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 tank in snow - 2007 Honda Fit
  By Fit for Anything - March 10 - 7:47 am

  We live in northern NY and for the last couple of winters have put some very aggressive snow tires on. Its a tank. Easily beats big SUVs off the line at snowy/icy stop lights. (Yeah, cheap thrill, I know.) Interior room is amazing. Only complaint is the seats are painful to sit in for much more than a couple hours at a time.

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  Nice Car - 2007 Honda Accord
  By Travis - March 9 - 11:58 pm

  Purchased new and currently have 82K miles on my 4cyl SE. Purposely bought unit made in Japan. Recently had the rear brakes done. Had to replace dash cubby door under warranty at 35K due to getting stuck and not opening. Otherwise, zero issues. I travel for a living, often 300+ miles at a time, and have been very pleased so far. Routinely get 34 mpg on road trips - impressive for a car of this size. Interior is well-laid out. Road noise is noticeable, but not annoying. Ride is firm, but not bad. Seats are firm, but fine. I expect to get 200k+ and, as of now, would certainly consider another Accord next time. 2 minor complaints: doors dont lock/unlock automatically in drive/park no mp3 jack

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  Fantastic Car - 2005 Honda Accord
  By Eric - March 9 - 8:59 pm

  Bought this car back in 07. Best value for my money hands down. car is up to 130K miles and drives like its brand new. all systems (electric, sound sun-roof, & leather) work beautify and never had a problem. Passengers and friends dont believe that I have 130K miles or that the car is 5 years old. I highly recommend this vehicle!

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  Feel safe in CR-V - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By Texas - March 9 - 8:31 am

  After doing all my home work on small SUVs I settled on a 2007 CR-V with the sleek new body style. I was weary of the 4 cylinder engine not giving me enough power, But she proved to do the work, hauling round bales of hay up hill. The back seats drop forward to make a larger bed. Plenty of room for 4 adults comfortably and cargo area.

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  Excellent Car to Own - 2001 Honda Accord
  By E Johnson - March 8 - 8:30 pm

  I have always owned "foreign" cars--this Honda is second only to a 1996 Mazda 626 that I literally drove until it died. The Accord is super comfortable, the V6 is surprisingly fast with a LOT of get-up-and-go, and is as reliable as the sunrise. This car, despite being driven on average over 24,000 miles a year, has NEVER EVER broken down on us--all we have had to do is change the oil, fluid, belts (as called for at 60,000ish miles), and filters and keep gas in it! Speaking of gas, for a car with as much pep as this one, the gas mileage can not be beat! Best vehicle investment you can make!

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  I think its a pretty good car - 2007 Honda Civic
  By karringt - March 7 - 10:48 pm

  I have to start with commenting on some reviews posted. If you are 6 ft tall or over and you are complaining that the car is too small that is your fault. You should have seen that. Thats why they have Accords. I will also say that I am 411. I have no problems with the size of the car. I love the way it looks, I love the digital speedometer. I will say that it isnt the most comfortable of cars for a long drive. I do have back problems and after being in the car for 2 or 3 hours nonstop i start to stiffen up. I dont regularly make long trips though. I also am not terribly happy with the road noise but I know a lot of that is because its a lightweight car. Overall, its a great car.

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  We bought another one - 2010 Honda Insight
  By cgold - March 7 - 11:18 am

  We liked our insight so much that my wife bought one for herself. We both get more than the EPA mileage estimate. The car is fun and easy to drive. We can fit four adults easily and there has been no complaint of lack of headroom in the rear. We look forward to the hybrid fit as we would like to have a small SUV that gets great gas mileage.

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  Wish I still had it! - 2003 Honda Element
  By hnewton - March 7 - 9:32 am

  I put probably 32,000 miles on my Honda in two years. I never had any problems with it. It did make a weird noise when I turned really sharp, it was not a big deal. I bought the car with about 95,000 mile on it and it did that when I bought it. The dealership said it was because of the AWD. I drove a different one a year later and it did not do that. Besides oil changes, I only spent 350.00 on it the entire time I owned it. That was for breaks and its 100,000 mile maintenance. I thought it would need a new belt, but it has a timing chain that last 300,000 miles! We really used this car for what it can be used for. Camping, hauling, animals, etc. The seats are very durable! Seats four.

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  Nice ride - 2010 Honda Civic
  By MissMary06 - March 5 - 11:27 pm

  Very nice car, drives smoothly and its very comfortable for the price.

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  Love Our Honda Wagon! - 1996 Honda Accord
  By Rick H. - March 5 - 10:53 pm

  I am the third owner of this very reliable, comfortable, highly functional family car with 265,000 miles on it, which I purchased five years ago for $4,000. Ive used it for family vacations (placing a luggage compartment on the roof rack), commuting to work, hauling recycling, and just around town errands with our dog happily in the wagon area. The sunroof is awesome, the A/C great, the handling fine, the V-Tec sporty and the interior, very sexy. The only major repair I had was to replace the transmission two years ago, which cost only $800. (n.b.: purchased from a junk yard wreck). Minor issues are the slow moving front windows, rear fender rust and a broken antenna. We love our Honda!!!