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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  Fell in love with the Fit - 2009 Honda Fit
  By FES - August 23 - 1:40 am

  Just bought my Honda Fit Sport-it was love at first sight. Great car, Honda has at least a 9+, in this one. Interstate driving is a breeze, When I started looking I was gong to check out the Toyota Yaris, but stopped by the Honda dealer first, and that is as far as I got. It rides great, is sporty looking, and has great fuel mileage and its not even broke in yet.

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  Its Not A Porsche - And Isnt Meant to Be - 2010 Honda Odyssey
  By Rob - August 22 - 1:36 pm

  I got this to soak up some long distance travel miles to keep them off of my twin turbo Porsche Macan S while lugging kids and stuff long distance. So far its doing exactly what Im asking it to do, so Im pleased. It handles like a wet sponge, but hey, its a van. Cant fault it for doing exactly as it was designed to do.

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  First Honda - wont be last - 2015 Honda Accord
  By James Ziebert - August 22 - 2:55 am

  I have always been a GM (Pontiac) car guy. My last 3 vehicles were Grand Prix. Then GM in their wisdom decided to discontinue the Pontiac line. I didnt know what I was going to replace my GP with when it came time to buy a new (used) car. Then my wife stumbled upon an ad for a 2015 Honda Accord with only 2600 miles. We were sure it was a misprint but went to check it out. Sure enough ... a 2 yr old car with only 2600 miles. Several family members have had Hondas without any problems EVER... seemed like it was the thing to do. This car has more bells and whistles on it than I know what to do with. It rides and handles like a sports car. Hugs the turns / road... the mileage is AMAZING (so far in the city Im getting 31mpg). I have to say - I dont miss my GP at all and GM has lost me as a customer for life. Another plus is Hondas are built in my home state (and most of the American mfr are now importing their parts from Mexico, Canada and across the ocean). This car is a win / win for me. By the way - I listed maintenance cost as only "ok" but thats only because I havent had to do any maintenance on it yet. My son (auto technician) assures me - it wont be much.

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  Best Compromise Vehicle - 1996 Honda Odyssey
  By loon ranger - August 22 - 2:00 am

  Bought used and averaged 22000 miles/yr for next 4 years. Love the car and the room. Service costs are a bit high, but no major repairs. ABS light reset is only repair at 117,000 miles. Perfect vehicle for long trips with 4 tall people. Versitility is outstanding, hauled all kinds of "stuff". Think of it more as a "tall wagon" than a minivan. Trying to keep it in excellent condition because they dont sell the same size any more.

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  Most Wonderful Car ever made - 2003 Honda Insight
  By nth - August 22 - 2:00 am

  The insight is the best car ever. Ultra high gas milage and handles like a beaut. Ill drive these hybrids forever!!

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  Runs like a clock - 1993 Honda Accord
  By simmons195 - August 22 - 2:00 am

  This has been the greatest car that I have ever owned! I have owned it for 3.5 years and I have never had to change the breaks (I down shift). It has never left me sit. The only two problems I have had are the power antenna mast, and the drivers side power window gets stuck sometimes. Thats all! No mechanical problems at all. I had to replace the exaust from the cat back, but that will happen with any car. But Its treated me very well.

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  A Lesson In Reliability - 1997 Honda Civic
  By heath4braves - August 22 - 2:00 am

  I sold my Nissan Xterra, a huge, lumbering hulk of a car when compared to my Civic. I bought a 1997 Honda Civic LX. Can I say WOW?? I understand now why accolades are always tossed to Honda. It is THE BEST car I have ever had (Nissan, Dodge, Buick, Ford, Lincoln, Crysler all included in auto predecessors). It is small, but surprisingly roomy. True to the Honda name, reliability is standard. You cant go wrong.

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  my first "foreign" car - 2005 Honda Civic
  By DX - August 21 - 12:13 pm

  I love my Civic! The car has superior handling andI have the least expensive model they make with manual windows, 5 spd transmission. You dont have to buy the top of the line to get that great Honda engineering. I expect to have this car for 300K+ miles.

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  Element - 2005 Honda Element
  By yolonda - August 21 - 9:36 am

  Does everything the manufacter says it does and then some. A truly versatile vehicle, performs well in all types of driving conditions. Gives a smooth ride for a suv, and has a solid pick-up from the 2.4l 4 cilinder engine. The four speed automatic is smooth in it shifting and does not drop in to lower gears when pressed.

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  Jb - 2014 Honda Odyssey
  By John Borches - August 21 - 6:16 am

  5 star car for soccer moms. Good road car