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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  I love the hondas! - 1993 Honda Accord
  By mikey4470 - October 29 - 2:00 am

  Because of my history with my last accord and because of the reputation of Hondas in general I decided to stick with Honda for my next car. I think i got a good deal on it, i paid 5,400 from a dealer and the car has 119,000 miles on it. The dealer also put a new paintjob on it, replaced the timing belt/water pump, and about $600 in other improvements. The interior is perfect. My car also came with a kick- butt stereo system which included 2 10" subs and a graphic equilizer! I am very happy with my purchase and will stay loyal to hondas no doubt! An absolute pleasure to drive!

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  What a car - 2002 Honda S2000
  By thunderchicken - October 29 - 2:00 am

  Ive been researching a nice sporty car, and this ones the one. After a few months of ownership, what a car. Porsche Boxters are a dime a dozen anymore, this one is a gem.

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  Best car I owned - and 9yrs and running. - 2007 Honda Civic
  By John Gianfrancesco - October 28 - 3:05 pm

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  2017 Pilot - 2017 Honda Pilot
  By Bob Lukas - October 28 - 12:33 pm

  There are better values for price and standard equipment if you do not need a vehicle as big as the Pilot.

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  better, but not best - 2006 Honda Civic
  By robert loan - October 28 - 11:40 am

  I was happy to find out that Honda was going to put a navigation system in the civic like mazda does in the 3. Honda does have the best nav systems out there, but they cut corners on this one! No xm radio, no 350 watts and where is the fuel economy read-out like on the accord? They did not put it there because the car drinks fuel at a rate never seen before on a civic. 24 miles per gallon? I got 35 on my 2004 ex! Maby it will get better, but it is very bad right now, not 30/38 or anywhere near!

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  Sporty and Fun to Drive - 2008 Honda Fit
  By Jean - October 28 - 11:10 am

  I purchased my 2008 Fit in November 2008. I test drove several different models before selecting the Honda Fit. I studied reviews of all models for fuel economy, price, resale, and environmental impact. The Fit was my choice and is a purely fun to drive. The mileage was 29 mpg during a sever Wisconsin winter. I am now getting a average of 33 miles per gallon in a mix of highway/city driving. The flexible seats make this a work horse for me when hauling plants, boxes, and other items. Larger then you would think interior fit four comfortably. I have my MP3 player hooked up to the port and listen to that most of the time.Speaker system rocks!

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  Allies 1st new car - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By Don Berthiaume - October 28 - 8:59 am

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  Low mpg. Comfy car - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By Amit - October 28 - 5:22 am

  Excellent car. But gives low mph

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  Not Bad after all - 1996 Honda Passport
  By Rhea - October 28 - 2:00 am

  I purchased this vehicle as an inbetween from an old clunker suv until I can afford a brand new one. This has felt like a new car, No mechanical problems, door locks like to stay down on the unlock though, and I personally cant stand the automatic locking doors as soon as the ignition key is turned! (took me three times of getting locked out while motor running to get many duplicate keys made!) Goes thru 1 qt oil every 2-3k. Lifters make a bit more noise than I think they should. But other than that, Its been a nice car, Getting ready to look for that Brand new one soon!

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  Econobox - 1994 Honda Civic
  By Civic Driver - October 28 - 2:00 am

  Overall, OK car for a cheap daily commuter. Just dont expect much from this econobox. Weak engine, poor performance, major understeer, soft suspension, ugly 13" steel wheels, no grip 175 70R13 tires, ... Has great potential though. Many aftermarket bolt-on parts for this car if you are willing to spend the money.