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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  Exceeds Expectations - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Ron - May 19 - 2:13 pm

  I have only had this car for a week and have less than 200 miles on the odometer. Currently the car is delivering 43 mpg, slightly better than I expected for a vehicle that is not broken in. The construction appears to be very solid and this is the quietest car that I have ever owned and Ive owned a lot of cars from the top of the line to junkers. The car hanles very well although the suspension is a little stiff for a non-performance auto. I am 62" tall and have more than enough room to be comfortable. The auto engine shutdown takes a little getting used to but overall its unobtrusive. So far, I am very pleased with this purchase.

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  Most fun you can have in a practical car - 2007 Honda Fit
  By jesse - May 19 - 9:03 am

  The Honda Fit far exceeds my expectations. Good gas mileage, great handling, amazing interior design and space, superior saftey options standard compared to other cars in its class, and a good list of options all at a relatively good price. After comparing option to option with similar cars (go add on safety features, options etc to a Yaris or Versa and watch the price jump!), you will see the fit comes out at a good value. And due to good design on Hondas part its also the most practical and fun to drive of these new crop of compact cars in my opinion.

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  exotic speeder - 2000 Honda S2000
  By success - May 19 - 2:00 am

  best roadster ever! If you appreciate connecting with the road.... this is the car for you!

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  lovemyhonda - 1992 Honda Accord
  By sportygal - May 19 - 2:00 am

  I buoght my 1992 honda accord after I was rear-ended in 1999 and my civic was totaled. I got hosed by the dealer, but I made up for it with very little money invested into it through the years. At the time I was single and loved the sporty look of it. Now I have two kids in car seats and have to trade it in. (Its not good for car seats!) I would like another accord, but will probably opt for a civic again.(cant afford diapers AND a four door Accord)

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  Great Gas Saver - 2008 Honda Fit
  By JETMECH - May 19 - 1:06 am

  Drove a pick-up for the past 20 years. Due to high gas prices had to find something a little more gas friendly. Stumbled upon the Fit at my local dealer and thought I would give it a try. WOW, I was not disappointed and bought it the next day. Mixed driving getting 36-39 mpg. Drove 350 miles on 9.1 gals. The rear fold down seats create lots of room. Have to fold down the smaller back seat for golf clubs. Handles great!!! Honda has done it again.

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  Fantastic - exceeds expectations - 2006 Honda Civic
  By sketcher - May 18 - 10:06 am

  Been a Honda owner in the past (kept both for over 7 years), so expected quality. But did not expect how much I love the car - inside and out. The dash is not only fun, but user friendly, simple and elegant. A whole lot of fun to see real-time mpg. The only adjustment Ive had to make is not being able to see the front of the car (for parking) and the headrest - but Ive gotten used to both. The regenerative brakes and electric assist on the steering Ive come to really, really like. Handling is great. The engine shut-down at lights worried me that when it started up again, there would be some sort of jolt or noise - its nearly seamless. The best part is I drive more safely.

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  Excellent car - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Saad - May 18 - 2:06 am

  I recently returned my 2006 SE accord lease and this time bought a 2008 Accord. I have to say that they rally made a lot of changes, the new car is more powerful, smoother and quieter drive, lots of more options for the money, I make 30.5 mpg on hwy when not running the AC and about 28-29 when running the AC. I really like this car, all the options in the EX for 23500 out of the door..!

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  Crosstour for crosstown - 2011 Honda Accord Crosstour
  By jameswa - May 18 - 12:11 am

  This is a great car. Flashes me back to the 1970s era Saab 99 and Saab 900 hatchbacks only size XL. The Minnesota snows have come early and deep this year and the Crosstour has made crosstown travel worry free.

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  Theres nothing like a Honda - 2016 Honda Accord
  By Martin Dungca - May 17 - 4:14 am

  I have had a 1989 Honda for 18 years with over 120,000 miles. Other than regular maintenance, and the drive chain replacement at 86,000 miles, never had a problem. Reliability , dependability, and durability are important to me. I like the technology in the 2016 Honda, especially the navigation, the garage door opener (dont have to fumble for the clicker, but keep it on a FOB, just in case) and using my USB with all my music. It is a great car all around.

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  Lovin It - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By Casey - May 17 - 1:46 am

  My first Honda and I love it! I traded a 2005 Ford Escape because of issues I was having with the cloth seats falling apart and the interior felt very crowded. The Honda CR-V has so much more room. I love having the open space between the front seats vs a center console. I actually have a place to put my purse. Also the person sitting in the middle of the back seat has more leg room because the console is not in the way. Originally, I was concerned about the 4 cyclinder engine in the Honda but I found it is zippy and acceleration is no problem. After having looked at many other mid-sized SUVs on the market, I just kept coming back to the Honda CR-V. It has everything I wanted and more!