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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  This car is fun! - 2007 Honda Fit
  By MartyB - September 30 - 6:33 pm

  Ive had some fun cars in my life including a couple of bimmers and a 911SC, but this one takes the cake for pure fun. Like a horse on its way back to the stable, this car seems to be happy doing whatever it does. I bought it for its practicality (load capacity is great for a car with so small a footprint plus mid 30s fuel consumption), so the fun is a bonus. One problem, my wife loves it too, so we have to split its duty while the Passat wagon stays home. She wants to sell the Passat and maybe put another Fit on the driveway. I wont argue.

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  A Dream To Drive except for mileage - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Minnesota Honda - September 30 - 4:26 pm

  This is my sixth Honda and my fifth new EX-L. I had a 2003 EX-L 4 cylinder so that got a consistent 28-30 mpg in town and over 35mpg on the highway. I drove from Minneapolis to Chicago and still had a titch under a quarter tank of gas left. The 2008 is getting anywhere from 18 to 23 mpg in town (a big difference at $3 per gallon) but Im still seeing about 31 mpg on the highway. The reason? Simple physics. The car is heavier and theres 30 more horses to feed. Still, I think Honda should have considered MPG efficiency although I am a bit spoiled by the 2003. The 2008 is a work of art. Driving is magnificent. The trade-off is a bit lower mileage but still better than most out there.

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  Be careful - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Thomas - September 30 - 8:20 am

  I only bought this Honda because I heard so many good things about the car. Honestly I did not have any mechanical problems with the vehicle. My opinion about it refers to fun of driving - which does not exist.The car has poor soundproofing, the engine sounds like "a washing machine in the spinning mode". This car does not give me a "sound and a feel" of the car that I am used to. Mileage - also not impressive - all I can get is about 24mpg, far from the 32 mpg you see on the window sticker. I will sell this car very soon.

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  Awesome Honda - 2000 Honda Accord
  By jrios80 - September 30 - 3:58 am

  My 2000 Accord hs been one of the best cars I have ever owned. I guess lot has to do with my Accord being one of the few thats made in Japan

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  Great car - 2007 Honda Fit
  By Stephen - September 30 - 3:10 am

  Loving it so far. Amazing room, great build quality at this price point. Does not feel like an "entry-level" car at all. Getting great MPG and is great handling and fun to drive.

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  Glad I finally switched from SUV!!! - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By TexWkgMom - September 30 - 12:26 am

  It took me over a year to finally convince myself to buy a "minivan" instead of my usual SUVs. But when comparing gas mileage, type of gas, price, and all options I wanted, the Odyssey came out on top every time. With 2 kids, the auto doors & auto rear hatch have made my life so much easier. Navigation is tops, very smooth ride, more interior room than my Suburban, and my husband enjoys playing with the navigation center while I drive. A+ all the way.

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  2006 Accord EX V-6 - 2006 Honda Accord
  By Dakine929 - September 29 - 11:23 pm

  Traded in my 2004 Civic EX Coupe for the 2006 Accord EX. This is the nicest car I have ever owned. I am a bit concerned about the current gas mileage because I commute ~110 mi/day in DC traffic but otherwise a wonderful vehicle. My family helped me choose the car so we bought a Sedan. I held out for the V-6, 6- speed manual transmission for some mid- life excitement. The price was $5k below sticker price and below dealer cost so this is definetly a good deal for us. The 6-speed MT takes some getting used to in reference to the 5- speed. Hard to locate middle gears sometimes. Handles well in varied weather and road conditions.

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  great car - 2007 Honda Fit
  By sk1988 - September 29 - 7:16 pm

  ridiculously great car that was cheap and it will be paid off this summer too

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  Excellent Choice - 2000 Honda Civic
  By Jatayu - September 29 - 4:52 pm

  I bought this car in 2003 with 36K miles on it. I have put 20K miles on it and the car has been great so far. The fuel economy and reliability are outstanding!! I get 33 miles/gal during winter and 36 during summers. I drive 75% of the time on highways. If you are looking for a great car with great mileage in this time where gas prices are high, this is it! The best alternative to an hybrid, that costs less to buy and maintain.

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  5th Honda, 2nd CR-V - 2009 Honda CR-V
  By Keith - September 29 - 7:33 am

  Am very impressed with performance and interior sound quality. Girlfriend thought nav was expensive option, until we used it in downtown Kansas City, now she loves it. Backup camera is wonderful and nice to have option to see what is behind you. Is a real please to drive and ride in. Like all cars, if you drive it hard gas efficiency will fall off, drive sensible fuel efficiency is great!