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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  Great Car - Much Better Mileage - 2005 Honda Accord
  By Russ - August 19 - 9:18 am

  This car, at 25 mpg city/34mpg highway, is underrated for fuel economy when the majority is highway driving. The cylinder management system, that shuts down 3 cyl. when cruising, is what really saves on fuel. We drive TX-MA-TX each year and have been averaging just short of 40mpg on those two trips and 33 mpg for total average. With 255 hp gas engine, it has plenty of pep.

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  One Great Truck! - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By H2O Man - August 19 - 9:03 am

  Ive only had it for a week, but, thus far, it is fantastic! It is the most well thought out and engineered blend of truck, SUV, and car for my money. It has the finer attributes of all three. It is luxurious, comfortable, spacious, quiet, smooth, powerful, solid, tight, handles beautifully and is pretty darn fun to drive. Lots of creature comforts for a truck. It has plenty of ingenious storage and carry features, all easy to access and sensible. The Ridgeline feels solid and safe when you drive it. Air bags galore. The strong 255 HP 6 Cylinder engine just cruises right along, as quiet as many sedans. Honda did it right! It is a genuinely worthy new entry. Gas mileage isnt great, but is ok.

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  Solid as a rock - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By Keith C. - August 19 - 2:00 am

  I love this van, the only annoying thing about it is when driving on some back country roads that are rough and gravelry w/potholes the ride gets a just a "little" bone jarring. But I think that is the same for all the other vans out there too.I needed to get around a tractor with 2 cars behind it on a 2-way single lane and the van just rocketed by. One guy we shot by just dropped his jaw and the movement from his lips said "Damn, a minivan?" I had floored it from 30mph to 65mph in no time. Cut hard right back in front of the tractor due to oncoming cars in the opposite lane with little body roll.

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  THE BEST CAR OF THE YEAR 2002 - 2002 Honda Civic
  By Phil Macrakin - August 19 - 2:00 am

  It was the best car ever. it is smooth to drive. this weekend and im kinda of suping it up but it will still be the best thing that happend in my life next to my wife of cores. P.S. Excuse my spelling im a foreign.

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  Fading!! - 2012 Honda Civic
  By Jessica - August 18 - 11:39 pm

  I got my car last year. Ive had no problems with the car. The only complaint I have is that my roof is fading and it makes my car look horrible. And now the trunk seems to start to fade.

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  2005 Touring - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By TouringinGA - August 18 - 6:20 pm

  Excellent overall. Superior to all we tested.

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  The 2010 Ex got even better - 2012 Honda Civic
  By jabutix - August 18 - 5:03 pm

  The Civic EX 2012 exceeded my expectations. It drives well and is quite responsive, making it a fun ride. Mileage got even better and the Economy button works very well for slow traffic conditions. The interior design is attractive and the accessibility to all commands makes it quite functional. It is a good buy for the money.

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  Love it! - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By K W Salisbury - August 18 - 4:33 pm

  The only way I give up my crv is for a new crv. Id like to go up to the ex model, but like to keep this one for my daughter when she is able to drive cause of the ease and safety. So I got three more years! If you got a small family (4), it beats all the competition hands down, and I previewed and test drove them all.

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  I love my box! - 2005 Honda Element
  By Jeff - August 18 - 4:05 pm

  Although some of my friends think its ugly, I think it is awesome. The design is love it or hate it, but the utility of this vehicle has no comparison. We take it surfing, to Home Depot, to the clubs, to the grocery store, and even on some road trips.

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  Absolute Best Car Ive Ever Owned - 1993 Honda Accord
  By Ken - August 18 - 12:15 pm

  Buy one. Watch for external rust, but other than that, it will be the best car you can have. Love this particular body style. Solid, solid, solid.