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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  Fitness of Fit - 2009 Honda Fit
  By AC - August 29 - 4:36 pm

  My Honda Fit drives like a sports car, carries cargo like a small SUV, reduces environmental impact and fuel consumption like a hybrid without the cost and complexity and is build solid and strong (no rattles, no squeeks no leaks). My mpg is averaging 40.7. The only hesitation was the size because I have never owned a car in this size category (subcompact). So far I think I made a good decision.

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  Outstanding Performer - 2010 Honda Accord Crosstour
  By Len - August 29 - 10:23 am

  We were one of the first to buy one of these in our area. It has been an outstanding performer in all aspect with the possible exception of the rear view visibility. We have been very happy with the mileage. We just took a 400 mile road trip over a 3,000 foot mountain pass in both directions and at 70 MPH we still got 25 MPG. I love the leg room (62"). Before buying this car, we rented a Ford Taurus and the limited leg leg room had me in pain within 10 minutes.

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  More fun than a Honda - 2018 Honda CR-V
  By writesometimes - August 29 - 8:29 am

  This is not the Honda of old the outside is stylish and looks as nice as any in this class. Interior roomy and comfortable with plenty of storage. the turbo adds pick up and milage but this is not a rocket but suitable for entry to a highway. The weakness may be in the interconnect with the phone which now seems difficult the car is new but I have set up many phone interconnects and this ones tough.

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  Great Car, Great Mileage - 2005 Honda Civic
  By Love my Civic - August 29 - 8:06 am

  This is a great car! I love the CD player and the sunroof (never had either before). Some say it doesnt have enough power, but I disagree. Although I have to rev it a little higher than my VW Golf , it handles freeway onramps and the hills around my house just fine. Mileage is incredible (Im getting about 33 mpg combined even with the air- conditioning on). Id recommend this car to anyone looking for a solid value in a car.

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  2007 Ridgeline Review - 2007 Honda Ridgeline
  By Joe - August 29 - 3:10 am

  Excellent. This truck gives you the best of both worlds. Drives like a raceway Accord, but feels like you can take it anywhere.

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  Not a great Car for the Price - 2010 Honda Pilot
  By romsaldan - August 29 - 2:10 am

  Car comes with a donut tire, disappointed not told about it by sales people. I had to put a full size tire and it was difficult to find a rim that fits the wire that holds. For the price it should some with a full size tire. Quality of Goodyear tire on my vehicle is very poor. Fuel efficiency is not great. Ride is not smooth.

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  Insight Built For The Track - 2000 Honda Insight
  By Iselin - August 29 - 2:00 am

  I have driven this car over 30,000 miles and find it faster then all the magazines claimed it to be.The car is capable of standing starts much quicker than PT Cruiser,Mazda Miata,Dodge Durango,Porsche boxter,Cadillac STS,and many others too numerous to mention.Once you learn to sycronize the clutch,shift and gas pedal for best performance you get a car that out performs all the previous data that I have read. I have climbed steephills at over 90mph with pedal left over.I have embaressed Porsche owners as I have left them at traffic lights and out maneuvered them in traffic.

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  Luv this car! - 2002 Honda S2000
  By HiFlyer - August 29 - 2:00 am

  Anyone who says they need more torque doesnt know how to drive a high-rev machine. You can spin the wheels forever at a dead stop forever if you care to waste rubber. Shifting is smooth at all revs but dont try to skip gears at hi-revs. Tires dont wear...get the Dunlop super sport assymetrics at Tires.com for great wet/dry traction, anti-hydro and (relatively)long life...much better than the original Bridgestones. I wouldnt change much of anything.

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  Excellent SUV - 1998 Honda CR-V
  By JustMe - August 29 - 2:00 am

  I have my SUV for 1.5 years already, this baby never gave me any problems ! Also its fun to drive it with a stick.

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  Poor Fuel Economy - 2009 Honda Fit
  By Paul Mc - August 28 - 9:20 pm

  I researched this car for over a year and waited for 2009 Fit Sport. Purchased it mainly for fuel economy, fun to drive and low cost of ownership. After 3300 miles the car has gotten progressively worse mileage as its broken in, not better. I cant see how people achieve such high mileage figures. Great little car in every way but greatly disappointed in fuel mileage.