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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  Fit = Fun Intelligent Transportation - 2007 Honda Fit
  By JPowell - April 1 - 3:46 pm

  For superior fuel economy, reliability, comfort, aesthetics, and just plain fun, the Honda Fit fits. The first two weeks after I bought my new Fit Sport, my daughter and I took my new car on two road trips. It outperformed our expectations in every area. Expect people to ask about your car wherever you go. Its cute and sassy and attracts attention. If MP3 connection, remote keyless entry, and cruise control are important to you, choose the Sport version. The trim that comes standard on the Sport is sexy too! Ive owned Honda 70s CVCC Powder Blue 5 door wagon with manual choke, 80s Civic and Accord, 2000 S2000, (a Volvo850) and now this car. I may have to buy a second Fit for my kid!

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  My First New Car - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Tim - April 1 - 3:30 pm

  Only getting 15 mph city driving & 20 mph overall on 1/2 highway-1/2 city driving using very conservative driving habits! Fuel economy not good for a 4 cylinder engine built by a firm advertising itself as "the most fuel efficient automaker in the world." 190 hp engine has plenty of power when you need it to accelerate onto the highway. Steering is very precise with only about 2 turns of the wheel lock-to- lock. Has great ride/handling balance- not too firm yet not too soft-so you dont sacrifice the ride to get good handling. Autotransmission upshifts/downshifts smoothly. Cloth front seats big & comfortable. Three people easily fit in back seat. Love the sunroof. Do not notice road noise.

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  Most Reliable Car I ever had - 1992 Honda Civic
  By Jay - April 1 - 7:07 am

  I bought it used with over 100k on it now it has 208k and still going sold rock. If you do not look at the odometer you would think it has below 50k. Never let me down. No mechanical problems just change the oil every 3k and put gas.

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  Good value, but you get what you pay for - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By TXgrosz - April 1 - 2:00 am

  Bought an Lx(base) couple of months ago, and in one word its nice. Decent performance,good handling for a midsice SUV and generally its been a comfortable,stable and reliable vehicle. With the base Lx model, however, its short on features. No keyless entry, no window tint,etc. Something you expect when you pay $30K. You get what you pay for, I guess.

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  Best Car - 2003 Honda Civic
  By b360 - April 1 - 2:00 am

  Best car on the road, however little small for 66 guy. Can not beat the quality, gas mileage, and depreciation.

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  AWESOME CAR - 2003 Honda Accord
  By LOVE IT - April 1 - 2:00 am

  I was really into mazda 6 before this, but after test driving that car, i was really disappointed. especially 4 cylinder mazda 6. it drove worse than my 99 accord. i test drove 4 cylinder accord and it drives like V6 of the last model. it has really smooth transmission and interior. INTERIOR IS AWESOME. love this car. highly recommended for those looking into midsize cars.

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  For the money a winner - 2007 Honda Fit
  By dhutch - March 31 - 5:00 pm

  So far 1126 miles, the fit has lived up to its advertising. I was loading boxes into the back of my Jeep Grand Cherokee and they would not fit so I borrowed my wifes fit and they all went in the back with the rear seat in the up position. The only fault I can find is with the drivers seat back for my legs to stretch (59") my arms are to darn short to reach the steering wheel comfortably. My 53" wife finds it perfect. The sport has a high quality sound system and the vehicle is quiet enough at highway speeds to listen to classical music. Handling is superb and you can do 80 mph and not know it. Honda has a winner so far, all that remains to find out is durability.

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  Honda Quality - 2003 Honda Accord
  By mapss - March 31 - 4:56 pm

  Very roomy, reliable and solid, Almost 40k miles and not once 4 repairs of any kind! Just the faceof the radio needed to be clue back on. Regular oil changes and at 30k air filter. Very comfortble for long or all day driving and very economical. Average MPG 28 mix.

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  Wow - Love Our Fit!! - 2007 Honda Fit
  By reartcycle - March 31 - 4:16 am

  We love our new Honda Fit! After test driving both the manual and the automatic, the manual was the way to go! With a manual transmission, you get great control in the acceleration (we traded in our 1990 Acura with a V6 engine). Its quick and responsive and has a great u-turning radius. We cant wait to go on our road trip in August! We plan on driving this car for 20+ years too!

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  Im An Idiot for Buying this car - 2017 Honda Pilot
  By al bark - March 31 - 3:16 am

  Bought new with 180 miles on it. Dealer claimed it came from another dealer to trade for a car someone wanted. It has loud noise when hitting bumps in right rear and its aggravating. Thinking of selling.