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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  Almost 3 years, still beats the Corolla! - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Kevin - May 23 - 3:46 pm

  My parents bought the 06 Civic for my sister in 05. From my driving experience, the car handles way better than my 07 Camry. What catches my attention the most is the low fuel consumption. My sister now lives in San Diego and she gets some pretty darn good MPGs when driving back to LA (averaging 35 MPG highway). The Civic may not be the speedy type (hence if you do want speed, check out the sporty Si), but getting from point A to a far away point B, it gets the job done saving you lots of money while you laugh at all the other gas guzzling SUVs.

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  Toyota & Subaru: BEWARE-CR-V is #1 - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By Wally - May 23 - 12:46 pm

  This is truly an awesome vehicle to own in its price class. Loaded with safety and standard features including leather 6 CD, heated seats and mirrors. The look and ride is smooth and fun to drive.

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  Car needs more power - 2010 Honda CR-V
  By butch2u - May 23 - 7:26 am

  This is my third CR-V: 2007, 2008, and now a 2010. It is a very well built car; gives a very smooth ride and I have never had any problems with them. This is the best selling small SUV in the U.S. but what this car needs is a v-6 engine. Honda should give the public the option to choose a v-6. I hope to see this option in 2011.

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  Sweet Car - 1996 Honda Prelude
  By Nixon351 - May 23 - 2:00 am

  Im 16 years old and to have the 96SI as my first car has been a blast, Stock the car has amazing tourqe for a 4cylinder and it has NO problem going from a redlight to 60MPH. Interior is well done with the electronic dash and in your face tweeters. Back seat is a lil on the small side and to sit in the back requires serious help from the peeps in the front. Dont stop me tho. my cars pushing 7 years old and it hardly shows it, Stock rims on the Ludes could have been a little better tho, the stock Alloys are hideous. but nothing $1700s worth of rims and tires wont fix..... the car is the one of the best looking cars from 96 fo sho.

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  Nice Car - 1993 Honda Prelude
  By stevo_043 - May 23 - 2:00 am

  My Honda Prelude is really great. Acceleration is excellent. I have an automatic, but wish it was a stick. The A/C is really good it gets cold quick. I love this car.

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  Fab Car - 2002 Honda S2000
  By Blackdragon - May 23 - 2:00 am

  Bought this in January and love it to death. Amazing control and performance - looks fantastic too. Has been driven daily and still gives me a smile each time I hit vtec

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  Zippy and guilt-free! - 2007 Honda Fit
  By zippy and guilt-free - May 21 - 10:30 pm

  Each time I drive away in my Fit, I feel I as though Im privy to a best-kept secret. Who could want anything more than this lil car offers? It has great pick-up on flat terrain, and the most standard features in its price range, not to mention the infamous Honda reliability. It holds a vast amount of cargo, and the mileage is far superior to any SUV. Who needs to spend $10k more-for what? You can drive away with no guilt, given that kind of savings, and youre making a better choice for the environment to boot. This car is responsive, fun to drive, and feels solid. Call me Zippy and guilt-free!

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  Excellent car - 2005 Honda Accord
  By UK - May 21 - 10:10 pm

  Bought it after testdriving several competitors, camry, nissan. So far enjoying it completely. Nice acceleration, comfort, fun to drive. My first Accord, but not the first Honda. Looks good inside and out, comfy leather,clean lines.Comes with everything included, which is nice.Even my teenage son is impressed!

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  "Fits" My Needs!! - 2008 Honda Fit
  By Darius - May 21 - 8:23 pm

  Truly a " Gas Saver" , i was amazed how roomy the inside of this car, low maintenance, really helps my 4 days to commute from home to work. "Nice and Neat Honda car"

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  Anniversary Ridge - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By Yeah its Me - May 21 - 1:50 pm

  We bought our Ridgeline , because first it is a Honda, secondly it has features that other truck manufacturers havent thought of or didnt care to engineer the equipment to function correctly. I dont usually purchase a first year model vehicle, but I have to GIVE EXCEPTION to Honda, they have shown, in the past, the desire to try to make a vehicle that seems to last forever. Every vehicle has a certain amount of upkeep, Honda is no exception, but if you service your Honda regulary, I believe, you will in return receive years of worry free driving.