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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  Great Family Vehicle - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By gordo - August 21 - 10:00 am

  Great vehicle and have no regrets buying it. Rides great, runs strong, and has tons of storage space. Seems like a bargain compared to most other SUVs. Rear entertainment system is great and I highly recommend getting it. Roof rack is functional compared to MDX which adds even more carrying capacity. Styling wont turn heads but neither do I.

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  Typical Honda! - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Mel - August 21 - 3:06 am

  I love this car! Reliable, good feel for the road. My only issue is that it doesnt have more low-end torque (but it kinda works for this light- weight vehicle). Ive absolutely "blown away" vehicles with more horsepower ratings like the altima and maxima, and gave mustang GTs a run for their money as well! When the engine is "broken in" it has a nice "growl" to it when you push it. Give it 20-30 more horses and it would be the perfect car for this segment!

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  Go with the best: Honda - 1991 Honda Accord
  By harvey - August 20 - 11:20 pm

  I bought this car in high school, my senior year and sold my truck because I was going to college. It had 120,000 on it when I bought it. Now, 5 years later it has 356,000 miles! Although the A/C has broke and it burns a little oil, those have been my only big problems. I still own this car and drive it daily 60 miles to and from work. It has served me well.

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  Great car and fun to drive - 2009 Honda Fit
  By MikeL - August 20 - 4:28 pm

  A real fun to drive car. Very surefooted and corners flat, no body roll. The seats are comfortable and the controls are conveniently placed.

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  Well rounded car!! - 1999 Honda Civic
  By Jeff W. - August 20 - 1:47 pm

  I bought this car while in high school in 2007 have averaged 20K a year of mostly city driving and I have had no problems! The fuel economy is second-to-none for the model year... though hybrids may give this Civic a run for its money, for the price, this Civic cannot be matched. Power is decidedly anemic I didnt buy this car to be a racer, but if you value acceleration at all, stay far, far away. Overall, very reliable, well designed, dependable car. While the power is not overwhelming, for the price, one cannot ask for more. My next purchase will be a Pilot though the 5 speed in the Civic is fun and silky smooth, but considering the space, size, and power, Ive outgrown this car.

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  Fun little car! - 2009 Honda Fit
  By Heather in Colorado - August 20 - 12:50 pm

  I live on the western slope of the Rockies and had to drive to Denver to get this car (inventory very limited at local dealership). Therefore, I had to drive back OVER the Rockies to get home - about 250 miles of hilly driving. While the Fit isnt going to win any drag races with its power, it handled Vail pass and hilly driving just fine. The paddle shifters were nice for downshifting on those long uphills and downhills (people who complain about the Fit shifting too often should practice using their lower gears on hills). The steering is great - nice and tight and smooth at highway speeds and very easy for slow-speed maneuvering. Its just a fun little car with lots of great features.

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  Great for 8 years - 1999 Honda Accord
  By New Orleans - August 20 - 9:50 am

  I bought this car used with 15000 miles on it (basically new) - I have to say this was the best car purchase I made to this point - possibly because I had owned some lemons previously. Low maintenance, great highway performance. The V-tech engine is such a great feature - until the v-tech engine started having problems - and only a dealership could fix them. Started having tranny problems after the 8th year. I had it rebuilt and still had problems. Honda wanted between $3 & 4K to fix it - at the time it was only worth that much. Friend of mine is having tranny probs on her 2003 Accord so I am a little leery of them now. Am trading it for a Mazda 3 - well see how that goes.

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  New Honda Accord - 1,500 miles - 2016 Honda Accord
  By Ted Chase - August 20 - 3:42 am

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  Best Accord Honda has ever made! - 2006 Honda Accord
  By John - August 19 - 11:40 am

  Well balanced car all around. The Interior design is astonishing, exterior design is sharp and sleek. Great get up and go power for a four cylinder. Rides smooth and quiet on the highway.

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  Extremely satisfied - fun and frugal - 2000 Honda Insight
  By San Francisco Driver - August 19 - 11:08 am

  You know about the high mileage - 64MPG lifetime average in my case. What you may not know is that this is a zippy little car and quite fun to drive. While it has "just" 100 foot-pounds of torque, its aluminum frame and body weighs next to nothing so it blows away the Prius.