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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  Our 15th Honda Vehicle! A+A+A+ - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Lily Jaeger - February 9 - 12:33 pm

  Between my son and I, this is our familys 15th Honda Product since 1986. This is our first Civic and we absolutely love it! It is fun to drive, great fuel stats and the best looking interior and exterior of any vehile that we have seen. We plan on buying a SUV before the end of the year and we are considering only a Honda product. My son needs a vehicle to carry his Mobility Power Chair, so he is considering either the CRV or Pilot as his next purchase. The quality and reliability of Honda remains impecable, and once you own one, youll own another, and so on, and so on, etc... Keep up the great product and youll keep us as a customer for life!!! We spread the good word everywhere!

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  Small on the outside, big on the inside - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By newzie - February 9 - 11:40 am

  I purchased the CR-V after looking at the BMW X3 (CPO), Subaru Outback 3.0R, Hyundai Santa Fe, and Saturn Vue. I was impressed with the build quality and simple straight forward controls. It isnt the most powerful vehicle but it handles well, and most of the features I wanted at the best price. I was also surprised that my insurance went down, even though this is a new vehicle. This is my first Honda product.

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  Jakes 1993 Accord EX - 1993 Honda Accord
  By jon&virgil - February 9 - 2:00 am

  I purchased this car new and I am now selling it because my family has out grown the sporty accord. I would tell anyone who is looking for a good dependable sharp car to look for this year model. I have NEVER had a days trouble......I hate I must sell it......

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  96 Accord - 1996 Honda Accord
  By Curtish - February 9 - 2:00 am

  Great car,the wife really enjoys the driveability. The only problem has been at 81K the balance shaft oil seal failed and dumped all the oil out. Honda repaired as a defect with no cost.

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  Disappointing Fuel Economy - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By Rosie - February 8 - 10:20 pm

  I like the car but do not love it. I am currently getting 16 miles a gallon/highway which I think it is pretty bad. Do not know where Honda got the mileage they advertise because I have been getting this mileage since I got the car brand new. I was planning to keep the car but not with this mileage. I might actually dump it early if gas price keeps going up at this rate.

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  Best of the Best - 2009 Honda Fit
  By Batman - February 8 - 7:23 pm

  I bought this car after my 7year old van began to cost me more and more. I was trying to stretch it a little longer while I researched this cars overall value and others experiences. I was hooked on its looks and functions to say the least. The fuel economy is outstanding and I have cut my monthly fuel cost by 60 percent. I average about 36 driving around town. I have owned a lot of different vehicles and this car is a winner. For driving such a great little car with big features sure puts a smile on my face. My neighbors mentioned how kool it looks. I get people always asking about it. Great car with or without hybrid technology. Buy one and have fun saving $$$$.

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  Cant expect any more! - 2008 Honda Civic
  By reuthermonkey - February 8 - 9:00 am

  Ive owned this car for only a few weeks now, but im absolutely in love with it. Im not a "car person" by any stretch of the imagination. My previous car was a 95 Honda Accord and after 240,000 miles, I needed a replacement. I looked exclusively at Honda and Toyota for a new, inexpensive alternative, and stuck with Honda because it was simply a better value and a prettier car.

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  Element - 2005 Honda Element
  By Alejandro Gonzalez - February 8 - 2:50 am

  Simple but great vehicle. Able to put 5 peoople into the car without problems. Handles my mountain bikes easily...

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  A Fun Car - 2002 Honda Insight
  By edl41 - February 8 - 2:00 am

  This is a fun car that is practical as well as well designed.And economical too.My wife and I prefer the Insight to our new Accord 4dr.Getting better than 50 m.p.g.running errands in the city.The CVT transmission is outstanding.Feels like a turbine.Ride is extra firm--which adds to handling.Disappointed in audio-but I like the car so much I may upgrade.

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  Great car - 1998 Honda CR-V
  By Grashka from Toronto - February 8 - 2:00 am

  Honda CR-V is a great car. I had very good expiriance driving it over last 4.5 years. I would and will consder replacing it with same model. Very reliable. I once drove this car across 23 states from Canada to Mexico and back during the summer heat, loaded to the roof with camping equipment. Always reliable !!!