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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  Quite The Ride In The A.T.L. !!! - 2001 Honda Odyssey
  By LAMON&ELIN - January 26 - 10:00 am

  Have had 1 Serious electrical failure, repair exceded 3 days. Small pebble cracked windshield. Paint quailty is comming into question lately. Steering wheel vibrates above 45mph on smooth pavement. The quality overall is good, and the car is safe for Atlanta driving/commuting. This is the car to have if you need a minivan. Good Performance, Good Radio Very roomy, very nice, Well Done Honda.

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  Great eco car - 2010 Honda Insight
  By crv139 - January 26 - 2:20 am

  This is a great economy car, that gets great mpg, fun to drive and looks cool and has list of neat features.. You have to remember that this vehicle is not a sports vehicle and the reason you most likely brought it is to save money at the pumps.

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  Love the V6 engine + 6 speed manual - 2006 Honda Accord
  By greenice - January 25 - 10:16 pm

  This car strikes the perfect compromise (for me, at least) between sportiness and comfort. Handling is very good for this class, and the ride is smooth enough for long hours on the freeway (but, thankfully, not buicklike smooth :-). The combination of the quiet and powerfull V6 and the slick 6 speed stick shift make this car a joy to drive. The interior is very roomy front and back, and the build quality seems to be first rate.

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  The Fit is GO! - 2007 Honda Fit
  By Colleen - January 25 - 1:55 pm

  I have been driving my Fit for nearly a year and I am extremely impressed and satisfied with my purchase. It is a wonderful car and Honda has done a fantastic job assembling a fun, economic, small yet spacious, and overall great car in its Fit.

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  Problem with Brakes - 2016 Honda HR-V
  By John Flynn - January 24 - 9:21 pm

  Brakes pulsate when they are applied on an incline

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  None Better - 2002 Honda Accord
  By rc - January 24 - 1:49 pm

  We bought the car with only 13k on it, so I cant say much about reliablity, but man is it fun to drive! It also gets looks everywhere I drive it, even though its stock. The leather seats are very comfortable. The only problem with the coupe is that if you are not careful youll beat your head on the roof getting in (ouch!). Other than that, I would buy another one in a minute.

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  My Honda SUV - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By To - January 24 - 1:06 pm

  Easy to park and turning radius outstanding. Pulls great behind RV, displays "0" miles while in tow. Has outstanding resale potential after 4 years. 4 cyl engine very responsive and quick. Power reduces as speed increases. Low power in overdrive. Front seats are adequate but could be a little larger.

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  Best Fuel Efficiency in an SUV - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By Allen G. - January 24 - 11:26 am

  My wife and I are touring musicians and although we would have preferred to buy a hybrid to get better fuel efficiency, we needed an SUV that would fit all of our gear. However, this car totally amazed us! We average about 35,000 miles per year and have been getting up to 33mpg on the highway even though the EPA only lists it at around 26mpg. This car is extremely comfortable, safe, and reliable. My mother just recently bought a new CR-V based on my recommendation and experience with ours.

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  wow - 2005 Honda Civic
  By Ricky Tracy - January 24 - 10:00 am

  Car handles great. Its responsive and stops on a dime. Head room is low and drivers seat for tall driver has to be slightly reclined to be comfortable.

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  Best vehicle I have ever owned! - 1997 Honda CR-V
  By Derek T - January 24 - 1:16 am

  This truck started out as my wifes. She was going to trade it in for a new Camry and they were going to give her $5,000.00. I told her that I would give her $5.500 for it. That was back in 2007, it had 98,000 miles on it. I traded it in for a 2008 CRV on 12/12/15, it had 330,006 miles on it and I bet it gets 100,000 more. Other than oil changes every 6,000 miles, it cost me 2 timing belts, 2 water pumps, one battery, a set of plugs and wires, powered window unit (drivers side), a set of rotors(let pads go to long), and a couple sets of brake pads. A couple years back It got a steering rack. The leak was so slow that it probably would have last me till I got rid of it. A couple months back it left me stranded on when the ignition module went out. That is the only time it left me stranded or would not turn over. All it needed when I got rid of it was a catalytic converter and a power window motor for passenger side. The interior was still great. In fact there was just one little spot wore through the carpet on drivers side. Cloth drivers seat was still perfect!. Not bad for 330.006 miles.