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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  It FITS me! - 2007 Honda Fit
  By Moonchild - May 21 - 1:06 pm

  Spent a lot of reading about many choices before test driving and narrowed it down to the FIT. I just love how it drives and I feel very safe and secure in it. Excellent positive "feel" of the wheel to the road. Like hearing the gears changing. AC works very quickly. I like the MPG Im getting- a lot! Dont like hearing the gas sloshing around though. Performance is amazing, have to constantly watch speedometer and this from someone who my kids laugh at for going the speed limit. Boy are they surprised! Thats actually why I didnt get a Milano Red. Braking is very smooth. I am very happy with this car and expect to have it many, many service-free years. Everyone says its so cute too!!

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  Great Ride - 1993 Honda Prelude
  By Wings - May 21 - 2:00 am

  Ive owned my 93 Prelude SR for over a year now and what a great car. It packs a lot of punch for a four cylinder and it has incredible handling. I love having a car that I can drive like I stole it every day without any worries. The only problem Ive had was the electric ignition igniter crapped out on me which was only a small and cheap repair. Honda should have never stopped making the Prelude!

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  Bippy is the best!! - 1997 Honda Civic
  By Bippy - May 21 - 2:00 am

  I got my Bippy four years ago and absolutely love it! I have driven it cross-country many times and have never had a problem going anywhere. The gas mileage is great, and it runs just as well today as it did when I bought it used four years ago.

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  Endless Possibilities - 2003 Honda Element
  By Maureen Nakamaru - May 20 - 10:00 am

  This car/suv is great for people who have dogs, need to haul stuff around, and cant keep a normal car clean through all that. Because of the plastic interior, the dog hairs are easy to clean up. When you lift the seats or remove them, the interior is very spacious. The size of the car makes it very easy the manuever.

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  Great Car - 2003 Honda Civic
  By tdrexler - May 20 - 10:00 am

  Ive owned this car for 7 months now. No complaints. I dragged my wife kicking and screaming to this car. Now we fight over who drives.

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  2003 Accord, gotta love it - 2003 Honda Accord
  By BigArthos - May 20 - 10:00 am

  We bought the Honda Accord a couple of months ago and it has been such a great decision. We wanted something that had nice room, power and fuel economy, we got what we wanted and then some. We regularly take it on trips (over 100 miles) and it has been very comforatble. I look forward to long drives in this car and my pocket book loves it too.

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  However you say Farvegnugen in Japanese - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Sippy41 - May 20 - 10:00 am

  We have only had this Accord for a short time, but man what a car this is. The V6 is quite impressive compared to domestics, and the stylings are much better than the spoiled testers that have articles on this site. (When you get to drive BMWs, Jaguars, etc. are you really going to say that a Honda looks great?)

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  This is the best deal out there!! - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Accord Lover - May 20 - 10:00 am

  Used Carsdirect.com to find a a dealer and got a price quote in 24 hours. Negotiated over the phone for $24k, exactly Edmunds TMV price Dont listen to dealers who wont sell for this price! Now for the car. Honda did it again Upgraded from a 2000 LX and happy I did. More powerful, so many more features..Navigation system is simply amazing. The dash is crystal clear. Good performance for 4 cyl. Practically feels like a V6! Was also considering the Acura TSX but the difference in price (almost $6k) just wasnt worth it. The TSX is also much smaller. You cant beat all the options Honda offers for the price. HIGHLY RECOMMEND!

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  2009 Honda Pilot - 2009 Honda Pilot
  By Sydney - May 20 - 12:43 am

  I bought this SUV after doing a lot of research and I love the fact that the engine converts down to 3 cyl. when not going faster. I had a 2004 Jeep Liberty before and the Honda Pilot drives so much better. It is very comfortable to drive in and ride in. I love it!!!

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  Honda, may I have another. - 2015 Honda Odyssey
  By tony palcher - May 20 - 12:16 am

  second Honda, but first minivan, but what a ride. I love the blind spot camera on the passenger side, the builtin car length marker comes in handy when you have a full crew in the van. Quiet and smooth ride. Also the cool-box is awesome. Right out of the gate I got 25 MPG on my first tank, and after 5,000 miles things are still great in this family hauling golf party machine.