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:

• 

  SOLID, RELIABLE W/STYLE - 1996 Honda Accord
  By HUGH - October 30 - 2:00 am

  My car has 120,000 miles on it. I have had routine maintenance, changed the timing belt and had 1 tune-up. I use all honda parts. I run w/synthetic oil, but I plan on owning this for another 120,000 miles. This car runs great, smooth, quiet, reliable and peppy. Ill go honda again.

• 

  SO SO sad to say goodbye... - 1996 Honda Accord
  By Lori O - October 30 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car as a 25th b-day to myself new and yesterday we traded it in for a later model Accord. I didnt realize how great it was till it was time to say goodbye... I never had a problem with it, my only complaint was that I didnt think it was great in the rain (tended to hydroplane, maybe it was the manual transmission...) and felt the brakes werent as powerful as they couldve been. We were looking at other cars, but realized you can NEVER NEVER go wrong w/a Honda!!! The only day it didnt start was when it needed a new battery (74K miles)!!!

• 

  Best Family Purchase - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By MS - October 29 - 12:36 pm

  We traded a Toyota Tundra double cab for the Odyssey. I was very hesitant to trade my pick-up for a more family friendly vehicle, but I couldnt be happier. Our highway mileage has been a bit dissapointing, but we do push the speed limit and have been around 21 mpg on the highway. Our first tank of gas was the dealer tank and went about 17 mpg. The room is amazing. All the amenities are smartly done. The RES is an excellent option. With an adaptor, my sons video ipod can hook up in the back to watch videos he has on the ipod. The PS2 is also a fixture in the rear of the vehicle. The drive is excellent and the quality is outstanding. I would highly recommend this vehicle for a family.

• 

  I love the hondas! - 1993 Honda Accord
  By mikey4470 - October 29 - 2:00 am

  Because of my history with my last accord and because of the reputation of Hondas in general I decided to stick with Honda for my next car. I think i got a good deal on it, i paid 5,400 from a dealer and the car has 119,000 miles on it. The dealer also put a new paintjob on it, replaced the timing belt/water pump, and about $600 in other improvements. The interior is perfect. My car also came with a kick- butt stereo system which included 2 10" subs and a graphic equilizer! I am very happy with my purchase and will stay loyal to hondas no doubt! An absolute pleasure to drive!

• 

  What a car - 2002 Honda S2000
  By thunderchicken - October 29 - 2:00 am

  Ive been researching a nice sporty car, and this ones the one. After a few months of ownership, what a car. Porsche Boxters are a dime a dozen anymore, this one is a gem.

• 

  Best car I owned - and 9yrs and running. - 2007 Honda Civic
  By John Gianfrancesco - October 28 - 3:05 pm

• 

  better, but not best - 2006 Honda Civic
  By robert loan - October 28 - 11:40 am

  I was happy to find out that Honda was going to put a navigation system in the civic like mazda does in the 3. Honda does have the best nav systems out there, but they cut corners on this one! No xm radio, no 350 watts and where is the fuel economy read-out like on the accord? They did not put it there because the car drinks fuel at a rate never seen before on a civic. 24 miles per gallon? I got 35 on my 2004 ex! Maby it will get better, but it is very bad right now, not 30/38 or anywhere near!

• 

  Sporty and Fun to Drive - 2008 Honda Fit
  By Jean - October 28 - 11:10 am

  I purchased my 2008 Fit in November 2008. I test drove several different models before selecting the Honda Fit. I studied reviews of all models for fuel economy, price, resale, and environmental impact. The Fit was my choice and is a purely fun to drive. The mileage was 29 mpg during a sever Wisconsin winter. I am now getting a average of 33 miles per gallon in a mix of highway/city driving. The flexible seats make this a work horse for me when hauling plants, boxes, and other items. Larger then you would think interior fit four comfortably. I have my MP3 player hooked up to the port and listen to that most of the time.Speaker system rocks!

• 

  Allies 1st new car - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By Don Berthiaume - October 28 - 8:59 am

• 

  2006 Honda odyssey - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By Julie - October 26 - 2:06 pm

  I love it!! I have 2 children and I cannot believe how much it has helped with convenience. I always said I would never drive a minivan, but now I wonder why I waited so long. It is the smoothest riding vehicle I have owned, & you cannot beat the amount of room in both back seats. If you have kids this is the way to go.