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:

• 

  Best Little Car - 2007 Honda Fit
  By Steve from VB,VA - December 10 - 1:00 pm

  Fit handles well. The manual transmission shifts easily and the Fit accelerates nicely for a 1.5 liter engine. he front seats are comfortable; the back seats tolerable for short trips. The floor mats have anchor holes, but there are no mat anchors and the front mats slide around. Gas mileage thus far nearly 38 miles per gallon, mostly suburban driving. Front air dam scrapes on low angles. Easily accessed oil filter for d.i.y. types. Could use a locking gas cap.

• 

  Ugh... - 2009 Honda Accord
  By Steve - December 10 - 4:56 am

  I was expecting this car to be quality. Hah I was so wrong. Obtrusive brake noise after 300 miles and the dealer said its part of the design. Actually a customer was right behind complaining about her brakes too. Seats felt like they were made from steel or something because my backside fell asleep every time I drove more then 30 miles. Dash was ugly and the only pleasant thing I can offer for this car was the design is not bad.

• 

  In my Element - 2005 Honda Element
  By wili315 - December 9 - 12:03 pm

  I have always been an 8 cylinder truck driver. I never thought i would find myself in a 4 cyl. I LOVE IT. The versatility is WONDERFUL and it is all the vehicle you will ever need!

• 

  The rear end cups and chews tires up - 2009 Honda Civic
  By Ruth Veith - December 9 - 5:53 am

  The car has dropped in mileage. A new set of tires in the rear every 5 thousand miles. Ive had to have 3 sets of tires put on the car. Sometimes the car will jump if you want to go ahead very carefully. You need to keep your foot on the brake in close quarters. American Honda will not recognize the tire problem and will do nothing about it, so only buy one if you want to put new tires on constantly, which is more expensive and bad for the environment.

• 

  "Fits me so well` - 2009 Honda Fit
  By Carole Ann - December 8 - 11:03 am

  Ive only had my Fit ~ a week but in minutes I was overwhelmed. Im short and have never been this comfortable in an automobile. I can put my feet flat on floor and feel like Im wearing the car. It responds to my every move. The little triangular windows front and back give the best vision Ive ever had. I though Id like the color best (orange) but there is so much more to this wonderful car.

• 

  Love it! - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By sharon264 - December 8 - 5:40 am

  I absolutely love this car. It is so comfortable to drive, and has lots of options for more seating or more cargo room. I am so looking forward to taking it on a 4000 mile trip this summer.

• 

  Wow, they got this one right - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By vikingquest - December 8 - 12:56 am

  Wow what a difference a year makes! The 07 is a FAR superior vehicle to the previous unit. Much nicer, more refined, quieter and generally more "upscale". I really felt like I was driving a small Acura or Lexus and the power from the 4 banger was great, certainly not fast but perfect for everyday driving on $3/gallon gas when 28 mpg comes in handy. For most families the size is great, the amenities plush, the cargo space ample and fun/practical/cool quotient is just right.

• 

  Fun luxurious family vehicle - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By Mukhdeep - December 7 - 7:30 pm

  Awesome minivan. Great minivan that this is, for a top of the line fully loaded minivan it has a few missing features. Honda should have thought of these for its customers since they are paying $40000 or more (all told) for this van.

• 

  Pilot great SUV - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By Mikec - December 7 - 6:06 pm

  This is a great SUV. We looked at Dodge, Land Rover, Jeep, etc... The Pilot beat them all in both looks at the in the overall features and performnace catagories.

• 

  Love new 2017 pilot elite - 2017 Honda Pilot
  By Vlad Kovalerchik - December 6 - 7:20 pm

  Absolutely love the car. No issues with the 9 speed transmission as mentioned in some comments/forums, shifts just as smooth as a Lexus. Very nice interior, impresses anyone who sees it. Wish it came with Michelin tires.