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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  Fun Fun Fun - 2007 Honda Fit
  By !!! I like My Fit !! - August 5 - 1:16 pm

  This car is the first new car me and my wife have ever had. The thing that sold us on it was the interior size and fuel economy, but as we drive it everything else started to blend right in. The way the car rides - the power of its Vtec engine - the look of the dash board lights at night - The looks we get. Overall this is the best car we ever owned.

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  Aimed To Please - 2009 Honda Civic
  By billyd09 - August 5 - 1:13 pm

  After having my 2009 Honda Civic LX-S for less than a week, I can say that Im really happy with the purchase. The ride is smooth, so far it handles very well, the MPG are great (although I havent filled up yet). Also, the interior is laid out very well. Everything you need and very easy to use. Im a big fan of the black interior with the leather wrapped steering wheel in the LX-S model. I would advise anyone who buys the LX-S to buy the fog lights as an add-on, as they add a pop to the car. Also, this car looks so much better in person than in the pictures. In pictures this vehicle does not stand out, but in the road it does. Very happy with this car.

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  Fun Ride with Good Mileage - 2009 Honda Civic
  By bryan200k - August 5 - 6:30 am

  I really like the dashboard layout. Having the digital speedometer on the second tier, I would actually consider a safety feature. It allows me to keep my eyes more on the road, by not having to look down as far to see my speed. I love the black seating in the LX-S, but as others have stated, it does attract the lint. Really love the gas mileage and the handling. It has the typical Honda suspension that you feel the road bumps and hear the road noise. It is fun to drive. Great visibility all around.

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  Better than ever! - 2009 Honda Fit
  By Stephanie - August 5 - 4:43 am

  I bought an 07 Fit which I loved. After visiting the dealership for an oil change I saw the 09 and had to drive it. I dont know how, but Honda, once again has proven it can make the best even better. I bought the 09 with navigation and love it. Now I own two Fits. After years of being a Chevy driver and switching to these Hondas I will say I dont miss having my car in the shop every other month; and to top it off, Honda actually honors their product warranties unlike Chevy. I guess thats why some are making it in this economy and others arent.

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  great compact car - 2006 Honda Civic
  By kormi - August 5 - 4:23 am

  just bought my 2006 honda civic lx. great little car. looks nice and is fun to drive. the gas mileage is also superb.

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  best ever - 2003 Honda S2000
  By hondaS200 - August 5 - 2:00 am

  honda s2000 is the best car i have ever driven! i like it more than my ferraries

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  shes still kickin!! - 1991 Honda Accord
  By tr0s - August 5 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car with 134k on it for just under 5 grand when i was in high school. I figured, its a honda so itll last. I had no idea. after regular maintenance (timing belt/waterpump, brakes, oil, etc) this car has been very dependable. ive replaced the radiator, tranny, and torque converter. On the coldest days it fires right up and takes off, no warm up time or anything. I strongly recommend honda to anyone!

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  Poor gas miliage - 1993 Honda Civic
  By cecep - August 5 - 2:00 am

  I bought my civic w/ 97000 miles on it and i had it for 2 months so far but what i noticed is NO POWER and in mine it has poor gas miliage about 20 miles in mixed driving and it has a small tank so i have to fill it up ever week!

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  Del Sol to S2000 - 2001 Honda S2000
  By al abramowitz - August 5 - 2:00 am

  My 1995 Honda Del Sol was totalled while parked for 15 minutes. At first I was unwilling to purchase another two- seater until I test drove the S2000. I was happy with my Del Sol, but I am estatic with my S2000 purchased at 56,000 miles. I felt a little uncomfortable about the change in security (soft top), but since I had a K-9 Alarm installed I feel confident about leaving it anywhere.

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  Beware of Transmission Problems! - 2000 Honda Odyssey
  By gingermom - August 5 - 2:00 am

  After 88,000 miles of trouble-free driving, our transmission failed! The warranty appeared to be expired (8yrs./80,000mi.), but luckily Honda agreed to replace the transmission for no charge under warranty. Beware! Other than that, great family/car pooling car. Roomy, handles well.