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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  Exceeds expectations - 2007 Honda Fit
  By Dave - December 1 - 6:03 am

  Everything fits in my Fit. Its comfortable, quiet, and fuel efficient. This car exceeds all my expectations and makes me wonder why so many others are paying so much more to get less value than I have with my Fit. It may be small but it doesnt look or feel like a low priced car. Im proud to own and drive my Honda Fit!

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  Great Car - 2005 Honda Civic
  By n0uhallentown - December 1 - 1:10 am

  I recently acquired the Honda Civic Hybrid. I purchased this car due to the price of Gas and the inefficency of both of my other cars. I have a Saturn Vue and a Pontiac Firebird. Neither of which even get half of the mileage that I get on the Hybrid. I also test drove the Honda Accord Hybrid but couldnt justify the additonal cost and it was not more efficient than my other cars.

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  2 Years in -- Very Happy - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By Mad Hungarian - November 30 - 9:57 pm

  We bought the Odyssey used with only 13k miles. Now it has about 38k miles and it has been highly reliable and very comfortable. Very good gas mileage for a V6 van. (Glad we did not buy an SUV.) The Odyssey has more room and easily handles whatever winter weather we get in PA. Rear storage is a "well" that the third seat folds into. The V6 is powerful and transmission smooth. The traction control worked perfectly when needed on an icy hill.

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  Just a fabulous vehicle - 2011 Honda Accord Crosstour
  By blackham - November 30 - 8:35 pm

  We purchased the crosstour after looking at many other vehicles. It has been a delight to drive and worth every penny. It handles like a ver expensive vehicle with plenty of power and manouverability. I like the look of the vehicle and would higly recommend it to everyone. We live in a mountain valley in central utah and the all wheel drive will be a super safe way to get around during the winter months.

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  Best Suited - 2006 Honda Civic
  By HGP - November 30 - 2:47 pm

  This automobile meets the vast majority of my needs, town & some highway. Average overall mileage is in the low 40s. The 2 tier dashboard is great, important gauges easily read. Removed rear head rests for improved visibility to the rear.

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  Excellent Car - 2004 Honda Accord
  By Ken Baxley - November 30 - 1:49 pm

  I brought my Accord new and have not any problems with the car. My son used when he went away to college then my daughter. The two complaints I have with the car are: 1. The clear coat is coming off and Honda will not own up to the problem even dealerships acknowledge that there is a problem with the paint job from the factory. 2. The other problem is the brakes started to squeal after about 30000 miles on it. I have replaced brake pads and still will not go away.

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  My 3rd Accord and Not My Last! - 2004 Honda Accord
  By HndaDrvr4Life - November 30 - 10:11 am

  I traded in my 96 Accord EX 4dr for an 04 Honda Accord LX 4dr, with the 5-speed automatic and I love it! Yeah, I miss my sunroof, but the overall performance, gas mileage, and reliability outweigh the missing sunroof. I have had no trouble with this vehicle since I purchased it. It had about 16,000 miles on it when I got it earlier this year. Now it has about 31,000 and still riding trouble free. The one thing I do not like is the blind spots in this car. Ive had a 2000 Accord LX and a 1996 Accord EX and the visibility in those was great. In this car, not so much. Its like aiming a land yacht sometimes when parking. However, this is still the best one Ive had.

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  An Insight to the Insight - 2010 Honda Insight
  By Hank - November 30 - 12:40 am

  The eco-drive feature has really helped me break some of my bad driving habits, e.g., fast starts and hard breaking. The instrument displays and driving feedback are very readable. The reduction in power in the eco- drive did not significantly reduce performance for me.

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  As good as it gets! - 1999 Honda Civic
  By Noles - November 29 - 11:04 pm

  This is a flat out great car. Unmatched reliability for a great price. I have only 84,000 miles on mine and each time I think about getting a new car, I just think about how little it cost me to own this car and I keep it. I get between 300-330 miles between fill-ups and I have never had any problem with the car. Just had routine maintenance done.

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  Top MiniVan Hands Down! - 2008 Honda Odyssey
  By Tom Ryan - November 29 - 4:48 pm

  Ive owned my EX-L for about 5 months now and I must say that it is hands down the most comfortable, quality, smooth vehicle Ive ever owned and Ive owned at least 12 new vehicles from many manufacturers. Im averaging 22.6 MPG on combined city/hwy which isnt bad for the weight. All things considered I bought an excellent van and did so over a Tahoe, Expedition and other many mini vans. For the money you can not beat it.