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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  WOW - 2001 Honda Prelude
  By silverprelude01 - April 1 - 2:00 am

  this is car is by far the best car i could get...the power, the handling, and everything about it is the best...and the amazing part about it is that it wasnt expensive!...my advice to anyone that wants to buy a car is to get a honda prelude!

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  Perfect SUV for us - 2009 Honda Pilot
  By Paul - March 31 - 11:06 pm

  Love the vehicle! To christen the purchase, my wife and I and our three surviving, 80+-year-old parents left on a 700-mile round trip getaway. The five of us were amazed at how much comfort and privacy were afforded by the third row seating combined with the rear entertainment system. My mother (5’4”) sat in the third row the entire trip and concluded that the rearmost seat was just as comfortable as the second row. Gas mileage has been decent for a vehicle of this type: 22 mpg on the trip with 5 adults + luggage; 19 mpg mixed city/highway; 16 mpg city-only driving; 14.5 mpg city-only with poor driving habits.

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  Best Car in 50 years! - 2007 Honda Fit
  By Bill Betzen - March 31 - 10:03 pm

  I put 12,000 miles on my Fit the first 2 months driving between Dallas and Portland and points in between. It was a great car on the open road and certainly in the tight places in the city. It is a perfect car with plenty of inside space. I can carry a washing machine home from the store if I want. I just wish it would get over 40 MGP on the road.

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  Lovin my Fit - 2007 Honda Fit
  By Ivette - March 31 - 3:46 pm

  Ive had my Fit for a week now, and I thought I would love it when I first heard about it and I was RIGHT. I just came from owning a BMW X3 and got tired of leaving my wallet at the gas station every week. This car is cute, fun to drive and AWESOME on gas. Its got good pep for the HP...you really cant ask for more. I got the Milano Red and Im just in LOVE with it!!!

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  Honda Fit Rocks its class - 2007 Honda Fit
  By Gary Perez - March 31 - 10:13 am

  In its class segment, nothing beats the Honda Fit. This car has comfort, performance, fuel economy, and awesome utility all built into one car. Handling is spectacular for its class, but acceleration is about average although it has good kick off the line. Utility is beyond description. The seats in the Fit are able to be configured for nearly any cargo load and the different seat configurations are a snap to put in place. The front seats have a slider lever on the seatback so that you dont have to hunch over to move the seat forward. The only gimmicky part of the car is the paddle shifters in the S model I have. They are not as easy to operate as one would think.

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  2009 Honda - 2009 Honda Accord
  By James Stevens - March 31 - 5:10 am

  Very satisfied to date, car is 2009, I presently have 3800 miles, I am retired, this spring will take long trips. I had a 2005 Linc T/C, thought I would have major driving transition, not so, I find Honda 6 fun to drive, fast, comfortable, alert, & certainly never think about gas vs Linc

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  Fun and versatile - 2008 Honda Fit
  By WGE - March 30 - 11:10 am

  When it came time to replace an old Caravan, I wanted something smaller and fuel efficient, yet with good, intelligent use of interior space. I considered hybrids but felt the premium paid to get this technology just wasnt worth it. All the subsequent research I did kept pointing directly to the Honda Fit. I looked at the competition, but only ended up test driving the Fit. After that I was sold on the car. So far in the first 1000 miles, we have averaged about 37.5 mpg and with full break-in Id love to push that over 40 mpg. It gives me all the economy I was looking for and it is really fun to drive. Now I wonder if we should trade in the Grand Caravan for another?

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  Blue Coupe Honda - 1999 Honda Accord
  By phyllyp26 - March 30 - 10:00 am

  Reliable Car. 4 Cylinder engine which makes for a slow take off. Lately one very hot days, over 99 degrees, my car has been having trouble starting. Have taken the car to the dealership and they have not found any problems. Car tends to idle too high sometimes. But have not had any major problems from this car.

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  Nice SUV - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By loyalgmcguy - March 30 - 10:00 am

  Difficult to find and tough to negotiate a deal. My area dealers all wanted at least $2500 over MSRP and it took a no trade deal to get a reasonable price. Fit and finish are typical high Honda quality. Overall, a great vehicle that is fun to drvie. We are pleased and believe this was a great replacment for our seven year old mini-van.

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  Youll love it!!! - 2001 Honda Accord
  By Nickole - March 30 - 10:00 am

  You Cant Go Wrong!