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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  Purchased to haul grandsons - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By Ray Robins - August 3 - 5:46 am

  Have been impressed with car except I believe the wind noise from the rear doors appears to be a bit excessive. Mileage has been above expectation. Long term mileage is 27.7 mpg. I have learned to love Honda Sensing. My next car for sure will have these options.

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  My 1st. Honda!!! - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Addicted 2 Cars... - August 3 - 2:00 am

  I have only had this car for 300 miles. Very pleased with solid feel of vehicle. Love the expensive looking interior design. Pretty well thought out vehicle.

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  Great little car! - 1997 Honda Civic
  By oregon girl - August 2 - 11:57 pm

  Very reliable little car! Excellent gas mileage, too. Oh, and its cute! We love it.

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  Great used car, could use more legroom! - 1990 Honda Civic
  By Ed - August 2 - 7:16 pm

  Great car but made for short people and Im a tall person. Six foot 1.75 inch people like me really lack in the leg room when driving but it is a nice car. Like the look of the next generation civic more though.

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  Satisfied... - 2008 Honda Odyssey
  By Ben - August 1 - 3:38 am

  Since we needed more space, I traded our Acura RDX and it was well worth it. The RDX was fun but it lacked cargo space and ran only on premium gas which was expensive. I chose the Odyssey because it is rated overall the top mini van in its class. Its able to hold a baby seat, infant seat, two strollers, guitar, etc. The seats are very comfortable. Driving feels like youre riding on air.

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  Paint Loss - 2009 Honda Fit
  By rlw6664 - August 1 - 12:07 am

  Pleased with this car so far but have only owned it since July 27,2009. I have put 225 miles on it as of today July 31. My excitement over owning my first new car is fading very quickly (havent made 1st payt. yet) as of today I am starting to see small paint chips come off the hatchback door. You can see white base/primer coat where the blue paint use to be. So far I have counted 9 different spots. They are aprox. the size of a match head. As I was washing it today a chip of paint aprox. 1/4" wide by 3/4" long came off as I was wiping the water off by the drivers side door, down by the front qtr. panel trailing edge. Also noticed a lot of water allowed between doors and bottom sills.

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  Rollin Along - 2006 Honda Accord
  By Turner - July 31 - 8:16 pm

  I purchased my Black Honda Accord EX Leather/Navigation in late May, 2006. I love the look of the car. The seats are comfortable, and the steering feels just right. I get a lot of road noise, and the engine runs loud especially when accelerating. The ride is not as smooth as my Toyota Sienna. The dashboard dimmer light is in an akward position. The voice activation feature leaves much to be desired. Various commands not related to the a/c toggles the a/c on and off. Manual audio controls are needed. Trying to use the touch screen while driving is dangerous.

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  Most Reliable Car Ever Made!!! - 1998 Honda Civic
  By INVNTDTHWHL - July 31 - 5:29 pm

  I bought my 1998 Honda Civic HX brand new and have been driving it ever since. I have taken moderate care of it over the years and it doesnt matter. It just keeps going strong. Honda must have made these cars for people like me who wait a few extra thousand miles to change their oil and rarely look under the hood. I call my Honda "The Mule" because you can beat the hell out of it and it will get you to work the next day no matter what. Never had a problem and will surely buy a Honda the next time around.

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  to expensive - 2009 Honda Fit
  By Pancho - July 31 - 11:58 am

  My fit is a EX version after 5 months of driving it i feel that I could get a better car for my money, the fit power is poor (and winth a/c on is worse), the engine noise in the cabin is loud, the plastic is to cheap, I don´t like it after 5 months,since I bought it, the dealer change 1 sun visor, 1 plastic cover on the floor, the center air vents because when you put the a/c on 3 or 4 it clouse, and the boring noises are on all over the car those that are form plastic to plastic.

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  I got what I wanted - 2016 Honda Civic
  By David Simone - July 31 - 7:31 am