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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  A Good Fit - 2007 Honda Fit
  By Annie - September 20 - 9:00 pm

  As soon as you sit in this car, you start bonding with the intuitive dashboard, attractive interior, firm no nonsense seats, sweet sound system and maneuverability. Take it out for a spin and at 33 mph city and 38 hwy, it makes driving fun again. The FIT A/T Sport with paddle shifters is suprisingly fleet and delightfully responsive. The seats are like oragami. You can fold them every which way. The result is a huge amount of cargo room and/or comfort for back seat passengers. Parking is a joy and so is the price tag at $16,000 out the door. This car is selling like hotcakes.

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  Love my Honda - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By ShaKay - September 19 - 12:30 pm

  I love my honda, it is the first one I have owned and purshased it after driving all the competors vans. This one drove the best and was the most comfortable, not only in the front but the second and third row seats are comfortable as well, cant say that about some of the others we tried. So far the only problems we have had are with the tires. I feel Honda made a bad choice on tires, we are having to replace ours and we dont even have 30,000 miles on it yet, and they cost almost $200 each. According to our service rep. this is only a problem on the touring model and not the others. Other than the tires this van is perfect!

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  New Thrill Car - 2004 Honda S2000
  By brilliantbeaute - September 19 - 10:00 am

  This is a great car for fun. It is impractical for families (ha-which is why I bought it). You get the tremedous fun of a 2 seater convertible matched with the reliability of a Honda. Also, the 6-speed for those of us who like to drive fast is wonderful! It is a little small for my husband who stands 64, but great for me. I LOVE this car!

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  I LOVE MY HONDA - 2004 Honda Civic
  By Delsi Diaz - September 19 - 10:00 am

  I have had wonderful experiences with my car. It has never let me down, and I know that it will last forever. I recomend Hondas to anyone who wants a reliable car.

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  Now Im a believer!! - 2004 Honda Civic
  By Adam - September 19 - 12:39 am

  I have always heard about hondas, but I was a big 3 guy. After hearing horror story after horror story on the big three. I wasnt impressed anymore either too many sensor issues, drivetrain problems. On new vehicles. So I decided to get a honda civic for my 80 mile commute back and forth to work. The guy that sold it to me put in a newer engine bc the previous one had blown. Even then their were some things that I had to fix. After investing 360 dollars and one weekend I have the car that is dependable and from what I found very easy to work on.

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  Consumer - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By gary hensley - September 18 - 10:40 pm

  Bargain with mark-up. By far the best mini van built. Reliable, fun to drive, and safe. Kudos to Honda!

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  Never thought Id own a minivan - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By Marty - September 18 - 10:13 pm

  Test drove this vehicle and loved it. My wife now takes it more often than our Acura TL sedan. No problems with it since we bought it in October.

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  SECOND ONE - 2017 Honda Ridgeline
  By Big Mack - September 18 - 6:44 pm

  The most versatile vehicle on the market. Waited three years to get a new one. Wait was worth it.

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  3rd Honda, 1st minivan - 2008 Honda Odyssey
  By chars79 - September 18 - 1:40 pm

  We had debated a mini van for a long time. We purchased a 2006 Civic Hybrid prior to starting foster care...that didnt last long. Shopped around and looked at mini vans from Honda, Toyota, and Kia as well as numerous SUVs and crossovers. Decided on a Used Honda Pilot that was a great vehicle but had some odd problems leading up to a bad climate control system that would have been a pain to fix so the dealership returned our money and we were on the verge of just going up to an 2008 Pilot when we stumbled back into the Odyssey on the showroom. Needless to say, we took it out again and were sold. Not sure why I waited so long! Great ride, lots of room, and great style...

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  Traded my 2008 Accord for the 2012 Civic - 2012 Honda Civic
  By misiu2 - September 18 - 11:09 am

  The MPG is what they claim on the sticker but you have to have the econ mode on in order to achieve 30 in the city and about 40.5-41 on the highway. I have not tried to drive the Civic on the Off mode of the econ because I do live in Chicago and the gas pricesÂ…, well you can fill in the blank. So if you are looking for a gas savior and do not want a hybrid then get the 2012 Civic without a question. I do have a word of cautionÂ…if you are driving on the econ mode and you are on the highway, do Not expect acceleration or getting in front of a Camaro. The good thing about the econ mode is you can turn it off whenever you want to including when youÂ’re driving.