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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  Not Disappointed Yet! - 2008 Honda Fit
  By Happy in FLA - July 26 - 1:30 pm

  I got one of the first Fits available in 06 when they were introduced (05/06) and I have put 40,000 happy commuter miles on it so far. The car is tight handling and the paddle shifters option works great as a way to zip around traffic without smashing the gas peddle. Ive had zero maintainence issues. Honda did a good job at building a reliable and sporty Econo box.

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  Love This Car - 1996 Honda Odyssey
  By pvest - July 26 - 2:00 am

  Six years ago we bought our 1996 Honda Odyssey EX throught the years we have loved it no major problems except the locks keep locking and the oil light coming on it has been perfect. We have loved it and will be dissapointed when we sellit.

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  Very much in Accord... - 1990 Honda Accord
  By Raop - July 26 - 2:00 am

  As most Accord owners will tell you, these cars keep going, and going...Ive had no serious problems with it. The only costly repair was the replacement of its radio antenna. The motor that controls the retraction and upward mobility of the antenna wore down after about 9 years of constant use. Fixing that was costly. Im tempted to see if I can keep this car another 10 years, but at the same time, I really want to get a hybrid car with double the gas mileage. It will be hard to part with my Accord, though, and Ill always have fond memories of it.

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  I love it - 2005 Honda Accord
  By karmaxdust - July 26 - 1:50 am

  I purchased my car a couple of weeks ago (12/20/2004). Im only 24 and this is my 2nd car so I have not had that much experience in driving other cars. But after owning a civic, the accord is just no comparison. I love everything about it. Interior design is great, and its fun to drive. However I do not like how they designed the back of the accord but its still a great car.

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  Tough to beat - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Kuehne Nagel - July 26 - 1:03 am

  Not as quiet as a Lexus, but quiet enough. Not as cushy as a Lexus, but cushy enough. Not as fast as a 6cyl Lexus, but fast enough. Not as many bells and whistles as a Lexus, but plenty enough. But, almost $20,000 less, and that is very good enough. For the money, there is no better family sedan on the market. Most features are standard, and close enough to a luxury car, but for a lot less money. 15,000 miles in 6 months, and no problems to report.

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  Surprise! - 2008 Honda Fit
  By Bigmark - July 26 - 12:00 am

  We went out looking for a used CR-V, something my son could drive. Well after being disappointed in the used car pricing, I walked past the Fit, and asked how much. Next thing I was driving it around the block, putting it through its paces. Now my wife is driving my Pilot, my son is driving her CR-V, and I am driving the Fit. I am a BIG guy, 350+, and this car is still roomy. Quick to react, and it has more than ample power to go down the highway (at the speed limit). It has none of the bells and whistles of the Pilot, but it is more fun to drive. If you are looking around for a commuter, this is the car for you.

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  Great Minivan - My second one! - 2016 Honda Odyssey
  By Happy Honda Customer - July 25 - 2:47 am

  With our first one, my husband met with a bad accident. It was 2011 Odyssey that was totaled. My husband came out of the van with no injuries not even a scratch except the seat belt small scratch. The side airbags popped out as the impact was from the side at an intersection. With good safety standards, we decided to go for another Odyssey!. Love it!

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  Honda S2000 - 2002 Honda S2000
  By gdw - July 25 - 2:00 am

  If you want a drivers car, not a luxury car, this is the one. This car is made to be driven hard, but still is fun cruising the town. But take it on a twisty road, and it comes alive

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  2002 honda S2000 - 2002 Honda S2000
  By Geoff Jr - July 25 - 2:00 am

  I had a race with my friends boxter and enjoyed an awsome victory celebration. This car is the most awsome car i have ever driven and owned. I have read every review on the internet before getting this car and it is better than I had dreamed. The 2002 is far more refined than the earlier models but one thing is the same the explosive engine at high RPMs.

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  Not what I expected - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Mitch B - July 25 - 1:50 am

  I have had the car for 2 days and 300 miles. I want to bring it back! Drivers seat extremely uncomfortable. Cabin noise excessive at highway speed. Doors and trunk do not close easily. Speedometer distracting. Radio sounds as if Im under water. Headlights are weak. Driving off the dealer lot a loud rattle in the dash stared as well as the airbag warning light coming on. I had much higher expectations for this car.