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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  automatic sliding door problem. - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By cchang - August 26 - 2:00 am

  I have a 2000 Honda Odyssey EX and drove about 18000 miles. Well, I have been to dealer four times already. Once was for the instrument panel lighting recall, and three times for the rear sliding door. THREE TIMES. My rear (both side) sliding door stop working once, and didnt close so it beeped like crazy. They have replaced both doors locking part, but I had exact same problem one more time. I also heard that this was design fault by Honda and they should extend my warranty on this door.

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  An Amazing Car! - 2009 Honda Civic
  By Civic Pride - August 25 - 5:30 pm

  I read a lot about this car prior to purchase and concluded it was a great idea. It was hard to find one--called around a lot and the few places that had them in the country wanted top dollar. Eventually found one out of state and purchased end of month--got a reasonable deal. It is an awesome commuter car--very cheap to run, extremely reliable, clean burning, carpool lane exemption, and dare I say, even fun to drive. No, certainly not a sports car, but it corners well, stops well, and accelerates decently. CNG is well below the price of regular unleaded-- about 40-50% for me, and Im not Utah--Im surprised everyone there doesnt have one! My kids, boss and others say "cool!"

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  Update after 660 miles trip - 2009 Honda Fit
  By Igor - August 25 - 2:23 pm

  Addition to my previous review after 600+ trip on mostly flat road. Fuel economy got to 41.2mpg (car gauge)/38mpg (actual) with 3 adults and a kid and a full load of cargo with running a/c and a speed between 70 and 80m/h. As somebody else mentioned already, ride is very harsh over any kind of road irregularities. This little thing can hold its own at 80m/h without much stress and very stable on a road.

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  BEST Car I ever owned - 2001 Honda Insight
  By Tooler1988 - August 25 - 1:39 pm

  Why they stopped making this car I will never understand. Running original plugs at 230000 miles. On 3rd set of tires, Getting 70000 per set. Only thing that had to be replaced was the air fuel sensor, which took me less then 10 min to do. Great in the snow.

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  1 solid mini-van - 2009 Honda Odyssey
  By fmichael - August 25 - 9:43 am

  Theres no surprise that the Odyssey is 1 of the best selling mini-vans on the market today...Solid build quality, reliable, comfortable, and versatile...Fuel economy has averaged 22/23 mpg with 80% hwy/20% city driving.

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  Verry happy - 2009 Honda Pilot
  By happy - August 25 - 9:28 am

  We looked around very hard before buying our Pilot and we believe that we got the best for our money. Sure there are other SUV that are better in some areas but the Pilot got our vote because overall it had the most for the money. It stops very fast if you are driving at high speed. It rides smooth compare to others. It is roomier than others and it carries a lot more than what the brochure says, trust me we have tried. Fuel consumption is better than what the brochure says. It does get 25mpg on the highway and fully loaded with 5 people it still gets 24mpg. We just love it.

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  Best car ever made! - 2005 Honda Civic
  By Stinky - August 25 - 7:45 am

  Got 60K miles on it, never done anything but change the oil. Has never missed a beat, everything still works perfectly, no rattles or problems ever. I cannot imagine a better car.

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  40 MPG and a Hoot to Drive - 2009 Honda Fit
  By skshrews - August 24 - 9:03 pm

  I bought the base, manual model because Im cheap, and I love to drive manual transmissions. I had good luck with my 2002 Honda Civic, but wanted the versatility of a 5 door. Its a hoot to drive, light steering, clutch. 40 MPG highway Fantastic seat maneuverability makes space behind driver usable in many different ways. Build quality is excellent. Surprisingly quiet for a small car with high revving engine.

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  Like McDonalds --- "Im Lovin It" - 2009 Honda Fit
  By Denny - August 24 - 5:56 pm

  Bought one week ago. Only the 2nd new car I have purchased in 40 years of driving and I have no regrets. Had it on the PA Turnpike this past weekend, getting almost 38 MPG...not bad for having less than 800 total miles on it. City driving looks like it will average about 30 MPG. Both these are better than EPA, but if you check out Truedelta or Fuelly websites, some people are making wild claims that make it sound like its a super-hybrid...look at site results and figure to be in the middle of the charts. Lots of debate over MT vs AT. I bought the AT with the paddle shifters, which are kind of a novelty but fun and efficient to use. Its not a race car, but has plenty of zip and fun to drive.

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  Bought With A Purpose - 2007 Honda Fit
  By Lotsofkids - August 24 - 3:16 pm

  I got a great price by shopping on- line. I bought the Honda Fit because I took a new job that has a commute of 200 miles per day. The commute is mostly highway and I average 36 MPG when adhering to the posted speed limit. When I go with the flow of traffic, I average 30 MPG. Responsive steering, smooth ride for a small car, interior roominess, a (standard) good sound system., great gas mileage and overall reliability are the reasons I bought this car. The only negative is the unimpressive paddle shifters on the steering wheel which can be accidentally activated with an errant finger movement, and they are functionally limited. They should remove them for their 2008 model.