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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  Fit is Go! - 2008 Honda Fit
  By FitIsGo - December 21 - 3:33 pm

  Bought at 08 Fit Sport 5AT in blaze orange in Dec 07 for my 20 yr old son. Was so impressed bought same car for myself 3 weeks ago in Milano red. MPG reading on first 200 miles of driving was 33.3 in mix of city/interstate driving on 12-mile commute. I got my Fit for $50 over invoice which was hard to believe, if stories of $4/gallon gas this summer come true. There are a lot of people driving big trucks and SUVs that get 10-12 MPG in real world driving that are going to be severely impacted. Supply and demand drives the prices for goods and services and if Americans would start driving high-MPG vehicles and cut our national consumption, we would see gas prices fall by $1/gallon.

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  Biggest piece of crap I have owned - 2002 Honda Civic
  By jayse - December 21 - 2:00 am

  I really like the car minus all of the things that have malfunctioned with it. The fuel sending unit was replaced a month after purchase. The left front damper, left front stabilizer link and the right front strut assembly have been replaced. The AC compressor went out about 34 thousand miles, the alternator went out at around 41 thousand miles.

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  Need improvements in ... - 2002 Honda Accord
  By alu - December 19 - 10:00 am

  Own a 2001 EX 4Cyl. Overall, it is a nice car. Regret to pick black color. It looks nice at first but when there is a door ding, it shows clearly; And also it will show dirt clearly too if not washed frequently. The car is so far trouble-free. It drives nicely. The suspension is bit stiff when I feel really tired. It holds the corner or curve well with precise steering. Transmission is ok. It cruises quietly, effortlessly at 70-75mph. However, when it starts from stop, it is sluggish at 15-20mph.

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  2007 Honda Fit Sport - 2007 Honda Fit
  By RockyF3 - December 18 - 9:40 pm

  I like the car. Best mileage going to Vegas on cruise at 70 was 40.6. Real world 30. Great deal on car and warranty. Car was Honda Fit Sport 5peed.

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  Honda Ridgeline RTL - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By denvrfan - December 18 - 1:53 pm

  We just took delivery on a new Ridgeline RTL with moonroof. Initial impression: WOW! This is my first truck although you can hardly tell that its a truck. It rides like a well-mannered SUV (ie Pilot or MDX). It is quiet inside, very roomy and loaded with all kinds of innovative storage ideas. Plenty of power although Im sure it would be challenged if I ever decided to tow something. This is certainly not my intent. Rather, it will be a great vehicle for garden center runs, any other light duty hauling. Frontier, Tacoma, even F150 shoppers should drive this vehicle before making a buying decision.

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  2008 Accord LX-P - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Roy - December 17 - 2:00 pm

  I have owned my Accord for about 6 weeks and am fairly satisfied with the car. A big disappointment was that the brake rotors were warped with only 125 miles on it. The dealer turned the rotors and all is OK now, but it makes me wonder if Hondas quality is slipping. These are my thoughts: Pros: Fun to drive, fairly roomy, looks good, gas mileage is OK (28 MPG combined), but not as good as Honda advertises. Cons: Most uncomfortable seats in any vehicle I have ever owned. Even though the seat is powered, it will not adjust low enough in the front to keep pressure off the back of my thighs. The seat is also very hard and becomes unbearable after a couple of hours driving.

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  Dependable? - 2001 Honda Civic
  By Bob - December 17 - 12:37 am

  I purchased this car in March oh 2004 and it already had 115,00 miles on it. Being a Honda, the miles didnt bother me since I had a 1990 Accord that was still going strong with no problems. However I must say this car has not been as good as the old Accord. It needed front struts on it only months after I got it. The a/c compressor went bad shortly thereafter. Now the alternator needs replaced. However I will say the car now has 148,000 miles and still doesnt leak any oil or burn it either. I change it every 4000 miles and never have to add any oil between changes. It has an automatic tranny that is beginning to slip,only when its cold for now. Hoping to get 200,000 before it bites the dust!

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  My Wifes Fantasy Car - 2010 Honda Insight
  By Mowgli the Man Cub - December 16 - 2:33 pm

  We have put over 700 miles on this car in the first two weeks and its a perfect fit for my wife. She is a slow and steady driver who is also fuel conscious and so all the gas-saving features are right up her alley and I have to admit I have become a more fuel-efficient driver with the constant reminders. I was surprised to read so many negative media reviews about this car, we find it a perfect commuter and errand running complement to our beloved 2004 Honda Pilot (which still can move all the cargo and dogs around). This will be a perfect car to pass to one of our daughters for college commuting in five years or so.

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  Great tech but the skimped on materials - 2016 Honda Accord
  By Rich - December 15 - 3:21 am

  Great tech and great ride but it is diminished by the following cost -cutting / design flaws.. 1. No volume knob! Really? Do they not know how important this is?!? 2. GPS is not very reliable: Often takes a while to find your location/direction. Needs a better antenna. 3. Remote start has a short reach. Lame! How am I suppose to start my car from my office?? 4. There is no visor over the dashboard / navigation screen to prevent sun washout. There should be. 5. Navigation system does not show you the name of the road you are on. It only shows you the name of the road you are approaching. That is useful but it should display the name of the road you are on.

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  Rattles and squeaks - 2005 Honda Accord
  By tomcat99 - December 13 - 1:56 pm

  I like this vehicle alot the first week. But as the weather is getting cold, the interior dashboard is starting to squeak and rattle when going over bumps. I am not the only one experiencing this. I have read other with complaints about this. Whats going on with American made Honda now...just like the domestic brands now...do something Honda.