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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  My First Honda - 2007 Honda Accord
  By Ddavi - January 20 - 10:16 am

  Picked up demo on 03/13/07 with 5100 miles. Excellent ride, very comfortable leather seats. Car should have headlights that turn on automatically and should have mirrors that dim automatically too. Should have an MP3 plug too. I bet these items will be in the revised 2008 model. I was considering a G35 but it seemed too tight inside and the steering wheel seem very small. Loving my first Honda.

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  Great car - 2010 Honda Accord
  By rob - January 20 - 9:53 am

  I bought 19.3k for this car (destination charge included). Not sure if this is a great deal. I showed the invoice price from edmunds and asked for something cheaper than edmunds price. I like the car so far. I owned an Accord before. This is my 2nd Accord. Very reliable car.

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  New Honda Fan - 2002 Honda Accord
  By Former Pontiac - January 20 - 8:23 am

  I was hesitant to buy an Accord because everyone has one. But after my test drive I can see why thats the case. Its a great car, fun to drive, and I know it is reliable from Hondas strong reputation. I love the features that came standard on this car. It is a definite upgrade from my Sunfire.

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  10 - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Steve - January 20 - 5:53 am

  The 2006 Civic is fun to drive with more power under the hood. Handling is smooth and sharp in tight corners, braking is much more steadier unlike Accords soft braking distance. The ride is firmer and gives a much more sportier feel top to bottom than last years coupe.

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  This is a smart buy - 2002 Honda Accord
  By juan - January 20 - 5:26 am

  This is a car that is relatively cheap has good quality and last long. I think is a great value for your money.

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  What a blessing !!! - 1999 Honda Accord
  By Gary King - January 20 - 2:54 am

  We are the original owners of this car. Our Accord has over 180,000 miles on it. I have changed the oil every 5000 miles and done all other normal maintenance myself. We took it into the dealership to have the timing belt replaced as spec. by Honda. Other than that this car has never needed anything but gas and someone in the drivers seat. This has been the most amazing vehicle. I agree with one of the other reviewers when they said "they got more than they paid for." Honda has made a believer out of me.

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  Good so far - 2008 Honda Civic
  By mnms_79 - January 20 - 1:13 am

  I have 12K miles and so far other than rough shifting during low speeds and vibration when idle and AC on, I have no other complaints. Of course I dont mistreat my car so perhaps I dont see any problems... so far. :-) Honda civic overall is a reliable and fuel efficient car.

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  Fit Launch - 2007 Honda Fit
  By dnynCanyon - January 19 - 12:43 pm

  Fit Sport MT, 250 miles. Initial impressions: Wow Super nice build quality and interior materials. Classy instrumentation. Smart handling. Fit doesnt know it is not a sports car! Very precise electronic steering and by-wire throttle control. Fun and spirited drive with relatively firm suspension. Great headroom and leg room for a car this size (how did Honda do that). More headroom than Civic, Accord, and CRV. Fit Sport Audio has impressive audio quality; only one CD slot but with iPod Music Link, access hundreds of tunes. Seating for four is comfortable. Magic seat arrangements and hatch make this car seem like an Odyssey Mini. Nothing but fun. Due to break in gas mileage TBD.

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  Mila and Daniels Element - 2005 Honda Element
  By Mila Brothers - January 18 - 11:00 pm

  This car is sooo much fun. We love the variety we have with the seat configurations. Its great for our two dogs because you can practically hose out the interior. The seat, dash and floor can be cleaned with a damp cloth. The only things we would change would be the center console could be higher and it could seat more than four passengers. Otherwise its a great, durable, fun SUV!

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  Love it! - 2017 Honda Ridgeline
  By Jeremy Richards - January 18 - 10:15 pm

  Excellent truck for someone who wants functionality of a truck and economy of a car while not losing the ability of a truck.