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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  Enjoying my 11 EX Insight - 2011 Honda Insight
  By benjiej - January 21 - 12:20 am

  OK, I had a 2010 Insight LX, but only for a few months. There were many things I didnt like, but most of them were due to features I had given up by choosing the LX instead of the EX. I have been driving the 2011 EX for about a month and I am much happier with this car. Some of this is subjective, but it seems to drive better than the 2010, the transitions from electric to gas arent as noticeable (the 2010 shuddered annoyingly), the Auto Stop engages for longer periods at stop lights, and of course I love the features the EX offers over the LX. (note that the 2011 LX has gained many features that my 2010 did not have). For the way I drive its a great car.

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  1999 Odyssey - 1999 Honda Odyssey
  By jnkurban - January 17 - 7:02 pm

  Bought the van a couple years ago. The van looked great, power doors are nice for a family and the engine has ran good. Transmission is BAD, the transmission lasted a couple years and needs to be replaced. Honda dealer said $4000 to be replaced. If it wernt for transmission problems in this van it would be the perfect van. This Honda transmission has no reliablity. Unless youre willing to replace the transmission every couple years at a cost of $4000, stay away from this vehicle.

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  Test Drive - 2011 Honda CR-Z
  By jrd325 - January 17 - 1:45 am

  Drove both the manual and automatic and found the manual more fund to drive. Particularly the close shifting ratio of the gears and the smooth shifting. The critics reviews on Edmunds are accurate. I am buying an automatic 2009 Nissan Maximum V-6 SE Coupe, which has 270 hp and I am averaging 22 MPGs. Wanted to test drive the CR-Z, not available in 2009 due to its MPGs and MSRP and the high trade-in vale of the Nissan. Decided the CR-Z is not worth purchasing due to what I would give up with the Nissan for only 12 more MPGs and the MSRP of the CR-Z, which is not being discounted that much, even if gas went to five dollars a gallon. Also due to the crash ratings. Would prefer to wait.

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  Good Car, Not quite as advertised.... - 2007 Honda Element
  By miamioolite - January 15 - 4:14 pm

  I had this car for three years and about 32,000 miles, drove it across the country and in Montana for a year. The drive is good, not remarkable. The gearbox is solid and smooth. The turning radius is very good! The build quality was great, and I had no problems with the engine just regular maintenance. My only problems were with the "realtime" all wheel drive and the cargo capacity. This car is marketed as a young adventure vehicle. Well with a gross payload of 600ish lbs.....4 people generally hits the limit so no gear, as long as you keep it light your ok. The AWD was slow to react to slipping wheels so you start sliding on spinning wheels too often. what is the point of the tilt sunroof?

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  SHAME on HONDA! - 2011 Honda Pilot
  By ewell1 - January 15 - 12:59 am

  Between my wife and I we have had 5 Hondas. Gas milage in the previous four models exceeded the MPG window label. With the 2011 Pilot which is advertised at 16 to 23, I am getting 13 to 19. Owned the car just a month and had a recall already...bolts on front end needed to be tightened...wheels might come off they said!!! To be fair...I love the car. It rides like a dream and has so much room. But I will hold Honda to a high standard...I expect no more problems...if I do I will make certain to let everyone know. Honda lied about the gas milage on this car. Shame on them!

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  Reliable,Fast Car, smooth and Quiet Engine - 2007 Honda Accord
  By akxel - January 14 - 6:19 am

  I loved the powerful quiet acceleration from the 244 horsepower V6 engine, pretty smooth transmission, and very quiet at highway speeds. Peace of mind was great because its a Honda, during the 45,000 miles I drove I didnt have a problem. Simple controls, it was nice to have the buttons on the steering wheel, Armrest was great because it moved, extended. sorry first review bear with me x) Great Ca

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  Great car...few flaws... - 2009 Honda Accord
  By zabdeali - January 13 - 5:32 pm

  I heard the seats were a little uncomfortable and found a way to fix it! The lumbar support is a little stiff and if you stick something in the headrest while pushing it forward, it makes a HUGE difference. The lumbar goes back significantly and the seat is much more comfortable. Other then that, this car has been awesome!

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  great car poor quality of interior - 2006 Honda Civic
  By drain90 - January 12 - 9:02 pm

  my dad got this car new and then gave it to me in 08 with 70000 miles on it. and he has never had to have major work on it. and i put like 30000 miles on it and it still runs like new. my only complaint with this car was that the interior was real cheap both my visors melted off during the summer and a lot of other little things messing up like the outlet for phone charger not working and i had problems with my door not locking. but over all its a fun car to drive its got a little balls real good on gas and looks good

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  after 25k miles: the facts plus a few comments - 2010 Honda Insight
  By rickinseagrove - January 12 - 12:43 pm

  The car is very econmical to operate and gets way better mileage than EPA estimate. Lifetime average fuel economy to date is 51 MPG (measured). Best tank average to date is 60 MPG (measured). The car computer over estimates mileage by 2 or 3 MPG. It gets significantly better mileage in the summer than in the winter. The 60 MPG tank average was during Aug. in Florida with slightly overinflated (40 PSI) tires on my daily 25 mile commute. Ive change the oil 3 times in 25k miles. No other maintenance cost or issues to date. Honda replaced the IMA battery for free after a warning light came on when it was 2 months old. Really like the styling but they should use better interior materials. iLuvIt

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  Gas Guage - 1999 Honda Passport
  By taboo2 - January 6 - 2:46 pm

  Great vehicle. Just had mine fixed under the recall. wondered how many Passports have problems with their fuel gauge. Mines out and the one at work is out