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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  well done auto - 2003 Honda Accord
  By gnaka - August 14 - 10:00 am

  After one year, this auto is one of the best vehicles I have owned. Good balance of ride with handling, performance and fuel economy.

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  Great car! - 2004 Honda Accord
  By dasprof - August 14 - 10:00 am

  Simply a great car. Bought for the wife. Lots of airbags. Good power to efficiency ratio. Low road noise.

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  Great choice for an SUV - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By Steve - August 14 - 1:53 am

  Weve recently purchased are CR-V and love it. It rides quite and handles great in the rain and icy roads. The gas mileage is good for an SUV. The interior feels like a luxury vehicle and is very comfortable. I also like the new exterior of the CR-V. My last car was the civic and am very happy of this purchase

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  The Fit is GO GO GO - 2009 Honda Fit
  By Sleepypasture - August 13 - 11:03 pm

  I was extremely unhappy with my PT Cruiser (*ahem* PT LOSER) and did a LOT of research on the Fit and comparable vehicles. I test drove the Fit, Yaris, Cube, and Versa. I even drove the Yaris for 2 days while deciding. But after those 2 days, the decision was easy. The Fit by FAR blew the competition away. I have DOUBLED my mpg over the PT. Cargo space is amazing, and have easily fit my two large greyhounds, and last week a 6 foot industrial clothing rack. Have put 1800 miles on it in about a month. Fit also made list of greenest cars. Drove over a nail this week and the TPMS alerted me to low tire pressure. Now I look forward to driving every day, instead of wondering if my car will start!

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  we only. buy Hondas for a reason - 2007 Honda Accord
  By mary - August 13 - 3:43 pm

  You will never want to sell it.

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  Great Car - 1995 Honda Accord
  By Marie - August 13 - 1:57 pm

  I have owned this car for 10 years and had one repair ( a master cylinder ) other than routine maintenance.I have another just like it on order.

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  Fun - 2007 Honda Fit
  By pat - August 12 - 9:13 am

  This car is easy to drive and comfortable. The outside appears small, though the inside, trunk included, is spacious. The engine is simple and strong and all seats recline. Good for girls and good for guys. (Look for the blue, it is a nice color, really cool.)

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  Mid Life Crisis Medicine - 2005 Honda S2000
  By Will - August 11 - 7:17 pm

  This car replaces a 2004 Honda Element I owned. Golly gee wilickers !! This is just the most fun car I have driven and I can say that truthfully. This makes about the 40th something vehicle I have bought and driven. Of course, being 5 7" makes it easy for me to get in and out of the car. Get one - have fun - enjoy life - you will not regret it.

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  Would buy another CRV - 2001 Honda CR-V
  By Mike S. - August 11 - 1:17 pm

  Really Dependable solid car. This car has really held its value!

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  Snow Review - 2016 Honda HR-V
  By faye - August 11 - 11:39 am

  I waited until the first snow storm of the year to write this review, I already knew that I loved the car for different reasons, but I hadnt yet hit the snow. I live in OR where the highways are so poorly plowed or salted that it isnt even funny. Highways are usually just ice slicks with some volcanic ash on the curves. I had a pair of studless Toyo tires on there, which for you tire snobs I highly recommend and love. The cost of those tires was much more affordable than what I used to put on my 2007 CR-V. I found that the car did wonderfully in these conditions. I passed 7 rollovers and was still able to maintain control the entire way, the paddle shifters are great when going down hills and dont want to brake to lose steering. It was actually fairly fun drive, I wasnt white knuckling. I have a rule, if I dont feel safe in a car then it is not worth owning it anymore, I felt very safe and I would recommend to anyone that has nerves about adverse driving conditions. Even my mother-in-law calmed down after we made it home and is considering one of these cars in Minnesota.