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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  Cant Be Beat - 2009 Honda Fit
  By jousai7 - December 19 - 11:20 am

  Great car, very happy. Bought one two days ago and have put 500 miles on it. The seats are stiff but supportive and i have no issues with long drives. The suspension is stiff but i enjoy the control the vehicle has. It feels sporty enough for getting 39 mpg on my first tank. Really enjoy the interior space. For the amount you spend on this car its worth every cent. I would definitely suggest the manual over the automatic, those paddle shifters were interesting but hardly useful.

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  Mileage disappointing - 2008 Honda Fit
  By captrgc - December 19 - 8:53 am

  Sold my Tacoma when the gas prices were high and bought this car because it was so well rated. I am sorry to say that after 5000 miles, I have not been able to achieve more than 30 MPG and the last 2 tanks gave me only 27 MPH... not enough to justify the loss I took trading in my 20 MPG truck.

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  Great Vehicle - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By dwv - December 19 - 12:46 am

  By far the best mini van I have owned. Much better ride, quality, features... than Town and Country.

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  A must have for every household!! - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By Brian - December 18 - 6:40 pm

  Ive only had my RL-RTL for a month and a half, but I know I made the right decision the moment I drove it off the lot! Its great on the job site and it hold my two sons car seats with plenty of room to spare! My wife even likes it!

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  Fantastic car, very near to perfection - 2006 Honda Accord
  By Mundrick - December 18 - 5:43 pm

  This is the single best bang for your buck in the $26K and under category. Easily. Ride quality, style, comfort are all incredible. Sporty looking car (the V6 has enough power to back it up but the I-4 is a few ponies short). Everyone Ive had in the car has complimented it.

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  Love my new Honda CRV EX - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By kfinch74 - December 18 - 9:30 am

  This car has been a blast for me so far. I really enjoy the way it handles, and its pick up, dispite its 4 cyclinder engine. Another feature I really like is the radio controls on the steering wheel. I highly recommends the CRV to anyone who is thinking of purchasing small SUV in the near future.

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  I love my Fit - 2008 Honda Fit
  By Honda Lover - December 18 - 7:40 am

  I love my Fit. It is a great car that has more room than you would think by looking at it from the outside. Once you fold the rear seats down you have all kinds of room. My family and I have used it for weekend trips and we have plenty of room for everything. It has decent power but if you looking at this car of HP you are looking in the wrong place. It is a great everyday driver and I have never got under 30 mpg in the city.

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  Its Alive!!! - 1999 Honda Accord
  By Dave S. - December 17 - 8:24 pm

  I bought this car new nearly ten years ago. Its my third Honda and by far the one Ive owned for the longest. This car is a rock! I have over 215,000 miles on it and it still runs fantastic. The body and interior are in great shape, very solid. Im shooting for 300k miles before I consider buying a new one.

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  Best car Ive ever owned! - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By Tricia - December 17 - 8:15 pm

  The 2002 Honda CR-V was my favorite car! I originally bought it because it was easy to get in and out of for me and my infant with his car seat. It is an SUV with a small car feel. The cargo space is adequate. I was able to pack a bicycle, stroller, and a treadmill in the back. The 5th door opens "barn door style" and that was handy with groceries. To me, the look of it is one of the best years of the CR- V.

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  Great Commuter Car - 2006 Honda Accord
  By Bruce - December 17 - 5:29 pm

  I have owned this car for only 5 months, but it has been rock solid and bulletproof. Super gas mileage - several mixed city/highway tank fills have averaged 38 mpg (thats over 500 miles between fill-ups even allowing for a small reserve). Drivers position and ergonomics are well designed: from the tilt and telescoping steering wheel to the radio/CD and HVAC controls, Honda has successfully executed the interior design of this vehicle in every detail.