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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  fun car - 2008 Honda Accord
  By cleicht - May 22 - 6:36 am

  I was very apprehensive about changing from a 4Runner to a car. I had tons of room in my 4Runner, but I needed something that would get better gas mileage w/o giving up power. No question the V6 is so much fun to drive. After research between the Altima coupe and the Accord. The Accord outshines the Altima in safety alone. The slalom tests that were between these two cars I would have never believed that the Accord would hug the road as best as it does. However, I am not a speed demon or a risk taker, but the sway bar is incredible. I love this car and am very happy to leave my 4runner behind.

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  2006 Honda Civic Hybrid Rocks - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Rick Cassoni - May 21 - 7:40 pm

  Excellent car. Hybrid, but feels and drives like normal car (compared to Prius). Highly recommend NAVI system ($1500), but well worth it. Started off with 44mpg, but after learning pulse & glide technique am now getting 51mpg. Greenhybrid dot com is a great site to learn about hybrids get reviews and real mpg vs what manufacturer thinks. Luckily Honda is pretty close if you drive easy. Enough power, but no Cobra Mustang. If you want to feel good (and green) and not sacrifice, I highly recommend Civic Hybrid. Only bone to pick with Honda is that I wish 2006 offered manual xmission. CVT is good, but always liked to pick the geat vs the xmission picking for me. Rick C

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  Best choice for the money - 2007 Honda Fit
  By Gil - May 21 - 6:30 pm

  After our last car died, we wanted a fun, safe, fuel efficient, commuter, for grocery hauling that handled well, and will last 200,000miles without fear. We researched and test drove several other cars (Yaris, Mazada 3i, Versa and Focus). None could combine all the features the Fit provides. The most difficult part was finding a 5MT Sport Fit that wasnt marked up $3k over MSRP. Thankfully a little patience paid off. The auto-paddle shifters seem to drain a lot of life out of the little engine, thus purchsing the MT. Overall, this is a great little car! I do not believe we could have found a better Fit for our lifestyle.

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  1993 Prelude Si - 1993 Honda Prelude
  By Hazardgrl - May 21 - 2:44 pm

  Ive had this car two years now, and have not had any problems. When I bought it in 03, everyone thought I had gotten a new car (not realizing the prelude was discontinued two years before). Its fun to drive, looks great, and is an all around perfect car.

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  Luvin my ride - 2005 Honda Civic
  By Hondadude - May 21 - 4:53 am

  I purechased this car because i had crashed my 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart. Was an impulse buy i would have 2 say because i liked the wheels. This car has overall good performance and good looks but i wish it was more sporty like a Ralliart. I love the gauges and the moonroof but the stereo sounds a little cheesy! I also have 2 say this Honda is very sensitive. I was hit in the front end around 13 mph and my airbags deployed over nothing! Literally i only had a broken headlight and a bent hood which wasnt at all bad which ended up costing my insurance company $6,000 more then expected to replace the airbags

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  07 CRV - New Purchase - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By nsteblay - May 20 - 11:00 pm

  Met all my expectations. My fifth Honda and am anticipating another satisfying experience. Because of the size and AWD I feel safer in this car than my Civic. Looking forward to seeing how it handles in the snow.

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  Im in my Element - 2003 Honda Element
  By Teri arguelles - May 20 - 10:00 am

  I love this car, it suits my life style very well. I can drive it to a Gala event or to the mountains and it fits in no matter what the outting calls for! My family loves the versatility of it and my little Pug loves all the windows. I cant even tell you how many people have stopped and ask me if they could look in it! They seem puzzle by it :-) If I was working for Hondas marketing department I could have made a few dollars! :-)

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  2003 Honda Pilot - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By doclach - May 20 - 10:00 am

  The best SUV I have ever owned. Great drive; handling, power, comfort. Incredible gas mileage for a vehicle this size.

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  Pilot - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By bnorrismail - May 20 - 10:00 am

  We were initially apprehensive about buying a new model but figured, hey, its a Honda. We have been surprised with the comfort, tightness, and agility of this model. The navigation system is great! No more looking at maps while trying to drive, just plug in the destination address and let do the thinking. No reason to spend over 40k on an SUV- the Honda has it all.

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  I LOVE MY HONDA PILOT - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By NASER - May 20 - 10:00 am

  I LIKE THE WAY IT HANDLES IN SNOW AND RAIN, AND THE ANTILOCK BRAKES ARE A TERRIFIC QUALITY. I LKIKE THE ABILITY TO CONTROL THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS RAPIDNESS.