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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  Great, fun car.... with problems. - 2008 Honda Civic
  By Go_Kings - December 30 - 2:20 pm

  The Honda Civic LX is a great car. Its fun, flashy, responsive, and great on gas. Love the interior design; the elegant dash, the race inspired steering wheel. The two-tier gauge layout. On top: MPH. Bottom: RPMs and other vitals. They all just come together nicely. The exterior design is great too. Very sporty (I prefer the four door look myself). But wait, there are troubles in paradise. One big problem is the transmission (I agree with the other viewer). It clunks and down shifts gears in an odd way. RECALL! Another problem is the the cars two major blind spots. These are at the drivers 10 and 2 oclock positions. To make matters worse, the cars horn sounds like a cheap alarm clock.

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  The FIT is Here - 2007 Honda Fit
  By Billy Teague - December 29 - 9:03 pm

  I have had my Blaze Orange FIT SPORT for a week and absolutely love it. Handles very well for a small car. A lot bigger than it looks on the inside. Ride is real smooth. Great on gas. Very happy I made a purchase on this car.

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  this isnt your Moms minivan....... - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By kingfish - December 29 - 8:00 pm

  I am single still for a little bit longer and have no kids , but have a lot of friends. I drive an 96 accord sedan with 216k miles and still running strong, well it only sit 4 comfortably and when we ALL go out, we always end up driving several cars, Well with this new van We can pile them in no problem.

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  Great car!!!! - 2016 Honda Odyssey
  By Mcopolla - December 29 - 4:37 pm

  Thanks for Andrew the salesman, We Got a deal in your new car Odyssey Touring, we love it.

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  Great car - 2010 Honda Accord
  By John - December 29 - 12:00 pm

  We already have a 2008 Accord and love it. This purchase was to replace a 2003 Camry w/ well over 200,000 miles. Contenders included an Altima 2.5 SL and another Camry XLE(to many problems right now) & the Malibu w/ Onstar (They lost on ride, brushed suede for Leater seats, overall GM still doesnt get it). The standard wishbone suspension and accompanying drive helped win me over (have to go to Lexus for that in the Toyota family. Although this car is not an American "branded" automobile, it is as "American made" as the Malibu, or more. Overall the Accord is a wise choice in a midsized sedan.

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  Better than I ever expected - 2006 Honda Civic
  By CivicRox - December 29 - 7:46 am

  I wasnt too excited at the thought of owning another civic but the 2006 is almost like another class of Honda. Its an excellent looking car both inside and out and feels way more solid than my previous Civic with a lot more to offer. NAV is a great feature that I abosolute love! Had to put money down on one being built since a NAV sedan was in short supply. A great car, you cant go wrong.

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  Solid Value - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By stout - December 28 - 5:00 pm

  Great resale and reliability=solid value.Very low cost to lease,if you are retired and drive minimal miles.Easy to enter and exit for those with disabilities. Amazingly good mileage for such a heavy all purpose vehicle and powerful drivetrain, probably due to its dead accurate 5 -speed automatic and smooth, unnoticed variable displacement engine. It even has a touch of luxury...

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  Honda Civic - 2002 Honda Civic
  By CWP - December 28 - 3:40 pm

  Excellent commuter car. Excellent safety rating. Continuously get 40 mpg. NO DISLIKES.

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  Update to earlier review - 2008 Honda Civic
  By Brant - December 28 - 1:20 pm

  Now that I have owned the car for a month I wanted to add to my previous review. Swapping out the OEM tires was a must. Whether you have the Goodyears or the Bridgestones, both are poorly rated on Tirerack and other sites. I had Custom Coach in Southington, CT move the drivers seat back a few inches ($350) and this has made the car much more comfortable for my 62" frame though the seats are not the best. Gas mileage is terrific at 34 to 37 mostly highway at 70-75 mph. Car is relatively refined and fun to drive for an economy car. No regrets trading in my V6 Accord for this car and that is saying something.

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  Still the Benchmark - 2009 Honda Accord
  By 35Accord - December 28 - 10:13 am

  This is my third Accord and they seem to get better with each new model.Its hard to find manual transmission Accords these days, but I located an LX-P and jumped on it. The 5 speed is the best on the planet. Overall there are no surprises and everything works with precision.