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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  Good ol Honda - 1993 Honda Accord
  By Jendawn - November 9 - 2:00 am

  I bought my Honda used 5 years ago and it still runs great! I have 133,000 miles on it and last year when I got it smogged, the guy said it smogged like a new car. Change that oil every 3,500 and this car will last forever. Just be careful that when you change the timing belt, have those little cheap oil pan seals replaced at the same time or youll be sorry. Great car.

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  Best Van Ive owned - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By dixiemom99 - November 9 - 2:00 am

  Previously owned a Ford Windstar and had multiple problems with it. Honda Odyssey has been reliable, comfortable, and fun to travel in. I drive a lot with kids and find they are very happy with the comfort of the car and the entertainment system.

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  2k miles and love it - 2010 Honda Insight
  By Jeff - November 8 - 7:36 pm

  Ive driven this car for 2k miles and love it. I have a family of 4 and took this car on our trip to New Orleans and it handled fine. I have a 4 and a 5 yr old and we all fit comfortably in the car with luggage for a weekend trip. Consistently get 41 mpg and I drive the hell out of it. Road noise was comparable to the 2001 Maxima I traded in. I can hear engine noise when I hit an incline on the interstate going 80 mph. The cars exterior is styled better than the Prius. Overall, the car is fun to drive. It reminds me of my Acura Integra I had in college. Also reminds me of the Honda CRX.

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  Mostly great - 2009 Honda Fit
  By Oz - November 8 - 2:20 pm

  The Good: My wife has always wanted a small car but with a family we had to have bigger ones. Now that the kids are gone, she got a Fit and loves it. I fit well in it at 64". Its like driving a go-cart. The Bad: 1. No low washer fluid light. Its only offered on Canadian models. Why?? 2. Speedometer extremely hard to read. Dark red needle on a black background. I have to take my eyes off the road for a long time to determine my speed instead of just a glance. It should be yellow or white or orange. 3. The Honda OwnerLink website should have a feedback link so owners can make suggestions. Other than that, its a great little car.

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  Love it!!! - 2016 Honda Civic
  By Deborah Weekley - November 8 - 8:32 am

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  Great Run Around Vehicle - 2008 Honda Fit
  By bjcivic84 - November 8 - 2:53 am

  I recently purchased a honda fit for my daughter and she absolutly loves it. I was quite sceptical about it at first but after driving it and using it for storage purposes it is truly an amazing little car.

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  Love my new car - 2017 Honda CR-V
  By D. Arnett - November 7 - 8:44 pm

  Please just shop around at different dealers. Might be able to work out a better price (significant) for same car if you are willing to travel a little for it.

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  Its a good car but..... - 1998 Honda Civic
  By Legna - November 7 - 10:00 am

  I miss my Volvo and my VW GLX- VR6every day I have to drive this Car. Although very reliable, and I appreciate the improved gas mileage from my previous cars....Its boring, too light (I get blown into the next lane on windy days), the a/c cant keep up w/ the humidity in Chicago, overall quality is too cheap, the handling is poor (I hate the jerk of the transmission from taking off from a stop and the horrible control when you go over 70 mph--good tires do help some). Liven it up guys....theres nothing fun about drivng this car, Im thrilled I have a luxury car to drive every other day when Im not commuting an abusurd distance to work every day.

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  I love it - 2003 Honda Element
  By jeffp - November 7 - 10:00 am

  I love the car! It is very versitile, it drives nice. Everything works like it is supposed.

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  trekkie report - 2000 Honda Civic
  By trekkie - November 7 - 10:00 am

  had civic h/b since 1978.. since then honda has slowly cheapened it..the paint is my biggest problem it chips so easily