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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  Mostly Great Van - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By Todd Wagner - June 19 - 8:30 am

  No doubt Honda is a step up in quality from our old Pontiac van. The engine perform is great, design and roominess and comforst all great. The price beat Sienna. It mimicks the euro sedan drive as much as a van possibly could. A few disappointments (expectations were high) are the whistling from wind on the passenger side (got it to stop by sticking a tshirt under the wiper blade - how dumb does that look!), gas mpg NOT 20/28 as EPA estimates - we avg about 21, the rubber strip at the bottom of sliding doors getting pushed back and when water gets in its causing rusting of metal tabs. Also limited packaging meant we didnt get all features we wanted. Overall a great van!

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  Best Car I Have Owned - 1998 Honda Accord
  By Walter Blackburn - June 19 - 2:00 am

  Drove this car over 134,000 miles and have enjoyed the reliability and driving features in every aspect. Other than two flats this car has had only regular maintenance. Replaced belts and water pump at 105,000 miles and oxygen sensors just before that. Nothing else has been done except change oil about every 5,000 miles and put in gas. On fourth set of tires and lots of tread left on them. Several miles that do not show on speedometer were towed miles behind motor home.

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  Zoom Zoom - 2004 Honda Insight
  By jacques - June 19 - 2:00 am

  This is my commute car. I drive 65 miles to and from work, down hill in the morning, no traffic, 55-60 miles all the way. I can get up to 92 miles a gallon especially following a flat bed truck on the flat. There is a speed between 53 and 58 at which the car seems to be running on electric only and charge at same time... amazing. My first 43,000 miles averages 60.8m/g. The 1200 miles from my house to Los Abgeles and back where with a 73m/g average. I have kept track of the mileage at each fillup and every 1000 miles if you need proof. I drove the car at 103 m/h down hill... it zooms. Only problem: leaky struts in back (covered by waranty).

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  DREAM MACHINE - 2004 Honda Insight
  By JON HENRY - June 19 - 2:00 am

  Purchased in Oct., 2000. Currently over 50,000 trouble free miles. Mileage depending on driving conditions: +50 mpg in Michigan winter to +60 mpg in summer overall. Have gotten +85 mpg when trying in summer and as low as +47 mpg above 80 mph highway or cold winter mornings. Excellent acceleration. Tight sports car like steering and suspension. Highly recommended.

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  This is the one! Thanks Honda!! - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By John - June 18 - 2:46 pm

  Since making the decision to purchase my Honda Ridgeline Ive been loving life. I look for excuses to take it for a drive (Oh, we need milk)! Everything about the truck is very cleverly designed and executed. Drives like a Honda, like youÂ’re on rails (very responsive). Transmission shifts smooth as silk. Uni-body = no shutter between cab and bed (unlike TacomaÂ…). 4 wheel indi- suspension = superior ride (unlike TacomaÂ…). 3 large adults can and have sat very comfortably in rear seat. ItÂ’s like Honda looked at all the competition and came up with a far superior way to build their product! If you are in the market, just take it for a test drive and compare for yourself. This is a great Vehicle.

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  ...for the ride to work - 2007 Honda Fit
  By janet - June 18 - 5:30 am

  so far I have been very happy with my choice. (it was a hard one) There are a lot of this type of car out there but with Hondas rep I thought how could I go wrong. The only prob so far is when the car is fully loaded it only got 32 mpg instead of 35. I really did not need anymore car than this just to drive my 30 miles to work and back. and an occasional trip with friends.

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  Love the car - 1998 Honda Accord
  By Kakashaka - June 18 - 2:00 am

  Awesome car, everything you expect from a Honda. I drove it for almost 2 years and had absolutely no problems with it. Love everything about it. Gas millage was significantly noticed when upgraded from a 4 cylinder. The feel of the car when you drive a v6, was well worth it though.

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  Great Car - 2004 Honda S2000
  By B.C. - June 18 - 2:00 am

  Had my S2000 about one week and love it. I wouldnt change much about it. The interior space is close but I like that.

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  bmw killer - 2004 Honda S2000
  By djg - June 18 - 2:00 am

  I literally drove everything for over a year MB slk 911 boxster bmw z4 z3 350 rx8 crossfire. none were bad or performed poorly none also (except the 911 and z4) were exceptional until I drove the s2000. What a rocket! What fun! Totally dedicated to the driver and does not cater to anything or anyone else. Everything at your fingertips (or your foot!) and by far the most fun to drive in any situation mundane to the exhirating. Build quality is superb rock solid rival to the z4. best decision I have made and all for only 30k.

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  I miss the Civic - 1993 Honda Civic
  By big H - June 18 - 2:00 am

  A honda Civic will be one of the Best cars you will ever own. I bought mine in 2000 with 80,000 miles. By the time I sold it, it had 130,000. The only repairs were a hole in the exhaust and a distributor (common for this model yr.) The small engine with an automatic lacked low end torque, but by the time it it 3500 rpm it started to move nicely. No trouble to do 60+ on the hiway. The car had a very nice ride yet still cornered easily. No squeaks or rattles even after 130,000 miles and the way i drove the hell out of it. Nice room for a car in this class too. I miss the Civic. In fact, after a Jeep and a Cavalier since then, I am buying an 04 Civic