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:

• 

  Hondas Rule! - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By Boomer - October 19 - 3:06 pm

  I traded in my 2000 S40 Volvo because we needed a larger fuel efficient vehicle. I researched Honda, Ford, Toyota, and Volvo. Honda came up the winner for economy and quality. I laugh when people tell me nice truck because it drives, rides, and feels like a car. We love it I wish that I would have bought a CR-V in 2000 when we purchased the Volvo. The four cylinder engine feels like a V-6, very peppy and fun to drive. I know it is not considered a luxury SUV however I consider it my luxury SUV. The heated seats, steering wheel controls, moon roof, and leather seats make it a wonderful vehicle to commute in. Very well done Honda continue the great work!

• 

  FIT IS GO! - 2007 Honda Fit
  By I Love my FIT! - October 19 - 7:47 am

  I love this car! This car has more room than my other Honda and Nissan (Xterra). I love driving it, the gas mileage, the handling, the way it looks... everything about it! Weve had 2 tall adults, 1 teenager (57") and 2 kids (11yrs) in the car with no problem. When we got out, people were looking at us like "How in the world..." Im looking forward to the 2009 Fits! If youre looking for a small gas friendly reliable car, FIT IS GO!

• 

  My First Civic - 2008 Honda Civic
  By K.D. Adams - October 19 - 2:36 am

  Ive owned Honda cars for years, but this is my first Civic. Pros: Stylish car, nice ride and performance, dependable Honda quality, good gas mileage. Con: A very deep dashboard makes it and the window difficult to clean if you are petite like me. Automatic door- locking feature interferes with accessibility after exiting the car and then trying to retrieve something inside the car.

• 

  minivan converter - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By willki - October 18 - 10:26 pm

  I am a former minivan driver (toyota sienna) and loved my minivan, but wanted AWD. I have three little boys and was worried about switching to an suv, but I absolutely love, love, love, this pilot. My kids fit easily in the three rows, and love the dvd. It drives live a dream and is a beautiful car.

• 

  Good Car, but Pricey - 2008 Honda Civic
  By Micheleathome - October 18 - 6:30 pm

  I just purchased my Civic EX-L two weeks ago. My previous car was a Maxima so this is very different. The Civic is no longer a cheap car to buy. The final price was over 22K. It is probably worth it though. The coupe is fun to drive and handles the road well. The car gets around 26 miles to the gallon so far in city driving using regular grade gas. Most of the controls are easy to use. The steering wheel is in the way of the tachometer (located on the lower tier of the dashboard). I dont need to see it anyway. The only problems so far are a dashboard rattle and the drivers side door handle keeps loosening. There is also a big blind spot in the coupe.

• 

  Its pretty good, but not that great. - 2005 Honda Civic
  By Luke Kim - October 18 - 4:46 pm

  Well I bought my Civic on February. The tranny is a little clucky, my gas mileage wilds out sometimes, and my engine sometimes doesnt start(coldstarts). Other than that the car is pretty nice. I would suggest a lot more horsepower for newer models and they did that already. LX owners if you think 127 hp V-Tec engine is better, its really not. The new Civic is going to come with 140 hp. But I wish I waited and get the new Civic Coupe Si with 200 Hp V-Tec. Now thats engine power!

• 

  Great little car! - 2007 Honda Civic
  By Janet - October 18 - 3:06 pm

  I just bought my first Civic and love it! It fits me better than any car I have ever driven and is so fun to drive. Honda has done a great job with lumbar supports in the seat, the interior design with smooth metallic buttons instead of cheap plastic dials, and cruise controls in the steering wheel. The engine is very quiet and peppy. The split display with blue lighting is easy on the eyes and the more I drive it, the more I like having the spedometer at eye level. I drive about 3000 miles a month and am getting 38 miles a gallon this first month. I like the wide view from the windshield and how it comfortably fit four adults. I highly reccommend this car!

• 

  Excellent commuter car! - 2003 Honda Civic
  By Edmunster - October 18 - 2:00 pm

  I own/have owned various cars and this is the best commuter car in my experience. Very nice, comfy and easy ride for an economy car. The EX has great head room and the seats are adequate - typical in Hondas. The ergonomic controls are excellent. And you cant beat the gas mileage.

• 

  Ritas Hard Rock Vehicle (HRV) - 2016 Honda HR-V
  By Rita Williams - October 18 - 12:54 pm

  Great little SUV

• 

  Constant noise - 2007 Honda Ridgeline
  By HaditwithHonda - October 18 - 10:46 am

  Overall a good vehicle. I just have a continuous noise from the "dash" area on the right side. The dealership had the truck for three weeks trying to solve the noise. They removed the windshield, tore apart the dash, passenger A pillar. Nothing worked. Regional rep came heard the noise and said "Normal for a truck. It is result of body flex." I have owned over 20 vehicles and never had this noise--even in a car you could see flex. Result is Honda will do nothing for me. Dealership I feel really tried to help.