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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  Hybrid Civic Kicks Amps - 2003 Honda Civic
  By --dave - May 26 - 10:00 am

  Not a muscular car especially, but a true performer in all areas. My favorite is the handling, which made my choice easy over the opponent Prius. The electric variable-assist steering is exceptionally tight and exact, and the rest of the car follows it superbly with crisp handling, stiff chassis and just enough feel of the road; very comfortable seats and interior. Instrument panel is accessible but not distracting while driving, and gives lots of feedback if you wish to maximize fuel economy or minimize emissions. Bravo to Honda for not underestimating our ability to understand and apppreciate the technical details behind the dashboard gages!

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  Real good "little" car - 2003 Honda Civic
  By Civic Minded - May 26 - 10:00 am

  This car is only two weeks young at the time im writting this but the early feeling is this is a pretty solid compact car.It handles reel well and has more pep than i though it would have for a 4 cyl..My only complaints so far are drivers seat headroom the radio and road noise.Im 6 tall and with the seat adjusted all the way down my hair just touchs the headliner which is a little annoying so i have to recline the seat back a little more than i like. As far as the road noise is concerned a change of tires will probably take care of it. Last but not least the raido. Weak,weak,weak.If you like a sound system with balls this one will need an upgrade.

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  Great for the Price - 2006 Honda Element
  By Dante - May 26 - 8:50 am

  This car is great. Once you get used to the large space and the height (I used to drive a hatchback) it feels like you have a lot of power. You have a great all-around view and lots of space. For 20K it is a great value and since it has a Japanese made transmission, you know that part is at least reliable.

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  Near perfection. Highly recommended! - 2005 Honda Civic
  By Mike from Virginia - May 26 - 3:03 am

  First, let me say that I am very picky about cars and demand high quality on the purchases I make. I bought this 5 spd. Civic Hybrid about a month ago and so far it has lived up to my high expectations. I do mostly city driving and get between 50-56 MPG (make sure you inflate your tires to 35PSI to get the optimized gas mileage). The trip MPG on the dash actually under-estimates my miles per gallon by about 5 MPG. Compared to the Prius, the Civic exterior body design is more visually appealing. The quality of the seats /interior is good (the drivers seat is height- adjustable which is a plus). The manual transmission shifts extremely smoothly, much better than my prior Toyota Corolla.

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  Almost what I expected. - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Blake - May 26 - 12:46 am

  I purchased this vehicle thinking that I was going to get a solid, well-built car. For the most part I did with the exception of noisy, squeaky brakes and rattling behind the back speakers. The car drives great and gets better gas mileage than my 2000 Lincoln LS V8. I did take a 3 hour trip in it and my back started hurting 2 hours in. Im only 22! Dealership experience has been pleasant and the car has a great sound system. Overall, I am happy with my purchase. It looks great, handles well, and gets good gas mileage. I avg about 25 mpg.

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  Love The Fit! - 2009 Honda Fit
  By Pat M - May 26 - 12:13 am

  I just traded a 2003 Honda CRV for the the Fit. Love the gas mileage. I dont feel confined as I thought I might. Easy and fun to drive. The whole buying experience was great. Love Honda!

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  A superior compromise - 2006 Honda CR-V
  By brewsbee - May 25 - 10:16 pm

  After exhaustive research, there really wasnt much choice. We wanted better gas mileage than our old MPV minivan, good reliability, maximum safety (teen drivers coming soon), 4WD to get up to the ski area, and cargo area that was at least near the ballpark of the MPV. So far, its been been a great all-around vehicle and has lived up to our high expectations.

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  4 Dr LX Sedan - 2004 Honda Civic
  By Lowell - May 25 - 1:06 pm

  Bought this car three years ago and had no problems whatsoever with the car. I only go to the dealer every 5,000 miles for the usual maintenance stuff, very reliable compact car. Averages 29-31 mpg of city driving usually around 30-32 if I dont use my AC a lot. Excellent resale value, bought this car for $15,000 and if I trade it in, it is still $12,000 just $2,000 depreciation for 3 years - not bad! Try that on other vehicles and you will really be disappointed. Runs fast, got it more than 110 mph with 5 people on the car.

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  My first hybrid - 2010 Honda Insight
  By George - May 25 - 4:20 am

  I wasnt inspired by the Priuss unchanging design over the years, which started to look old after awhile. Honda is definitely offering something fresh, with real style. I have only had the 2010 Insight for about 3 weeks and am getting an average 46 mpg without using the econ mode. The driver feedback displays are really good, and help you to economize. I was driving a 2007 Toyota Camry before, and miss the size and power a little bit, but the hybrids really enable you to see what you are doing while driving, and encourage green driving. What a change, and now the other vehicles on the road seem so out-of-date. The future is electric and hydrogen, and the hybrid gets us closer.

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  Take Me to Your Pilot - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By Bruce Epley - May 25 - 12:25 am

  Have only taken one major trip with my new Pilot since purchasing it in January, but really enjoyed the feel and comfort, as well as the handling. Coming from a Transport minivan, Im giving up a bit of room, but feel much safer on the road. Got just a little higher than 20 mpg packed to the gills with moving my daughter home from college.