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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  Good Quality Vehicle - 2002 Honda Accord
  By bfargin - May 22 - 2:00 am

  The leather is nice and supple, decent leg room but not perfect for tall guys like me 65". Decent stereo. Very nice steering wheel controls for the stereo and cruise control. Nice sized trunk for a small car. A couple fo things I would change, door opening width. Only opens to about 45 degrees so makes it difficult to get into and out of at times. Front seat needs to travel aft more. I wasnt too happy with Hondas decision not to contribute to any of the relief effort in NYC or DC. GM, Ford, DaimlerChrysler and a couple of others contributed but I read that Honda didnt raise a finger to help even after psoting some of their best sales months to date in the USA during 2001.

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  Great buy! - 2011 Honda CR-V
  By Angela Jouppi - May 21 - 7:53 pm

  Just got this car a month ago. I used to own a Subaru Outback, and wanted something that had a similar cargo capacity, but affordable.. this was it!

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  Great buy! - 2011 Honda CR-V
  By Angela Jouppi - May 21 - 7:53 pm

  Just got this car a month ago. I used to own a Subaru Outback, and wanted something that had a similar cargo capacity, but affordable.. this was it!

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  Great buy! - 2011 Honda CR-V
  By Angela Jouppi - May 21 - 7:53 pm

  Just got this car a month ago. I used to own a Subaru Outback, and wanted something that had a similar cargo capacity, but affordable.. this was it!

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  Galaxy Gray is a great ride. - 2007 Honda Civic
  By TS45 - May 21 - 4:16 pm

  Love this car, 28 mpg city, 40.5 @ 73 mph highway. Like the split dash, car makes me smile when I walk up to it. Spouse and I are comfortable on long road trips

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  No longer want a viper - 2002 Honda S2000
  By mdewind - May 21 - 2:00 am

  I know that sounds crazy, but after testing a Viper, Boxter, and NSX, I had to settle with S2000 - its faster then the Boxster (which I just proved the other day), it turns tighter then the NSX which I didnt think could be possible, and its just more then 40% of the cost of the Viper. The S2000 is actually a little difficult to learn to drive correctly, it really does require practice to shift quickly and keep the RPMs up between 7500-9000 but who else short of indy cars can say that they get to do that.

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  Best Minivan ever - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By wawa - May 21 - 1:43 am

  Though Im embarresed to say it, this van is fun to drive, it gets great mileage, it has awesome comfort controls, and great leather seats. Huge trunk, very spacious, moonroof is nice, and so is the 6-disk changer

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  2nd fit Ive owned - 2009 Honda Fit
  By finkly - May 20 - 10:53 pm

  I kinda miss the peppy feel of the 07fit. The 09 has less of the go cart sensation and I miss that a bit. Im not getting as good as mileage as the 07 did but then again, the 09 is a lot more car. I haul a lot of hobby stuff (even put a hitch on the 07 ssshhhh dont tell, I put one on the 09 too) and you cant beat this car for what it can swallow up!!

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  Love my new car! - 2007 Honda Civic
  By Steve - May 20 - 2:13 am

  I have only had this car one day but I just took it on a 300 mile trip related to my work and had a blast driving it! For a new car, the fuel economy was very good. On my first fill up (in the teeth of a strong headwind), my MPG was 32. By the second fill up, it had improved to 37 mpg. This is driving at 72 mph on the interstate. The car also handles well and this was especially evident when I had a near accident on my way home. I was able to swerve to avoid contact and the car handled superbly.

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  10 years of trouble-free driving - 1992 Honda Civic
  By Ken was IL now MI - May 20 - 2:00 am

  Best car Ive ever owned. Only replaced the typical (tires, battery, brakes,tuneup,timing belt,etc) Needed new CV boots at 140,000. Replaced driveshafts (about $330.00). Used Mobil 1 since 500 miles. Maintains 42 MPG city/highway. Rust is starting to become a concern. Wonder how much longer it will still look acceptable.