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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  Insights to the Insight - 2010 Honda Insight
  By hunter20ga - April 3 - 10:15 am

  Ive had my Insight EX for ten months and still find it fun to drive, easy on gas, generally well-designed and (annoyingly) still regularly mistaken by friends, colleagues and the general public for a Prius. Ive put 5500 miles on it and averaged just under 44 mpg. (I live on the hilly end of town, make multiple short trips every week, and live in a cold climate (it never got above freezing all February) so have many factors lowering realized mpg. I have gotten as high as 48.5 mpg for 300+ mile trips on the interstate. I test drove the 2010 Prius as well as the Civic hybrid. Both are fine cars, but the Insight was best for me.

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  Best SUV so far - 2010 Honda Pilot
  By wtm - April 2 - 9:36 pm

  Been driving different kind of SUV but this is great one worth your money believe me gas consumption good for its size. mine got 21 miles/gallon combined city/highway

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  Fantastic commuter - 2010 Honda Fit
  By jtrain609 - April 2 - 9:35 pm

  In finding a new car to replace my wifes ailing Mercury Sable, we had a unique problem Im 59" and shes 50", so finding a car that we could both fit into comfortably has been challenging. With that, the Honda Fit was one of the few cars both of us could find a comfortable driving position in. So beyond a fantastically designed interior, this car has been a fantastic commuter for me. I drive 80 miles a day round trip on expressways in Michigan, and have managed to get 38 mpg while driving 70 mph. With that, I was worried that the Fit would be twitchy at high speed with such a short wheelbase and quick steering, but its been an absolute joy on the expressway.

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  Best Honda Ever! - 2007 Honda Accord
  By MAB22 - April 2 - 8:42 pm

  This is truly a excellent car to own and drive! Loads of features, roomy, excellent pick-up for a four cylinder, and a smooth engine.

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  Bought for Teen - 2010 Honda Fit
  By BoughtforSon - April 2 - 2:56 pm

  Bought base model with auto trans for $200 over invoice in Dec 2009. This is excellent safe commuter for a teen. It has fantastic interior flexibility - can carry 7 long electric keyboard in case w/ a BIG amp and 3 people! Dash layout kinda weird but for teens - who cares?! Not too slow or too fast to be unsafe. Handles and rides well, excellent visibility, not too much road noise for a Honda, parks easy. MPG with 3k miles so far is 29.5 combined. He does mostly short drives in city.

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  Its a Keeper - 2009 Honda Ridgeline
  By Patrick - April 2 - 12:00 pm

  Has all the things in need in a pickup, all I read is that they have no power etc. BS. I traded in a 02 Silverado 5.3 V-8 and can honestly no tell much difference at all. But the gas mileage is much better. Dont listen to Non-Owners theyre full of it. Only listen or talk to owners for there input.

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  Simple, Efficient, Comfortable - 1995 Honda Civic
  By Code - April 2 - 10:58 am

  Since day 1, this machine ran like a dream. Its independent Coil over suspension gives it a soft ride over ridged bumps and yet stiff enough not to flip when taking quick corners. Mine was in pretty ruff shape, the dash board was all broken because somebody wanted a stock radio, the wiper blade switch was busted, and the exhaust system. I installed a Cat-back exhaust on mine, not for show but because I dont want to be robed of performance from the garbage muffler that was on there. Has surprisingly more room then my last car, the power windows are a plus, for me! The underbelly of the car was coated with Rhino Lining, NO RUST! quarter panels are almost gone! Big trunk!

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  Piece of JUNK - 2009 Honda Fit
  By Kibbles00 - April 2 - 7:27 am

  Thought Id try this car since Toyota was having all their issues. Big mistake. Everything in the car is plastic, it hydroplanes, and you can blow on the carpet and it shimmers. Went back to a solid car, Toyota. Also this dealership is awful.

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  Disapointing Honda - 2009 Honda Civic
  By Ellie Vali - April 2 - 6:41 am

  Learned that if youre not careful w/tire rotation and alignment on the dot, your front tires will not last more than 8k!

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  A reliable excellent car - 1990 Honda Accord
  By june - April 2 - 1:37 am

  Car been driven 100 miles every day with or without a/c no problem.