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 - 2011 Honda Insight
  By jakata - July 28 - 10:33 am

  Ive had my Insight for a week now and Im very pleased. Very comfortable, I dont notice much road noise as mentioned in the Edmund review. Although its a very small car it has a excellent ride and feel of a much larger car. Im getting 45 mpg with air on all the time. I love its looks and feel. After researching every car out there I feel I made an excellent decision.

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  Should be the "Standard" for SUVs - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By burghcarguy - July 27 - 4:50 pm

  105,000 miles and Ive had one repair - the radiator. Otherwise, just routine maintenance. Goes through anything once you replace the lousy OEM tires. No rattles after 5 years - nothing. Just incredibly solid. Have had 8 adults in it, with no complaints. Can haul stuff and people. Family of 5 to the beach? No problem. Big visit to Lowes? No problem. Handle a Buffalo winter? No problem. Great highway vehicle. Superb comfort for long drives. You feel very safe in it. Traction control and Stability control work great. Great mileage for its size and hauling capability. 18 around town. 22 on the highway.

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  Best Sports Car EVER - 2007 Honda S2000
  By burghcarguy - July 27 - 4:34 pm

  Note: this is a summer car, about 4k miles/yr. I bought it with 18k on it and now have 24k. There are a few problems with this car - youre constantly smiling and you find yourself giving out a WHOOP while youre driving. This car is simply a motorcycle with doors. It can be driven hard by the average guy (thats me) without feeling dangerous, and can be push to the limit by the pro. You will love signs that say "winding road ahead" as it simply carves through them like an Olympic slalom skier. Youll take two-lane blacktops rather than highways, so youll get 23 MPG (If you get 30 MPG, youre not having enough fun). And the top is down all the time. Maintenance has been $100/yr. + tires.

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  Loved this car, she took a long time to wear out! - 1997 Honda CR-V
  By nicoleinwi - July 26 - 4:47 pm

  I bought my 1997 CR-V in 2002 with 100,000 miles on it at the time. I put on enough to get it up to 262,000 miles as of this month. Just yesterday the car finally broke down to the point where its not economical to fix (transmission). Ive been told that had I changed the transmission fluid regularly this car could have stood a chance to last even longer than it already did. As it is I feel I got way more than my moneys worth out of this great vehicle. I had to replace the radiator in 2009, but other than that most repairs I recall doing on this car were relatively minor. Im sad she finally broke so bad!

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  New Accord Is Great! - 2011 Honda Accord
  By bklynborn - July 24 - 9:08 pm

  Purchased new Accord recently and it is a wonderful car. Very smooth and it rides confidently. The 190 HSP 4-cylinder has more power than I thought it would and feels almost like a V-6. The interior also has lots of room both front and back. The craftsmanship on this car is just terrific and exceeded my expectations. I test drove a Fusion, Camry and Sonata and the Accord handles much better and that ultimately was the deciding factor. To me, it still is the benchmark in this class of automobiles. The only thing they should have included was an outside temperature guage which is a safety feature in cold weather. If you buy this car you wont be disappointed.

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  Honda just as expected, when I purchased. - 2008 Honda Accord
  By chander7 - July 24 - 8:32 pm

  I have been buying hondas since the early 90s. 2008 Honda Accord EX-L Navigation, Bluetooth, leather fully loaded... Dont hestitate to buy this vehicle. If your a perfectionist then no vehicle is going to suit you needs, unless you get into big bucks. This is an economical and reliable vehicle. This was my primary concern of buying this car.. It is fun to drive and it is nice and tight from the steering down to the suspension. As always, Hondas reliablity..... Buy an american car and constantly worrying about check engine light, left rear window not working, sunroof stuck open, noise coming from left side rear of the car that just will not go away, and i could go on.

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  LOVE my CRZ - 2011 Honda CR-Z
  By dak_nj - July 21 - 3:32 pm

  I have my CRZ about 3 months now and LOVE IT!! I saw one on the road and followed it to find out what it was, and that is was a hybrid sold me on it! I have had people stop and ask "what is that?" and have seen people checking it out in parking lots. Getting mileage over 41 mpg. And I look good in it!

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  My first car =) - 1995 Honda Accord
  By roy71 - July 21 - 12:40 pm

  I got this car about three months ago and all i can say is WOW! I cant believe how well it runs for 221,000 miles. It has leather interior, sunroof, and all the things you would need in a car. The only thing that bothered me was that the transmission shifted rough from the time we bought it, and that concerned me because i need this car for 4 years of college. I took it to two shops and one shop said it was dying and there was nothing i could do. The other shop said it was fine, well i wasnt convinced on either diagnosis, but i drove it anyway. Today i took it to the Honda dealer and had them do 1 tranny fluid drain and refill...well, IT RUNS LIKE A NEW CAR NOW! use Honda fluid ONLY!

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  Crash Worthiness - 2011 Honda CR-V
  By patrece - July 20 - 12:30 pm

  3K miles on the CRV and someone crossed a double yellow line and my daughter hit head on into them. The CRV saved her life. It has a five star crash rating and traveling at speed of 45/47 mph....she walked away without any injury. Air bags activated, seal belts and the headrest protected her. No matter what minor problems a car may have, nothing matters more than a well built car that will sustain an impact and have the occupants walk away!

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  Smart Choice - 2011 Honda CR-V
  By bluesmaster1 - July 19 - 10:27 pm

  Ive had the CRV for 6 months and it does everything well. It is practical, comfortable, quiet, and relatively efficient. Very easy to load and unload cargo, and holds plenty of gear with the seats up or down. Lots of head room, and the rear seats recline. My biggest complaint is lack of power, but its no too bad. It handles, rides and stops well. A 6 or more speed transmission would help. The tight turning radius makes it easy to park. The navigation, bluetooth, I-pod integration and stereo are excellent and easy to use. The seats are comfortable and well heated. No rattles or problems at all -- very high quality.