Reliability a 9 - almost perfect.

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  Serves me well - 2007 Honda Accord
  By gws - January 30 - 10:03 am

  Everything on this car works as advertised. I get about 25 mpg driving mostly in the city. All the goodies work including the voice activation system. The A/C went bad at 3 months and it took two dealers four tries to fix it but all under warranty. My 8th Honda and Ill continue to buy as long as the quality holds up. I find it very comfortable but I do very little long distance driving as some of the other reviewers. The tires are a bit noisy but I think that is a Michelin problem. Ill try another brand when the time comes. The OEM tires have 22000 miles and still look new.

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  Saved my life - 2006 Honda Element
  By ricthechef - January 30 - 8:16 am

  My brother had a 2003 Element and was rolled off the thruway--he walked away. Yesterday I was hit just about head on, on the right headlight, by a pickup going over 60 MPH. The car rolled, the airbags deployed and aside from a broken rib and a few contusions, I literally walked away. Kudos to safety features and thanks to you Honda! The high ceilings I believe are a factor in safety and comfort.

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  Unreliable - 2009 Honda Odyssey
  By Rita Brogonsian - January 30 - 1:21 am

  I have a stalling problem my Honda dealer (and another) will not fix. It stalls every time I get hard on the gas pedal. I have been on the 400 trying to merge and the van just dies. I have it towed to Honda but they cant find anything wrong. I dont like this van as much as my old Caravan. It not very reliable. I think I made a big mistake.

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  Very good vehicle - 2000 Honda Passport
  By pixie - January 29 - 10:37 pm

  I have had this vehicle for 5 mos now and Ive never been unhappy with it smooth ride, gas mileage average,comfortable driving, everything conveniently placed to reach, worth the used vehicle price, affordable.

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  Great Car - 2009 Honda Accord
  By Bostonlawyer - January 29 - 9:30 pm

  After agonizing over Avalon, Lincoln MKS, Camry, Taurus, Fusion, and starting my search determined to buy American, I arrived at the conclusion that this was the most car built by American workers on the market. The ride is just a step below the Acura TL, the gas economy for a v6 is wonderful, especially balanced against the power and acceleration the engine provides. The only bad thing I can say about the seats is that they are not quite as supportive as those in the Acura TL. Let me tell you, if you want the same equipment in a Taurus or an Avalon or Lincoln you will need another $7,000.00 so do yourself a favor and put the extra money in your pocket and seriously consider this car.

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  2010 crosstour is a fun car - 2010 Honda Accord Crosstour
  By vidal - January 29 - 8:43 pm

  This is the most attractive car of the year. I have had people asking about this car at gas stations and at traffic lights. I have had so many compliments

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  Surprising Value - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By zen - January 29 - 8:23 pm

  When compared to other SUVs and crossover vehicles, the CR-V ends up a better value and cheaper than other brands. I am a returning Honda customer, purchased for the reliability and ended up getting decent fuel economy, roomy interior, pleasant ride and the ability to haul around things that wont fit in a traditional car.