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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  Value - 2007 Honda Fit
  By chrississon22 - January 17 - 5:40 am

  I purchased this car in Feb. 2007 and have already put over 31,000 miles on it. I often drive rather quickly (on interstates, highways, and back roads) and have never gotten below 36 mpg. The Fits suspension is pretty stiff which may turn off some drivers, but I think it makes little little car really fun to drive on twisty roads. As someone who often gets buyers remorse with large purchases, if I had it to do all over again, I would still buy the Fit.

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  Great first car! - 1993 Honda Civic
  By Jessie - January 16 - 6:02 pm

  I bought my Civic in 2001 with 97,000 miles on it. Since then, Ive put 90,000 more miles on it in 7 years of driving. The Civic has been a very reliable car (only issue with it was the cooling system), as well as an extremely economical vehicle. Its lasted me through high school and college, and Im sad to see it go. I would recommend this car to anyone on a budget for a cheap reliable vehicle. It was a great car!

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  Best of the rest in its category - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Mark S. - January 16 - 11:53 am

  My family could not be more pleased with our new Honda Accord. The Accord has looks, comfort, great ride and reliability. What more could we ask for?

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  Best N/A car under 25K - 2008 Honda Civic
  By John - January 16 - 10:43 am

  This car handles great with LSD. Acceleration was nothing spectacular when not pushed but it was very smooth in the process. I really liked the futuristic spaceship design on the exterior and interior. It really does stand out from the crowd and yes, you do get stares when sitting in traffic as if theyre seeing a UFO. Ive also noticed that this car has huge blindspots all around. Exhaust note is nice during warmer days and sounds droning during colder days even with the car fully warmed up. Ergonomics are excellent as it is driver-oriented. Driving impressions of this car is that it is a race car without a race car price tag.

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  my noisey 2005 crv - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By GARY NEVINS - January 16 - 2:00 am

  this crv is a great vehicle but after owning 32 new cars,(eight Hondas) this is the noisest vehicle Ive ever driven!!! If I drove it before I purchased it I never would have bought it! Ive driven (three) 2003 crvs and (four) 2004 crvs and none have the terrible ROAD NOISE this one has!!! It sounds like the rear door is always ajar! Be advised that in the 2005 model Honda went to a 16 inch tire, possibly this is the problem. The dealer says drive it for a couple of thousand miles to see if the tires need to be broken in or possibly replaced. Ive only had it for 10 days but Im extremely dissapointed with the vehicle (only because of the road noise) so far.

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  Cheap Interior Plastic - 2006 Honda Civic
  By sbs - January 14 - 6:53 pm

  Ive had my car five months and already the inside looks like its been 15. Ive never seen plastic that scratched and got marked up so easily. Just a fingernail or accidentally brushing the seat belt buckle across it, mars it. Take a look at the plastic in your cars. Also, my paint on the outside is scratching and chipping like nothing Ive ever experienced before. Buyer beware! I love my car and it really angers/saddens me, but am already looking to try and trade it out. The harder I try not to touch anything on the interior, the worse it gets. Plus, I shouldnt have to be driving on egg shells. What happened to Honda quality?

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  Plastic - 2003 Honda Element
  By nstern1118 - January 14 - 2:00 am

  Everything about this car is great, except the gray area you see on the outside of the car, its all plastic. When i bought this car the man at the dealership said it was "scratch proof material incase of a stray shopping cart but once i put my hand under to feel the whole thing caved in with very little force. I am not too sure how safe it would be for my kids to drive.

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  Mini Van that still needs improvements - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By Ed Khalil - January 14 - 2:00 am

  Good Power train and lots of room make this van a great hauler. But needs many improvements specialy the driver seat support.

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  My Canadian Honda Civic - 2003 Honda Civic
  By GBCOMP_DOT_COM - January 14 - 2:00 am

  I was not offered or even aware of driver side air bags. I already own a civic 2dr hatchback 96 and LOVE it for its reliability. I decided, why try and find a better car? The civic is the car!!!

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  One of the best values around - 2003 Honda Accord
  By ElKubo - January 14 - 2:00 am

  Have only had the car for 4 months. The mpg surprised me from the gitgo. The car delivers good power, although the low end torque is nothing to brag about. I found the ride to be a bit bumpier than expected, but that is what gives it the good handling.