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 it. - 2009 Honda Accord
  By cpriest - August 21 - 8:53 am

  I bought this car earlier this month and absolutely love it. I did a LOT of research on 2009 sedans (including Camry, Accord, Jetta, and Altima) before deciding on the Accord. The Accord is top-notch As soon as you get in it you feel like you are sitting in a luxury car that should be much more expensive than a Honda. And performance is great! I am very pleased with the car...except for 1 thing---the headlights dim just a bit about every 15-20 seconds when the AC is on. The only reason I noticed it was because I was looking for it (I had read about it in some of the reviews). However, this is not a big enough problem to keep me from loving my car!! Hondas reliability is excellent.

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  Smartest Car EVER - 2006 Honda Civic
  By C. Randall - August 21 - 4:30 am

  After driving this car for a couple of days, I found myself resenting my other car for burning gas while sitting stopped at traffic lights. The performance, comfort, and quality are well above what you would expect from a car in this class. The navigation system includes an excellent voice- activated command system on par with cars in premium categories. Put your skepticism aside, indulge your curiosity, and go test-drive this car TODAY.

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  Accord V6 6spd vs BMW 328is - 2005 Honda Accord
  By EHC - August 21 - 4:26 am

  I used to have a 97 BMW 328is coupe. I loved the car, the new 2005 honda v6 6spd coupe is faster in a straight line not in turns though. For everyday driving it is comparable and a lot less money to buy and maintain.

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  Creaking, Squeaking, & Rattling - 2008 Honda Odyssey
  By kp - August 20 - 6:57 pm

  The first 3 months, this van was in the dealership off and on for 7 weeks. The rattling noises in the windows and doors were so loud that my 5 year old son thought it was hailing outside on a sunny day. Overall, space is awesome. Dvd & Nav function w/o any issues. Rear view camera is strange & deceiving. Almost out of car seats and will definitely switch out to a less noisy SUV.

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  Very happy with Honda - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By Jason - August 20 - 3:49 pm

  I own a 2005 Honda CR-V SE and brought it on Nov of 2004 and its been a great car since the first day I brought it. Its been to seven different states and its has given me no problems on the road trip. It has 61,500 miles on it now. I also am very happy with the gas mileage, the best gas mileage I ever gotten on the highway was 37 and close to 40 mpg a few times with the AC off going about 60 mph. With the AC on I get about 32 to 34 mpg on the highway. The worst gas mileage I ever gotten was 21 mpg in town but that only happens a few times. Its very easy for me to change my own oil and trans services and i used the best oil like amsoil for improved gas mileages.

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  New CRV EX-L NAV AWD - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By CRV1Buyer - August 20 - 8:46 am

  First I must say I was treated very well by Honda Morristown in TN. The reviews are dead on. This is a great SUV!!! More power would be great but I would not sacrifice mileage for it! Change holder and lighted vanity mirrors would be nice as would Home link--but I have to look very hard to find something I do not like about this SUV! Drive one youll see what I mean!

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  Love it! - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By Lynn - August 20 - 7:33 am

  I love my Odessey. I traded from a Chrysler Town & Country. The Oddessey is so much more versatile as far as seating goes. I have a 4 and 7 year old. The DVD is great! Easy to use and the remote is priceless! The dual auto sliding doors make entry and exit for my children effortless.

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  The Ultimate Schlepmobile - 2008 Honda Element
  By Rubbersoul - August 20 - 7:30 am

  First off, this is my 3rd Honda which says a lot. Customer loyalty I guess. I looked at the CR-V and it was a bit "fancy" for me. I want my little truck to be a truck. I am going to fill it up with all kinds of stuff ranging from Mulch to Christmas trees. The "wipe it clean" interior is awesome just for that. Looking at it you would think this is about as aerodynamic as a refrigerator with the door ope. The reality is, the thing is VERY well designed. Virtually no exterior noise when cruising along at 65. Gas consumption is not at all bad considering its a truckish vehicle. Over all this is a really fun SUV and worth every penny. We love it very much. And best of all, Its a Honda!!!!

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  more than satisfied - 2003 Honda S2000
  By doob - August 20 - 2:00 am

  While this car is essentially a one trick pony, I really like this car. Glad I kept my 90 CRX Si (I love this car) it a workhorse.

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  Love my Milk Truck - 2003 Honda Element
  By patent777 - August 20 - 2:00 am

  I have never paid full retail for a car before, but I did for this one. Too popular right now and dealers know it. It drives great and the stereo very good, I dont know why Im reading other reviews about bad speakers? Sounds good to me. I didnt buy the Teflon sealant for the paint, still wondering if I should? Any advice?