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 2001 - 2005 Honda Insight
  By sharon wilson - March 16 - 1:12 am

  Great mileage car, filled up for $11.00 and it would last a whole month. Not too much pick up-you will never get a speeding ticket. I had the 2001 which was to get 50 mpg in town and 70 on the highway, this was quite accurate - once on a highway trip I got 93 miles per gallon. I didnt like people coming up to me wanting to talk about the car all the time. It is built real solid and accident resistant. You could push in the fender with your thumb and it would pop back out. I was sitting in traffic on the highway at a dead standstill, and someone ran into me about 65-70 miles per hour, the car was so well built it took them about a week to discover the car was totaled. I would buy another one.

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  Would buy one again. - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By Phillip - March 15 - 4:52 pm

  A great all around car. The comfort, fuel economy, and reliability have met my expectations. Getting back into one of these is a no-brainer!!!

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  The Wait was Worth It! - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By Rmartiz - March 15 - 3:08 pm

  Always wanted a Pilot but was unwilling to pay going price...finally got used one with trade of CRV. Rides high and big like a truck which gives me an added sense of safety/security on these narrow mountain roads. Love the ride and handling. Storage compartments are very functional. Drivers seat with lumbar knob makes for VERY comfortable ride.

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  I love my Accord! - 2008 Honda Accord
  By BarbieInConn - March 15 - 1:01 pm

  As a 3rd-time Honda owner, I can vouch for the Accord. Once we had our child, safety was key, and I never felt unsafe in this car. Roomy, comfortable, and stylish, the Accord gas never disappointed our family.

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  Most Excellent - 2009 Honda Fit
  By Aubrey - March 15 - 11:36 am

  Im a Honda fan and had been looking at the Civic . I had seen the Fit from a distance and thought it was too small. When you really look at it seriously, you will become a believer in the Fit. It has plenty of power. You can drive in the high RPM with paddle shifter, but you will suffer on the MPG. It has all the power features. There are many seat configurations and are easy to adjust. I just got my first real mileage numbers in 75 highway/25city driving: 39 MPG and I wasnt trying to conserve fuel. Everyone in my family is enjoying driving the Fit.

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  The Fit fits me - 2007 Honda Fit
  By Josel - March 15 - 6:46 am

  The standard equipment, mechanical, safety and ride-handling characteristics rival the premium brands. Dual front, dual side, front-to-rear side curtain airbags, ABS, versatile seating arrangements (MagicSeat), and upscale interiors are wonderful even to the base Fit (I have the Sport AT trim). Paddle shifters in my Fit are awesome too, close to totally driving in manual without the stick-shifting and clutch. MP3 aux outlet is a nice bonus too. Buying the Fit is like buying years of fun, safety, security and total peace of mind. If you can stretch budget, go for the Sport trim MT or AT.

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  Value, features, Car&Drivers 05 10BEST - 2005 Honda Accord
  By piturra - March 15 - 4:23 am

  Honda reliability & industry leading fit & finish, a hallmark for the 2005 Accord Sedans. Overall size is a little larger than my 93 Accord LX (@ 155k miles still going strong) which means more comfort w/outstanding European-like road manners! This Honda Accord 4 cyl. AT i-VTEC is PZEV (Partial Zero Emission vehicles) Rated/Certified, you get a car that doesnt contribute to the earths pollution! After a week of ownership (bought May 6th for $22,961 OTD) & 160 miles, I can see why Car & Driver choose the 2005 Accord as the "Best Family Sedan"!!! Fun to drive, excellent road feel, confident handling, relatively quiet (moon roof closed), w/appealing, comfortable interior and EPA 24/34 MPG!

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  Very practical - the right choice for us - 2007 Honda Pilot
  By s54 - March 15 - 12:26 am

  This is one heck of a value: well built, well designed and well priced. Sure, it lacks some of the "luxury" touches you find on other makes - HID, memory seats, Bluetooth, wood trim - but for us these items were not worth the extra $8k - $10 even though we can afford it. Put it in the 529 for the yutes

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  the best used car - 1993 Honda Prelude
  By vtec - March 14 - 4:51 pm

  Bought my prelude as a used car. The car was 7 years old with 100000 miles. I owned it for 50000 miles had to fix 2 things, the oil pan and the clutch. This car is super fast and handles prefectly. Took it to the tracks pulled a 14.9 1/4mile with no performance parts. The car hangs like a dream, I have drifted going 70 miles an hour was able to keep control no problem. If you find a good deal BUY THIS CAR.

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  Best rag-top under $50K - 2004 Honda S2000
  By SLWeinstein - March 14 - 3:31 pm

  The S2K is one of those cars that actually exceeds expectations. Honda did a great job improving the car for 2004 by making it more street worthy. I tried the BMW Z-4 (disappointing handling and hot cabin), Miata (cute but not up to date in terms of performance), Boxster (driving position difficult to adjust and overpriced but otherwise my second choice). The more I drive the S2K themore I appreciate the purity and grace of this roadster. Its the best auto bargain out there. Now if only they would add run flat tires...