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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  Great New Ride - 2010 Honda Civic
  By JO - November 8 - 2:00 am

  Cute car with great gas mileage. I am a first time Honda owner. The sound system sounds fine to me. There is significant road noise but I just turn up the radio and it doesnt bother me. My only complaint is that the seats are very uncomfortable. My Toyota is much more comfortable. The dash is impressive. I dont mind the emergency brake placement either. If Hondas are as good as everyone says, I will drive this one for a long time.

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  Great little sporty car - 2008 Honda Civic
  By Monopoly - November 8 - 2:00 am

  Great little all around car. So far Ive driven 8000 km. What I love most is the engine and super smooth clutch and transmission. The I-vtec is peppy paired with limited slip diff and summer tires. It loves high rpm reminds me of a sport bike. Car handles very well with little body roll. Makes an excellent commuter car if your looking for something more fun to drive than your typical Civic dx/lx/ex etc. It needs 91oct and Ive been averaging 28-29 mpg mostly highway driving somewhat aggressive. The car looks great cosmetically in coupe form compared to other cars in its class. But lacks acceleration to keep up with its competition.

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  New Honda Fit Sport 2010 - 2010 Honda Fit
  By dakotarain - November 7 - 1:00 am

  Just bought a Honda Fit Sport 2010 after months of research. I love my new car, great price, and financing. It is super fun to zip around town in and looks so sporty. Gas mileage on the way home from the purchase was over 35 miles per gallon. I commute a total of 50 miles a day and usually have over 1/4 tank left over at the end of the week. My only complaint is that I have nowhere to rest my elbow while driving. The door arm rest is too low and the little driver side arm rest is too short. Its awkward to find a comfortable driving position. I had to buy my own Honda floor mats as they refused to throw them in on the deal.

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  Best car I have ever owned! - 2008 Honda Civic
  By Jake C - November 7 - 1:00 am

  I drive about 20k per year. This car takes my lead-foot abuse and has been such a great car. Drove from Indiana to California and back through ice, wind, sleet, snow, hail, and desert heat. This little car is a trooper. I get about 40 mpg on highway, 30 in city. No problems so far. Car had 11k when purchased in April of 09 and now has 40k. Had to replace the brake pads at 20k which kinda irritated me, but the overall quality of this car makes up for it.

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  Great SUV - 2011 Honda Pilot
  By Happy Family - November 7 - 1:00 am

  We love our new Pilot. We owned a 2006 Pilot and traded it for a 2009 Odyssey. It only took a year to figure out we are not a minivan family. So we traded for this and my wife couldnt be happier! Great lines and well laid out interior. Couldnt get much better of a vehicle in our opinion

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  3rd Accord - 2010 Honda Accord
  By STLAdam - November 7 - 1:00 am

  Best Accord yet. Low comfort ratings? For who? mini me? This car could not be more comfortable. The deck lid spoiler is a must to complete the rear. Voice commands, navi and many other geeked out toys on this bad boy are better than what my BMW friends have. Some say too many buttons...I say give me more! Its 2010 more buttons are coming anyway. Very classy car.

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  198,000 Owned for 164 Months! - 1996 Honda Odyssey
  By chrissy - November 6 - 2:00 am

  198,000 miles 14 years later. This was my first and only "new" vehicle. I dont want another "new" one. Dependable! Dependable! Dependable! We have taken care of her--timing belts replaced (preventative maintenance) at 63,000 and 146,000. At 198k now, we are planning another belt at 219k---without a doubt! A few years ago, in the winter, I let her warm up for about 20-30 minutes. Mistake! she blew a tiny o ring. oil everywhere. I shut her down. got her to the shop/ paid hundreds for the repair. The door locks have a mind of their own-so what. The valve cover gasket was replaced a few years ago and around 1999 we had to replace a seal in a tail light. She is awesome!

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  Not Bad for an Econobox - 2009 Honda Civic
  By Truck Dude - November 6 - 2:00 am

  I "traded down" from a Titan and 1 year/ 22k later, I am very pleased. I average 30 MPH in mixed driving, 36 MPG on the interstate at 80MPH with AC. The car handles VERY well. Its smooth with minimal body roll. In dry weather, it can stick to a 25mph cloverleaf at 55mph, no sweat. I dont like the sound of most 4cyls, but the R18 actually sounds pretty good. Do not expect this car (1.8 + auto) to be a rocket. It will move if you mash it past 3.5k, but at a serious fuel cost. There is minimal rolling resistance, so it is easy to glide up to and hold cruising speeds to save gas without any "hypermiling" nonsense. The interior is generally ergonomically correct, and can accommodate 4 adults.

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  The Best Decision I Ever Made!! - 2011 Honda Accord
  By Me - November 6 - 2:00 am

  Recently, I upgraded from an 06 Civic EX Coupe to the 11 Accord EX-L V6. Very Smart move! Holds the road well, COMFORTABLE, and the best part, hidden POWER! People assume because its a "Honda" its not going to have "Guts" but this thing has plenty of PUNCH! Love my new car!

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  Accord coupe EX-L V6 - 2008 Honda Accord
  By rickyedger - November 6 - 2:00 am

  Fun car lots of power and cornering stability. My favorite car to date.