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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  Honda Delivers - 2001 Honda Civic
  By Eden_Fire - February 5 - 4:32 pm

  I got 90,000 miles on my civic, bought it with 52,000. I have had NO mechanical problems, just brakes and tires. Change oil every 3k, rotate tires every 6k. Clutch is still going strong with no sign of backing down. 35 mpg in the city, 42 on highway. Do the maintenance recommended and you will have a car that you will get your moneys worth out of. The ONLY thing that has gone out is the power door locks on the drivers side, but not a big deal.

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  4get the Hybrids! Dont give up size!! - 2006 Honda Accord
  By R - February 5 - 3:33 pm

  I bought a manual shift 4 cylinder to save gas mileage and to better maintain control of the car... to have fun driving! I have done as well as 39 mpg highway driving, a little better than my 94 Accord stick shift. I use cruise more than the average person. Youre going to get fewer mpg when you use gas with ethanol added. With the stick, you dont need 6 cylinders. Couldnt believe I actually looked at and drove others before I got another Accord. Even owned a used Camry for 2 yrs (automatic), but it doesnt have the same drivability as an Accord.

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  Real Family Vehicle - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By William - February 4 - 6:03 pm

  This review is written of the truth. My families first roadtrip of over 1700 miles with our 2 kids was an absolute joyride. The ride was quiet which is almost impossible with 2 kids and they were thoroughly entertained with the DVD system for the 2 day ride. We have had more problems on a plane ride for 3 hours than in this van for 2 days! My brother has a BMW 740i and this van is just as luxurious with the heated seats and leather interior not to mention the sunroof and cupholders for days! Power when needed. Tried the sienna and the quest and for overall room,amenities,comfort the honda covered all the bases

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  A Nice Fit - 2007 Honda Fit
  By LoveTexas - February 4 - 1:17 pm

  I use my Fit to run around town, drive to work, get groceries, take short road trips (2 hrs), etc. Typically its just me in the car but at least a few times a week Im hauling two or three other tall adults along with me. Im 6 1" and the rest range between 5 10" and 6. Handling is responsive, engine is reliable, and fuel economy is great. The Fit usually gets between 30 and 32 mpg with a mixture of city and highway. However, I drive pretty aggressive so Im very impressed considering my 03 Montero Sport averaged 16 to 17 mpg. Stereo works great but Im not an audiophile. I wish the AC had a bit more cooling capacity but after getting darker window tinting this is not as big of an issue.

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  Great Buy! We love our Pilot! - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By Ryan - February 4 - 7:46 am

  We bought this vehicle to take a 21 hour road trip while my husband was deployed. My daughter (3 years old), our dog and I piled up in the Pilot with enough stuff to be away from home for 8 months. The space inside of the vehicle is great. You can pile a lot of stuff in it and there are many places to store things (like breakables or liquids). We didnt get the Pilot with the DVD player but had one installed at Best Buy and love it. I didnt want to pay for leather seats to get a DVD player. Gas mileage was a little disappointing but it does get the mileage it claims it will. I can get better mileage if I use cruise control. Vehicle has good power. Sits higher then other SUVs.

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  Review - 1997 Honda Civic
  By Datalis - February 4 - 1:30 am

  Overall a great reliable car

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  Recommended Honda HRV - 2016 Honda HR-V
  By Jim - February 3 - 11:24 pm

  The only real issue I have had is the center console lid spring broke twice and Fischer Honda ordered an entire assembly replacement and so far so good. Other than that, the HRV rides great; handles good and has been reliable with no real issues. I have a little over 18000 miles on the car and it still running fine for me. I would definitely remcommend Honda weather built in Mexico or Japan or even the U.S.

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  Better than I had hoped for... - 2007 Honda Fit
  By Matt - February 3 - 8:23 pm

  I am in the military and I use this little car for every bit of versatility you could imagine. I can easily haul 4 (yes 4) 200lb co-workers around with me and have no noticable drag on the engine. It is an energetic car that that reminds you it can be fun to just go for a drive. I have used 2 tanks of fuel with a real world combined Hwy/city driving mileage of 35mpg. The stereo sound superb; deep roomy glove compartment; every control easily reached from the drivers sitting position; friends compliment of how much leg room is in the back seats and one of my taller friends even was amazed to get in the back seat and have plenty of head and leg room. More than the front seat of his car :-)

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  Daves New Honda - 2016 Honda Accord
  By David Weiland - February 3 - 3:52 pm

  I have been leasing Honda cars for over 15 years. By far this the BEST Honda Accord. I cannot think of anything negative to say. Once you test drive it, you will drive it home for sure. Thanks Honda for a great car.

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  Smooth roomy ride - 2016 Honda HR-V
  By Lorraine Wilson - February 2 - 7:01 pm

  I read the reviews before buying. Seems like the main negative comment was acceleration. I dont have any issues with that. I love the heated seats. Its comfy, great on gas and looks nice. My negative comment is not enough storage compartments in the front.