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 commuting car - 2012 Honda Civic
  By sthakker - September 28 - 8:59 am

  I purchased this car in July. I have been using this car since then. I am having 2500 miles on it. Cars interior and exterior design is great. So I like driving this car. Before I was using 99 Nissan Altima. My new civic is 30 % economical then previous car. I usually commute to work using my new civic. In city and highway (mix) I usually get 34.4 mpg. Its perfect car for commuting to work

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  An overall really good choice - 2008 Honda Accord
  By bluebolt87 - September 25 - 10:10 pm

  I get a lot of comments and compliments about how slick my black Honda Accord Coupe looks. Its got a peppy engine, pretty good mpg, well done interiors, and reliable. I couldnt complain.

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  My Element saved my life. - 2004 Honda Element
  By kariscolley - September 25 - 8:57 am

  Im writing this review in respect for Ellie, my Element. The accident wasnt my fault, I was hit by a man that ran a stop sign at a 2 way. I didnt have a sign, so we were both going around 40. My drivers side hit his passenger side. Both air bags were deployed. The whole front left side of Ellie was crushed. The part underneath the wheel that connects it to the dash was cracked in half. I had my little sister in the front seat, 14, im 16. Didnt feel a thing. Neither of us were injured. My Ellie stayed right where we had hit, though it was raining really hard and i turned ridiculoulsy fast when we hit. He was knocked into a neighbors house. Thank you Ellie, love you and miss you <3

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  Love my Insight but not unconditionally! - 2010 Honda Insight
  By tutusue - September 18 - 9:58 pm

  14 months/4000 miles! After a lifetime of German cars and much research I decided on the Insight, my first hybrid, and I dont regret that decision for a minute. My driving is probably 90% city and, of that, 95% is flat terrain. The only regular incline is the first 50 of my condos parking garage entrance. My mpg pales in comparison to others and averages a little under 35. However, my previous car averaged about 15 so I feel Im still way ahead of the game! Yes, the "get up n go" got up and went but thats part of the hybrid/higher mpg experience. Im not picky about handling as long as the car feels safe and, for me, the Insight does. Ill re-up at the end of my lease!

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  new crv - 2011 Honda CR-V
  By yankeefan56 - September 18 - 11:49 am

  my wife and i went out on labor day to buy a new suv...we both liked the nissan rogue,but after driving the honda crv...it was a done deal...the vehicle is fun,roomy,4 wheel drive ...while this car only has 175 miles on it...will keep you guys posted,but so far...excellent

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  AMAZING SUV - 2011 Honda Pilot
  By footballmom3 - September 14 - 4:08 pm

  Purchased 4 months ago and I absolutely LOVE my 2011 Polit! This is the perfect family vehicle. It handles like a car. Very smooth ride, sharp turning capibility (no more 3 pt turns), and great acceleration. I feel completely safe transporting may family around. All of the seats are easy to operate, even my 5 y.o. can pull the levers. The middle row can slide forward to give the third row more leg room. We have comfortably fit 6 adults & 2 kids, also 7 teenagers & 1 mom. Last weekend I drove 5 HS sized football players to their game. All of their hemlets & pads fit in the trunk area! Id like to see the Highlander do that! I HIGHLY recommend this car to anyone!!!

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  Great vehicle for small family - 2011 Honda CR-V
  By 06roadking - September 12 - 8:05 pm

  Traded in a Chevy Traverse - too much vehicle and $$ at the gas pump. City, highway and combined driving havent disappointed - just returned from a trip traveling over 1200 miles. This is a smaller vehicle than Ive owned in the past, with some great features and performance youd expect with a 4-cylinder. It is extremely comfortable to drive - I am 63". Plenty of room for luggage too. Cabin noise is average on smoothly paved roads, and below average on rougher surfaces. Overall, were extremely pleased with our purchase and would recommend this vehicle to someone(s) in the market for a small family vehicle.

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  very reliable car - 2006 Honda Accord
  By tabbies - August 30 - 7:59 pm

  This car has only a couple of problems very worn brakes and tires at 52k, the leather could be made better, but every thing else is either perfect or ok. The power is great, the headlights look awesome, and the fuel economy said 24, 34 in the handbook but now its like 21, 30. Id blame the worn tires though. I have the sunroof a spoiler and black paint. During hot weather its a real surprise when you go from 85F to about 104F. The fastest Ive ever gone in it was 120mph.

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  Tell it like it is. - 2011 Honda CR-Z
  By will_drive - August 30 - 1:23 pm

  Ive owned a 6 speed CR-Z for the past 11 months, I still look forward to getting behind the wheel. Lets be honest if you consider the 6 speed then mileage is not the only thing on your mind. Its all about the drive, the windier the road the better, any time at the wheel listening to a great sound system is a joy, long trips become more enjoyable. What this car delivers on is very solid crisp road handling, head turning good looks, maneuverability in tight spaces, Honda quality, great fit and finish, very conservative fuel consumption, and its just plain fun to drive.

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  Honda Lifer. Buy a Honda! - 2005 Honda Accord
  By luvmytwins1 - August 30 - 12:06 pm

  Purchased car new, now has 111,000mi w/no problems. It has plenty of room, as much if not more than a SUV & very comfortable for long travel w/plenty of leg room in front seats or back. We had twins after we bought the car & it fits both car seats w/a small amount of room for someone in the middle. When our family doubled I thought we would buy something bigger & safer but quickly found out we had already purchased the car that fits everything x2, and a safe car. Its a smooth ride & very quite w/great handling. We travel once a month to see our family about 130mi away. Ive never gotten out of this car & felt like Id been driving for 2hrs. I would only sell this car for another Honda!