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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  1999 LX Wagon - 1999 Honda Passport
  By Chawtho - June 10 - 2:00 am

  Ive owned a lot of Hondas in my life and its very obvious this is not a Honda. It looks good from the outside but the Honda quality that I have become accustomed to is not there. Tailgate is very squeaky and poorly designed. Also the ride quality is sub- standard compared to other SUVs in this class. Just an average vehicle and nothing to write home about. I bought it used about a year ago and have had no major mechanical problems at this point.

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  Excellent Value with some small problems - 1995 Honda Accord
  By My first car - June 10 - 2:00 am

  I purchased my Accord/EX in April 95 and have driven it ever since. Love the handling and comfort. Very very trustworthy car. I turn the key each morning and fully expect it to run flawlessly - even with more than 100K miles on it now. Plan to drive it to the yard after I get tired of driving it or if the odometer wraps around, which ever comes first.

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  Just gotta have it - 2005 Honda Civic
  By Oscar & Judy Black - June 9 - 2:43 am

  What a great car - just right for us- no problems so far a great car to take on a trip or just run around town. Would buy another in a minute - if you can find one at a dealer.

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  A Joy to Own - 1991 Honda Prelude
  By MookieGuy - June 9 - 2:00 am

  I bought my Prelude in 1991 and have had almost 13 great years with it! Ive never had any unexpected problems with it - just the routine stuff like timing belt, etc. If I could buy a brand new 1991 Prelude with 100 miles or less on it, I would buy one all over again!

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  My little rocket - 1991 Honda Civic
  By Matteus - June 9 - 2:00 am

  What a fabulous car...Ive had it for 7 months now, and it has been just amazing. I enjoy the manual steering it gives me a good feeling of the road. The car performs amazingly. I gave this car an update in the form of an engine swap with a 93 DX engine, so I have 102HP instead of a small 70HP. Gas mileage is just amazing...I get 42MPG with the engine paired with a 4 Speed Manual Tranny. The paint has held up well. Unfortunately there is no a/c, well what can I expect for paying $4000CDN (about 2300USD at the time) All around an amazing little car

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  140,000 and still going strong!! - 1993 Honda Accord
  By Smokey - June 9 - 2:00 am

  This is my second accord. I traded in my 1989 too prematurely (it had no problems what-so ever!) but I have not looked back ever since. The car goes and goes...fast! It is very stable on the highway. The engine is still peppy! The best people mover car. I expect to either give it to my son or continue to ride into the sunset! No major repairs, just normal maintainance. I will by another before I die! Smokey

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  My Odyssey - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By Charles Y - June 9 - 1:56 am

  I walked into the Honda dealer to get a booklet on the vans. I met this sales person who was very polite and ask me to look at the physical vehicle. Well he said why dont you start it up and take a test drive. I had no intentions of purchasing this vehicle. I was driving a 2002 van and was happy. I was really empressed with the Odyssey and was told if I wanted to I could have delevery in 2 hours. Every thing that was promised was delevered by the sales rep. And now I have an Odyssey in my garage, I am very satisified with the trade off.

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  Fit is Fun - 2007 Honda Fit
  By Bear - June 8 - 10:26 pm

  More room inside than a Civic. Has more flexibility w/ cargo and is very entertaining to drive. I wish it had more storage space. A telescopic wheel would be heaven! Having a hard time finding a driving position that works because the wheel only tilts. Have never felt unsafe in this car or lacking sufficent power. I dont know why Edmunds said its buzzy on the freeway, mine is just fine at 3K doing 80mph.

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  Ride like a ridge... - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By tony camagay - June 8 - 7:20 pm

  The Ridgelines interior is spacious. Lots of leg room for front and rear passengers. Headroom is big. Ease of use of A/C, radio and CD. No need to crawl from your seat to reach a certain knob. The exterior is like youve never seen in a truck before. Roomy bed, with a hidden closet under the bed. Now the tailgate is a must to mention, its got dual action. Pull it down or just swing it to the side. The V6 3.5L is just right for me. With its gas prices now, good thing they only make it in a V6.

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  New owners input - 2009 Honda Fit
  By saoirseglen - June 8 - 6:03 pm

  After driving all US products, most being of the midsize or full size variety, I am pleasantly impressed with this Honda import. It is a far cry from the FWD 4cyl cars from the 1980s I had driven and it brings some Asian/European design characteristics that have been sorely lacking from US products. My other vehicle is a 2000 Ford F150 with a 4.2L V6 and 5 spd manual OD so the Sport paddle shifters were something I liked rather well given that I want to have more control over gear changes. My wife loves the regular auto mode for her driving. It is fast enough for normal mortals and feels firm and responsive. It is too early to give MPG, but did 26.5 on a mixed test drive at dealer.