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 fits - 2007 Honda Fit
  By ron frame - May 1 - 7:26 pm

  32k miles - used LESS than 1000 gallons of gas, have a tad over 33.43 mpg on a 1000 mile trip. NO problems at all. Only complaint, tires will need replacing in the next month or two. Magic seats are great. Glad I bought one.

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  166,000 miles and going - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By Brian - May 1 - 2:15 pm

  I have three cars with over 120,000 miles and the Honda Odyssey has been the most expensive to maintain in the past two years however, it has been the car we have put the most miles on. We recently replaced the alternator and it seems to eat through brake pads, but no major major problems (like tranny). Many of our repairs in the past year are first time ever fixes. Very nice van still that we will continue to drive.

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  My Little Blue Beast - 2007 Honda Fit
  By Coldfoot - May 1 - 10:45 am

  Vroom vroom baby!!! This little car has a lot of "get up and go" as my mother put it and it is soooo much fun to drive. I picked up a queen size, four post bed frame last week with ease all because of the 40/60 flip down back seating area. Also, the seats flip up for a different kind of space. I use that feature on a daily basis so my dogs dont get the seat furry. All my friends are jealous of my seemingly "never empty" gas tank because I get such great gas mileage. Oh and the color! People are always checking me out and asking me if its a hybrid. Thank you Honda!!! I love my car!

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  ValuePackage is still great car! - 2006 Honda Accord
  By Amanda - May 1 - 9:30 am

  Like most consumers, I narrowed my new car purchase down to either a Camry or an Accord. After test driving both vehicles, the answer was clear-cut. The Accord is a better looking car inside and out and the few options that I do not have on my car are outweighed by the fact that side- curtain airbags were included, where Toyota wanted to charge extra for them. The vehicle has tight handling and responsive acceleration that I did not find in the Camry I test drove. Add in the courteous and professional service I got from the Honda dealer (that I did not get at the Toyota lot) and I bought the car before leaving the lot the same day I test drove it.

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  Civic LX - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Melody - May 1 - 2:46 am

  This is my first car purchase, and I couldnt be happier with it. The Honda Civic has been great to drive. It gets excellent gas mileage, especially for people who drive highways a lot like I do. It consistently gets 40mpg, and on longer trips, its been known to get 45mpg. I live in an area with a lot of deer, and the brakes respond very well when it is necessary to make a quick stop to avoid hitting a deer or any other critter that runs out in front of you. This is a great car for the money you pay.

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  Great Car - 2004 Honda Accord
  By IDK - May 1 - 12:20 am

  Great car in every way. Smooth ride, great economy. We have driven this car 57,000 miles and not one problem.

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  Getting out more ! - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By bill everett - April 30 - 11:40 pm

  Me and my wife are both over 70 and we took ownership of our PILOT a little over 3 months ago. We just love it , cant say enough good things about it. The best thing for me is how the seats are, I have a bad back and was usually only able to sit in a vehicle for little over an hour before I had to stretch. I have driven for over 3 hours in our new pilot with very little discomfort. We are always travling and we are headed to LAS VEGAS in about 3 weeks.

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  Beautiful car....best value all around! - 2016 Honda Civic
  By Maryscats - April 30 - 11:15 pm

  Bought the 2016 new in 2017. I love this car. Great styling, top of the line interior materials and design, super gas mileage and pickup. Super sporty and a comfy ride. Did I say I love this car??!!!

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  Beautiful car....best value all around! - 2016 Honda Civic
  By Maryscats - April 30 - 11:15 pm

  Bought the 2016 new in 2017. I love this car. Great styling, top of the line interior materials and design, super gas mileage and pickup. Super sporty and a comfy ride. Did I say I love this car??!!!

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  Oustanding reliability - 1990 Honda Accord
  By Pete T - April 30 - 5:55 pm

  This car has over 380000 KM on it & is still incredible. We bought it in my first year of college and it has been faithful & reliable ever since. With the exception of regular wear & tear, & routine maintenance, we have not had to contribute to any major repairs additionally, during a recent cold-spell in mid-December 2008 where the temperature dipped to -37 C (-52 with the windchill), we did not need to plug in our engine block heater. The car has been outstandingly reliable in the most extreme temperatures consequently, our family is now comprised of a number of Honda Loyalists & it will take an inordinate amount of force or compulsion to convince us otherwise.