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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  best truck Ive ever owned - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By avenoso - April 1 - 9:13 pm

  Ive had 3 Rams (96, 00, 02), 95 Chevy Silverado, 89 Ford Ranger, all purchased new or nearly new at the time. All were "ok", but this is the most utilitarian, versatile, dependable, luxurious truck of all! I waited a while to see if any of the domestic idiots would develop a comparable truck. Chevy is the closest with the Avalanche, but too big and too thirsty. Say what you want about the Ridgelines tow limitations or lack of low range, this truck will fill the bill for a large number of truck owners. Get over yourselves, you all dont need a full size, gas guzzling domestic.

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  9 months 8000 miles - 2011 Honda CR-V
  By adansereau - April 1 - 12:13 pm

  a perfect fit finish and no problems with this suv are impressive. one oil change, wash and drive !! gas mpg knocking around this winter 21.5 down from 23 in the summer. did a 200 mile trip in feb. half highway 69 - 70 mph and half country roads 45- 55 mpg and it returned a true 28.4, not bad for an all wheel drive vehicle. the comfort and ride and versatility of this makes it a great reliable suv that has more room than some larger ones.

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  Daily driver - 1998 Honda CR-V
  By jerry154 - April 1 - 2:47 am

  I purchased my CRV used with 111,000 miles and have driven it daily for about 5 years. Super reliable vehicle that has ample interior room and surprisingly large cargo area. It runs good, handles good, does excellent in the snow (I live on a hill in the country and have never been stuck or had to walk once), and gets superb gas mileage compared to other SUVs. My commute is only about 10 miles one way to work, and even with several long trips including one to Florida I have only logged 25,000 miles so far. Not impressive by any means but this car has needed zero work done on it, other than oil changes. In the past I have had many American cars driven the same need lots of work.

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  Second Time Arounds the Charm - 2011 Honda Fit
  By cmj9120 - March 30 - 9:00 pm

  I just got my second Fit an upgrade from a 2010 Base to a 2011 Sport w/ Nav. Before that I was a Volvo guy, so... The Fit is reliable, fun, comfortable, versatile, and easy to drive as well as inexpensive to own. The mini-sport-hatchback factor was hard to resist in the 2010. In the upgraded 2011, its spectacular. It is worth noting a Fit bested a Ferrari in a lane-change maneuver at over 70mph. Suffice it to say I look forward to traffic-free exit ramps. I have to say, most of the negative reviews of this car seem to not make any sense. If theyre unhappy with something, didnt they look at/drive/test the car before they bought it? Bizarre. In sum: Fit + Me = Happy Happy, Joy Joy.

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  Love having a hybrid thats cute and sporty - 2011 Honda CR-Z
  By twinsmom2 - March 29 - 2:51 pm

  I love this car! Ive had it a week and have averaged 45mpg just jetting around. I love that its a hybrid but not boring. We are empty nesters so the 2 seater is great for us. The hatch area comfortably fits our 35 lb dog. We are tall but fit very comfortably with plenty of leg and headroom. Great stereo even in the base model, and the silver mesh seats are really nice.

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  2011 CRV Quality but missing a few things - 2011 Honda CR-V
  By mview - March 28 - 7:15 pm

  1 month into my new purchase with less than 600 miles I was a bit unsure I did the right thing. However my dealer helped me through resolving my issues. My issue was the rough ride due to a large degree the factory tires (Continental) which rode okay on new smooth roads but not on any others. My dealer worked out a deal with me and I traded out the Contintals for Michelins (required extensive on line research in Honda Forums etc) now and all is good. When purchasing this vehicle I would negotiate a tire upgrade before driving away. I have owned Subarus, Toyotas, and yes now I can add my first Honda to my list of quality cars.

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  Great Car - 2007 Honda Fit
  By motormind123 - March 25 - 5:31 pm

  A very good small car only problem are the tires which were not very good on snowy roads and did not wear well. But this is a small price to pay for so much fun and a roomy interior. Iam glad that I did not get the sport model as their have been a lot of problems with the front spoiler.

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  Quigz Review - 2011 Honda Insight
  By quigz - March 24 - 1:56 am

  I traded in a 2004 Pontiac GTO! I had a 5.7 liter V8 gas monster, and traded this in for a gas saver. I dont care to much about being green, I care about saving money, and the Insight allows me to do just that in gas. I love this car! I save so much money in gas it is unreal. I have a 10 gallon gas tank and get over 60 MPG! I get triple the gas mileage now. I get $30 in gas every seven days as opposed to $45 every three days. I am using a solar panel now to increase my MPGs [violative content deleted]

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  Love My Honda XD - 1998 Honda Civic
  By jamie_taylor - March 23 - 9:24 pm

  I love my little red Honda! It currently has 199,602 miles on it, I have had it for about 3 years now and I have never had a car that has has this much fuel economy and power and still runs like new at 200k miles! I have done some minor modifications on this car, and now have about 55+mpg highway and about 45+city. All I did was put in performance spark plugs, wires and distributor, run full synthetic oil, and cold air intake with a k&n Filter (It cost me all of about 100 bucks)! I was always sceptical of Ricers (this car was a gift from my fiance) and I WILL NEVER GO BACK!!! I love my Honda :) It has been nothing but an exceptional vehicle, I am planning on making it last to 400k miles..

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  I love it! - 2007 Honda Accord
  By mizzsnap1 - March 22 - 11:24 am

  I bought this car to accommodate my son and I. I wanted a vehicle spacious for family trips but not too bulky, reliable, comfortable, and durable. Of course I chose the Honda Accord. I recently took my Accord in to be serviced and was given a Civic as a loaner. I dont regret my choice with the Accord! The Civic brought a lot of road noise that I dont have with mine. The Accord also provides a much smoother drive for a more calm and luxurious ride! I also like the steering buttons which make it much easier to navigate the stereo system. My 1996 Honda lasted me until 2009, and I plan on keeping my 07 for as long as it lasts!