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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  Excellent Purchase! - 2004 Honda Accord
  By TTC - October 14 - 6:12 pm

  Just bought this car but I love it already! Originally I was going to purchase a Mazda 6, but this is a far better investment. Not only is the Accord a safe family car, but its fun to drive, and you cant beat the gas mileage (32 mpg). I feel better knowing that 5 years from now my car will actually have a good resale value (if I choose to sell it) and it will still be in good condition.

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  So far, so good - 2007 Honda Fit
  By Happy so far - October 14 - 3:36 pm

  I bought my Fit 90 days ago. So far, so good. Its fun to drive and is pretty comfortable. Clearly a step up in the sub compact market. Downers are no arm rests, and small fuel tank. 2 more gallons would make the range awesome. But for now I still have to pull in to fuel more often than I would like. (but it only costs $20 so I dont complain much) If the longevity is up to Honda standards and crash ratings come in high then this will be a very big winner for Honda. No regrets except I cant keep my teenage son out of it.

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  Good Job - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By New Honda Guy - October 14 - 10:00 am

  New to SUV ownership. It is everything as adverised. Very comfortable. Performance is OK. Gas mileage surprisingly good. Went on 2000 mile trip and it handled like a dream on the highway.

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  I might be a Honda man now, for life - 1996 Honda Civic
  By fronteeer - October 14 - 5:43 am

  I recently bought a 96 Civic EX for commuting back and forth to and from work. For a 13-year-old car, I was surprised to find that all of the little extras (power windows, A/C, remote trunk/gas door releases, cruise, etc.) still worked great. I took the car to a friends place (hes a mechanic by trade) and put it up on his hoist, and for a car thats been subjected to Canadian winters all its life, theres surprisingly little rust. I had a few things to change, such as the gas tank, fuel lines, a shifter assembly bushing and a CV boot, but these are all fairly common things for a car this age in Canada to need. It has no guts whatsoever, but its comfortable, cheap on gas and looks great

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  This is a Keeper - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By amyo - October 13 - 10:33 pm

  Researched and researched minivans. I flip flopped between this, the Sienna and the Kia. I only considered Kia b/c of editors reviews, but it wound up being the same price as the Honda. No way on that choice. I opted for Honda b/c I got a great deal from the dealer. I couldnt love this car more. I plan on keeping it for quite a while. Its just such a pleasure to have. So far servicing is very reasonable (compared to out Volvo!) and the car continues to drive smoothly.

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  Nice Car - 2007 Honda Accord
  By Jimmy Ray - October 13 - 5:34 pm

  Its been a great car so far. I check my mpg at every fuel-up and always get 25-point-something (my driving habits are about 50/50 city/hwy). The remote all-windows-down feature is neat but I dont use it. Its a very smooth ride with plenty of style. No major complaints. Though for the money, the minor complaints shouldnt exist. If Honda built the body and interior with the same quality as the engine, theyd have a perfect car. Do I have to spend $10k more and opt for the Acura?

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  Not Bad - 2008 Honda Ridgeline
  By Trucker - October 12 - 9:32 pm

  Bought this truck(sort of) in May. I have 10K miles. This truck is easy to drive with great brakes and a nice suspension. It tows my bass boat and 14 trailer with no problems except for frequent shifting. One annoying thing is that the truck routinely shifts out of top gear on the highway even without a trailer. Engine could use more low end to reduce shifts. Great upper end power. Seats seem to stain easily. Interior storage is nice. Have noticed some torque steer trying to pass. This truck is really handy and practical. Other vehicle is a 2005 F150. Ridgeline is easier to drive and park. Only reason for F150 is hauling horses. Overall it is a great truck that can handle almost everything.

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  glad its gone - 2006 Honda Element
  By 442 man - October 11 - 9:37 pm

  This was our first Honda and our last. Day one the steering went we had to wait for a new rack-pinion to be installed. A steel rod came through the drivers seat, both front seats had to be recovered. Bad tires, gas mileage, tail gate hinges, visibility, if you park next to another car its real fun to get the rear passengers out. Suicide doors need to go, also need to make this a 5 passenger vehicle, as their is plenty of room.

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  New to me but excellent so far - 2008 Honda Element
  By Brian - October 10 - 1:41 pm

  I picked up a 2008 Element and so far it has been great. The sales person was decent and with the incentives I think it is an excellent buy for anyone looking for a small SUV with good utility uses. Granted, it isnt going to pull a huge load but for normal use, grabbing a dresser, mattress or something like that it will work much better than most smaller SUVs. Any things I might "want" on this truck are minor.

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  The Fit fits. - 2008 Honda Fit
  By Kristin - October 9 - 5:03 pm

  I have had my Fit for 3 months now, its my first new car and I love it. It fits so easily into tight parking spots, can turn in incredibly small areas and has plenty of room on the inside! However, I am only getting about 20-22 mpg.. WAY less than was advertised and the front lower spoiler that comes standard on the sport is too low. It scrapes whenever I have to go in or out of a driveway unless I am creeping very slowly, which doesnt work if I am entering or crossing traffic. But all in all I love my Fit, it is much superior to my 98 Saturn that I was driving. I would suggest this car to anyone who enjoys driving and often find themselves with a car full of people