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 Car to Drive for City only - 2010 Honda Insight
  By Brian - November 20 - 5:06 am

  This is a great car to drive, for city driving only. I am not so sure, I would not use this car to drive on the highway for great distances. This car would work in big cities around the USA, where traffic is really bad - the auto stop option, is far the best feature in this car. I am just dont understand why, the big 3 never put that in there cars to begin with. I think, if the big 3 had put the auto stop in all of there cars, they would not be in financial ruin right now, and there world not be global warming crisis. There is NO REASON WHY, cars need to burn gas at any stop light or traffic congestion points while polluting the air we breath.

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  wow - 2007 Honda Fit
  By aj martinez - November 19 - 3:13 pm

  110% satisfaction! I am averaging 42.3 mpg (manual shift) and cruising at 80 mph. When I need to pass, it hits 90+ as quick as a cat. Thank you!!!!!

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  I love this car! - 2004 Honda Element
  By baygirl - November 19 - 12:40 pm

  Except for ease of entry into the backseat area, the car is perfect. But my parents have trouble getting in the back area because the floor is so high. Other than that, no complaints! Great car!

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  Still A Very Cool Car - 2008 Honda Civic
  By Groovin - November 19 - 4:43 am

  Wrote a post below after 8K miles, now at 26K. The MPG for this car have steadily improved over time though there are seasonal variations (better in summer worse in winter). Anyway I have kept detailed mileage records and this car has done 45.9 MPG (calculated) for the life of the vehicle. I find the calculated is always ~2 mpg more than the dashboard reading. Breakdown is 48.4 MPG Summer & 42.5 MPG Winter. For the statisticians out there the overall sample size (tankfuls) is 61 and the overall mean is 45.9 MPG with a 95% confidence between 45.0 & 46.8. Std Dev is 3.56. MPG is still improving, and expecting to hit average 50 MPG per tank once Spring warm-up arrives.

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  More than a civic - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Honda lover - November 19 - 2:30 am

  This car is incredible. Ive had a 99 prelude, and 04 rsx. This car is deserves more than the name of a civic, its nothing like the past models. More power and comfort. The gas mileage is great. about 32 mpg. The only problem is that it is believed to be more difficult to mod. Thats the problem when you purchase it in its early production stage

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  Best Car I Have Owned - 1992 Honda Civic
  By RedLT1 - November 19 - 2:00 am

  I have owned over 30 cars in 36 years and this is the best car quality wise I have owned. It is still going strong after 146,000 miles. It has survived by daughter and two teenage sons. The only thing I dont like about it is that it does not have enough power.

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  Best Car Ever - 2000 Honda Prelude
  By ManoMan - November 19 - 2:00 am

  The Honda Prelude is one of the best cars to come out of Japan. EVER!!!!

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  Worth the money! - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By Lee Nguyen - November 18 - 12:05 pm

  Own this car for less than a month and it drives like a dream. This is my 4th new Honda and I know I can expect this standard of performance for many years to come

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  Excellent Car - 2005 Honda Accord
  By WaltWhitman - November 18 - 7:36 am

  Love the interior, and the navigation system is worth every penny. Brakes stop me on a dime. The acceleration is a little weak, especially going uphill, on account of the 4 cylinder engine. However, going with the V4 saved me a couple of grand, and more or less is just fine. This car is just really comfortable to drive. When I drove it home from the dealership, I didnt want to stop! Also, the XM radio is built in, which is nice, and the car also has voice command capability, which is fun to use and to show off!

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  i am prelude_cRazed - 1993 Honda Prelude
  By prelude_crazed - November 18 - 2:00 am

  i love preludes the looks the power an everything just that they weigh too much and tht little room in the back