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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  2nd fit Ive owned - 2009 Honda Fit
  By finkly - May 20 - 10:53 pm

  I kinda miss the peppy feel of the 07fit. The 09 has less of the go cart sensation and I miss that a bit. Im not getting as good as mileage as the 07 did but then again, the 09 is a lot more car. I haul a lot of hobby stuff (even put a hitch on the 07 ssshhhh dont tell, I put one on the 09 too) and you cant beat this car for what it can swallow up!!

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  Love my new car! - 2007 Honda Civic
  By Steve - May 20 - 2:13 am

  I have only had this car one day but I just took it on a 300 mile trip related to my work and had a blast driving it! For a new car, the fuel economy was very good. On my first fill up (in the teeth of a strong headwind), my MPG was 32. By the second fill up, it had improved to 37 mpg. This is driving at 72 mph on the interstate. The car also handles well and this was especially evident when I had a near accident on my way home. I was able to swerve to avoid contact and the car handled superbly.

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  Believe the Honda Hype! - 1991 Honda Civic
  By SupaDupa - May 20 - 2:00 am

  The ad in the paper said, "the most reliable car youll ever own." Well, they couldnt be more right. This thing just will not die! I dont want it too, but really, I change the oil and that is it. The brakes and clutch are original and I just cant believe how much Ive gotten out of this car. Im at 120k and shes still goin stong.

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  Prelude lover - 2001 Honda Prelude
  By Anne 31 - May 20 - 2:00 am

  Cant say enough about this car, have had a year and am still in love everytime I get behind the wheel. The Prelude looks great and never disappoints when I want to move. The VTEC engine always delivers and the handling is superb. Cant believe that Honda discontinued this model, the world is going to be taken over by SUVs and 4 door sedans....

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  Purist Sportscar - 2002 Honda S2000
  By kadeshpa - May 20 - 2:00 am

  This car is my weekend warrior toy. I used to have a sportsbike but got tired of always having to "suit up" before going anywhere. Sold the bike and got this "sportsbike with 4 wheels". The feeling of this car is definitely that of a sportsbike. Handling is exceptional. I LOVE THIS CAR!!!

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  Quality and practical choice! - 2008 Honda Accord
  By smart_and_practical - May 19 - 3:10 pm

  After six months of research and test driving (CRV/Civic, Corolla/Camry, Acura TL),ands down, the Honda Accord is the best in the market. My work requires daily travel of 150miles/day. With 268 hp and great mileage with VCM feature, theres nothing more I can ask for a car! The center console is awesome!! Youve got everything you need in front of you. If you are not a tech savvy person, you may not like it. The exterior is great! Everywhere I go, everybody looks at my car! The interior has lots of room.The ride is so smooth.

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  we love it - 2006 Honda CR-V
  By allysmom - May 19 - 10:33 am

  I should have purchased my crv years ago, its the best vehicle Ive owned yet. I have a 20 month old and she loves it because she can see out the windows easily from her car seat. We took it on a road trip and it held as much luggage and etc. as our mountaineer did with A LOT better gas mileage. If I could afford to buy another one, me and my husband would both have one. He has plenty of leg room and he is 6 foot 4 inches. We think its a great investment for the price.

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  True Sports Car - 2002 Honda S2000
  By hondas2000autoxx - May 19 - 2:00 am

  This car is simply awesome. I test drove several competing vehicles, including bmw m roadster, mercedes slk32 AMG and porsche boxster s. The fun factor on the honda beats them all - you cant help but to smile when driving this car. Mercedes comes automatic only, so though a bit faster than S2000, a sports car with an automatic is an oxymoron, and Mercedes felt heavier/less nimble. The 2002 BMW M a bit faster than Honda as well, but loses on handling, as Ive helped to prove on the autocross circuit. Boxster S very similar performance, and some say easier to drive Boxster S faster, but a good driver in each car, and its anybodys race, drag, track or autoxx.

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  The Wifes Car - 2016 Honda Accord
  By Ron Sempelsz - May 18 - 9:10 pm

  This car really has some zip and acceleration upon command. Very surprised by it. Its a very good thing, though.

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  Short Term Impressions - 2006 Honda Element
  By Mobius - May 18 - 7:50 pm

  Ive had the car for about two weeks, but so far it has met or exceeded all expectations. It is very peppy around town, and has no problem on the interstate. I am a large man (300+ lbs) and feel very comfortable driving this vehicle, the rear seat roominess is truly outstanding. As I said I am large, but my friend "Bob" is truly enormous at 66" and over 425 lbs. And even he has no difficulty riding in the front passenger seat. Yes it is that roomy.