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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  honda insight - 2000 Honda Insight
  By gary czerkies - February 16 - 9:44 pm

  bought the car used when our "winter rat" died. was looking for basic transportation, cheap. dealer had nothing, but told me to look around. the insight jumped out, bright red, futuristic styling, two seater. i am a big man, over 6 foot 225#, i sat in it, i fit. dealer jumped me, i played coy. found that it had sat one year total between the two pervious owners trading it in becaus it was a two seater. it has been great, i got it used with 45,000 miles for $9,000. get mid 70 mph on trip, 55 in winter with snow tires and 65 in summer. ok in winter driving, and does not rust. i would buy again. dont fret about payload, my wife and i drive together, 400# payload and we still can get groceries

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  Great Gas Mileage - 2006 Honda Civic
  By TCI 06 Honda - February 16 - 4:50 pm

  The 06 Civic is a great ride, and it gets incredible gas mileage. On the interstate I have gotten between 35 and 37 miles per gallon in the first 1,000 miles. I like the heads up type spedometer display. Makes it safer to drive, especially in heavy traffic.

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  Honda Hybrid Experience - 2006 Honda Accord
  By JR Leitch - February 16 - 4:06 pm

  My 2006 Honda Hybrid has quality written all over it! This is my third Honda, and I know my next one will also be a Honda. I think Honda did an excellent job designing the suspension. The gas mileage is a little disappointing, but that is probably me being a little heavy on the gas pedal. I love it.

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  Only Hondas for me - 1994 Honda Civic
  By Only Hondas - February 16 - 6:58 am

  I have purchased hondas for the last 10 years started with a CRX and then purchased a 93 cx hatch and then upgraded to a 94 si hatch. Si is the way to go fast, fun and a pleasure to drive. I just traded in my 02 honda civic ex for a 03 honda civic si hatch and I love it, love it, love it. All hondas get great gas mileage and have little to none repairs. Worth every penny!!!!!

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  Pilot flies on its own - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By Beth Ethen - February 15 - 10:51 pm

  Great car, really glad we purchased it!

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  well made with bells &whistles but bland - 2007 Honda Pilot
  By pilot inspecktor - February 15 - 6:26 am

  Car is a little too big for my original needs but it is better to have more space than less. Fuel economy reasonable for its size. Seat a little hard to get comfortable in-- I am very big. Well made, peppy, lots of creature comforts. Nav system a fun toy. Back up camera useful. All in all an excellent value.

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  Off to a good start - 2005 Honda Accord
  By Sonny - February 15 - 2:40 am

  This is my second Accord and the best so far. Very happy with performance and build quality but disappointed with road noise. Fuel efficiency acceptable considering the pep from the V6. Overall, very impressed after 500 miles of ownership.

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  Small outside, big inside - 2007 Honda Fit
  By itsmalcolm - February 14 - 7:30 pm

  I haul a bunch of stuff around, often a really-large number of articles--had always used a van (Dodge minivan), which was very good for this purpose. Test drove the Fit, the Yaris, the Versa, the Scion xB. My new Fit is, well, perfect for general driving, and on most days, I have plenty of room for hauling stuff, with lots better MPGs than my van. Saving lots of money in gas in this fine little car that has a big, useful interior. Rear seats fold absolutely flat, leaving bunches of room. My first Honda--probably wont be my last.

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  Outstanding economy and utility - 2008 Honda Fit
  By tedguy - February 14 - 2:33 am

  I traded my 04 Accord, as I needed more space and maximum mileage. The Fit hasnt disappointed. I average 36- 37 mpg in open and rush-hour driving. Ive carried lots of cargo, including a 46" TV upright right behind the drivers seat. Seating configurations are great. Its easy and fun to drive, maneuver, and park. The only thing I miss from my Accord (which I loved) is the automatic temperature control.

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  Owned Dozens, A SAVER and a KEEPER - 1996 Honda Civic
  By JeremyW - February 14 - 12:09 am

  Ive owned dozens of cars. With 40+ miles to the gallon and perfect reliability for almost 40,000 of the roughest miles an avid driver can put on it. THIS CAR IS A KEEPER!! If you purchase this car for a kid, the commute, or the environment, I am willing to bet you will never regret the decision. Bought for 5,500. 35+ thousand miles later sold for 4,500 WOW.