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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  Love my Honda - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Andrew G. - November 18 - 4:53 pm

  Had my EX for 2 weeks. For the first time in my 34 years of driving, I went with an automatic. For about a month, I extensively test drove and researched the Civic’s competition. Had the luxury of a girlfriend with a 2006 Corolla S (the one I almost bought). She decided the Civic was a far better quality and riding car. So I thankfully followed her advice. Now I realize how much better a car than the Corolla the Civic is. It may lack a bit of guts than the Corolla on take off, but Im not driving in NASCAR, so who cares.

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  so far, so good! - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By northjerseydriver - November 18 - 10:33 am

  Just got my black with beige leather interior EX-L on Friday (12/22/06) and it is phenomenal!! Paid $26,000 after negotiating the delivery fee to zero. Very sure footed, excellent visibility and very comfortable. I feel very safe. It gets lots of looks, too!

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  great compromise - 2005 Honda Accord
  By mrmiles - November 18 - 5:53 am

  This car has been a great compromise between mileage and power. I drive 600+ miles per week, and the average 40% improvement in mileage over my previous sedan is significant, particularly considering the HAH has 10 more hp. Factor in that the HAH takes regular gas, not premium, and I am very happy with the economics of the change. Ive had a few design/build quality issues, but nothing significant. If youre looking for amazing mileage, go with the Civic or Prius. If you like to get good mileage and still have considerable muscle to flex, this is a great choice.

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  Fine Car - 2005 Honda Civic
  By jsavage21 - November 18 - 5:20 am

  The main things that have impressed me so far with my honda is the interior design.It is superb, especially for a vehicle in this price range. The performance also is good and makes this car fun to drive. I am not hot about the exterior design, but its handling and interior make up for it. Improvements: Widen the Body design,include a better sound system, add disc brakes and remote trunk entry. (which they have done to some extent with the 2006) I would recommend this vehicle based on my experience so far-Honda does hold up to its reputation for building cars that are fun to drive, display attention to quality and detail and reliable.

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  The Best Van You Can Get - 2008 Honda Odyssey
  By KenIL - November 17 - 7:52 pm

  I traded my 2000 Odyssey in for a 2008 EX-L and its great. I test drove 2 of them to watch for things I found in other reviews (rattles, bad brakes, poor shifting, pulling to right, etc.) and the van is great. I drove the car over multiple rough RR crossings and its as solid and quiet as you can get. The ride is nice & solid and everything looks and works exactly as it should. They made some nice improvements including better mileage with more horsepower. Nice work Honda.

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  A great cheap car. - 2005 Honda Civic
  By rkane - November 17 - 7:46 pm

  This car is overall a great value. The transmission grinds in 2nd gear, and if I werent over 6 feet tall, I probably would not like the positioning of the 5 speed. Why does it not have 6? The new 2006 blows the doors off the 05. Honda may be losing their quality if you ask me ( I am a salesman myself ). Overall I would rate this car a 6.8 out of 10. The interior is pretty nice, just the exterior makes it pretty feminine.

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  Forget the Toyota Camry - 2006 Honda Accord
  By Carlo Montalvan - November 17 - 5:23 pm

  I purchased four Hondas in the past five years and this Accord it is one of the best. I did a lot of research between the 06 Camry LE and the Honda Accord SE. The thing I never like about Toyota it is their interior design and the fact that you must pay extra for safety features like Curtains Air Bags (standar even in the Accords cheapest model) Also, my wife calls the Camry an eldest peoples car (meaning the design it is not appealing to her) Also you will get more horse power and more torque. Excellent performance while driving. The Accord SE interior makes the Camry looks like an old Yugo. I got a bad back and the support on the seat is great.

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  Regret buying a Fit - 2008 Honda Fit
  By 1111girl - November 17 - 5:12 pm

  Ive had my automatic Fit Sport for about 1 1/2 years and would not recommend it. Gas mileage is only about 28 in city. A/C bogs down engine power and cant cool consistently in heat of AZ summer - goes warm, cold, warm, cold. Inner upholstery is a lint magnet. Biggest peeve - Car is noisy and rattly over-all, with a major rattle inside the dash. Had this from the beginning, service cant seem to fix it. Visibility is poor with huge blind spots on front sides and very hard to see when backing up, especially if you are short like me. Tires go low on air, alignment goes out easily, engine making a high- pitched sound, service says they "cant hear it." Same for rubbing sound when turning left.

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  MY NEW BABY - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By celnrob - November 17 - 3:10 am

  I just bought my new baby. I love it. I hate mini vans & already did the SUV & sports car ordeal. I actually went to look at a BMW. Then I saw this. Its awesome. Love it. I have 3 kids & it has plenty of room. Dirt bikes & ATVs fit in back. Trunk has plenty of power. Brakes on a dime! About knocked my teeth out!! Drives like a car, which I love, handles great. First thing I brought home in years the husband agrees with. Quiet ride, smooth, surprised me. I get a lot of compliments on it, bought the redrock (? not sure on that name) pearl color, basically a deep maroon. Price was comparable to other trucks. Love the dual climate controls, prewired for the towing. Spring 4 the RTS over RT, worth it.

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  Exceeds My Expectations - 2010 Honda Insight
  By Doctor Dave - November 17 - 1:50 am

  Fun to drive. Love the GPS, hands free cell phone, and I-Pod features. Display panel excellent. I couldnt be happier with my choice! Quiet - little road noise. Very solid.