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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  Bad Brakes Honda Should Recall - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By bobw - July 8 - 12:13 pm

  My 2008 Honda CRV only has 29000 miles. I brought it to the Dealership to check out a Grinding Noise that happened when I hit the brakes. The dealership told me that my CRV need front and rear rotors and front and rear pads. I have never ever had to replace Rotors or pads at 29000 miles in my whole life. This Cost me over $1100.00. I feel that Honda should have a recall. Ive read many complaints about Honda Brakes There is definitely something wrong with Hondas Brake parts and Honda should do something.

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  Still in Love - 2008 Honda Fit
  By ellenoc - July 8 - 9:40 am

  I now have 5,000 miles on my Fit - all in winter. Average of all fuel use is 36 mpg. When I first started looking for a new car, I fell in love with the Fit. Looked at half a dozen probably suitable models and the Fit was the only one that affected me that way. Everything about it suited what I needed, and test drives on highway and suburban roads were FUN! Still have trouble believing such an economical car has features such as ABS brakes, cruise control, and so many safety features my insurance is no higher than for the 10-yr old car I replaced. And the car is CUTE. Still havent gotten over how cute. Unlike some others, I like the TPMS. Its worked for me.

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  Couldnt be happier - 2008 Honda Ridgeline
  By VolzFan - July 8 - 9:07 am

  Ive owned my ridgeline for 9 months now. Test drove the Tundra but wasnt about to drop $32k on something that didnt have all the options I wanted. The RTS model had everything I wanted and needed. Wife loves driving it and handles great in the Seattle area snow and year round rain!! Traded in my 05 Civic for this and couldnt be happier.

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  Great Car! - 2007 Honda Accord
  By Milajei - July 8 - 7:29 am

  Thus far, Im enjoying the car. I previously owned a Nissan Maxima, but maintenance became too expensive so I opted to buy an old faithful Honda. The gas mileage stinks on the V-6, but its great that it uses regular unleaded instead of premium like the Maxima. Overall, I like the interior and the stereo system is pretty good too, just wish I could play my MP3 player. Its a fun car.

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  Love our Fit - 2016 Honda Fit
  By Doris Higgins - July 8 - 6:03 am

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  Love it too much to give up! - 2002 Honda Civic
  By jess52006 - July 7 - 8:21 pm

  I have had my 02 civic since it was brand new in 12/2001. I now have 104,000 miles on it. I love the 5 speed manual, makes it fun to drive. Only one major problem (brake booster $700 repair) since the few "new model quirks" were covered by original 3yr warranty. Average 38 mpg mixed driving. We have gone through 3 other cars in the life of this one and just cant give it up. Ill probably drive it until it dies (which could be another 200,000 miles!) Never once have had an oil change on time (like every 6,000 miles) and its always at the correct level...even when I go wayyy over. :) I would recommend this car to anyone!

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  06 coupe looks great - 2006 Honda Civic
  By civic - July 6 - 10:53 pm

  Traded in the 05 civic 2 door. was real pleased with the 05,but needed 4 doors. I looked around quite a bit and narrowed it down to two models; the 06 Jetta and the 06 Mazda 3.I went with the Honda because of its great reputation to building a quality product and because the gas milage was better than the other two.Iliked the Jetta better as far as trunk space and the "German" engineering and the Mazda 3 was a blast to drive but the Jetta was a considerly more expensive auto than the Civic and the Mazda only lost out because as I said the gas mileage and reputation of the Honda in my perception is the best. The Honda is not a zoom zoom car but is is upscale for a auto in this catagory.

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  One of the greatest - 1995 Honda Civic
  By milo - July 6 - 9:42 pm

  The 1995 Honda civic is one of the greatest cars ever made. They are easy to maintain and work on. Only minor work has been needed for mine. Oil changes, tune ups, brakes, tires are the only things that it has needed. I gave it a custom paint job since the original paint faded. One of the cars faults was the paint but everything else is great. Its fun to drive - very reliable and awesome in gas. If the American automobile industry made cars like this, they would not be bankrupt. I will not buy another car that is not a civic. For now Ill take care of mine because it takes care of me. I think it will run forever. I changed the timing belt and waterpump just to be safe, and it might run another 200,000 miles...

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  Enjoyment! - 2010 Honda CR-V
  By DER - July 6 - 5:03 pm

  I did quite a lot of test driving and research before my purchase. I had several Honda drivers give their positive reports. This was the last test drive I took, and brought the car home the same night! I am very happy with the interior room. I am 53" and my husband is 62". We are equally comfortable driving. There does seem to be a lot of plastic in the interior, but thats no different than the others I drove. Was expecting poor gas mileage to begin with, but am already averaging 24. Lots better than my Pacifica that averaged 19.

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  Love my Odyssey - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By pebe98 - July 6 - 4:02 pm

  I have owned this van for 4 yrs after buying it from my mother-in-law. Somebody backed into the van, then pulled forward and backed into it again, and the only problem I have with paint is some peeling of clear cover on the drivers door probably due to shoddy repair because the rest of the van is perfect. I have NEVER had a problem with the transmission and have never been stranded while driving a Honda. While highway driving and the wind is in the right direction, there is a howl that would make a dog cry. The horn is nice and LOUD and shrill (especially nice when people pull out in front of you and their window is down).