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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  Hondas winner////10 best - 2005 Honda Civic
  By h - August 18 - 12:50 am

  This is a great car,easy & fun to drive,very practical. Great looks and handling, very roomy....A bargain compared to a mini cooper.

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  Great Gas Saver - 2008 Honda Civic
  By davemattb - August 17 - 11:43 pm

  We sold out Mitsubishi Evolution in an effort to decrease our car payment and decrease our gas consumption. The civic seemed like the obvious winner in our minds. We wanted a bigger vehicle (Accord or Acura TL) but their real world gas mileage isnt that great. We settled with the smaller civic and are very happy. The leather is great and Im sure the heated seats will be nice this winter. We started around 32-33 MPG and the last 2 tanks have been 35+. We drive 85% highway @ 80 MPH. The engine power isnt bad considering we live +7k feet elevation. It should be more than adequate everywhere else in the country. Maybe not as quick as the competitors (mazda3) but a great car!

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  Newbob1 - 2005 Honda Accord
  By NewBob - August 17 - 10:50 am

  I am very impressed with the power that the Accord 4-door Sedan Hybrids V6 engine with 255hp has. Addtionally, the car handles so smoothly and is so quite it sometimes is hard to realize the motors even running. I have gotten the gas mileage the EPA expects while on road trips, but slightly less while taking in-town trips.

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  Excellent - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By Cheryl - August 17 - 8:33 am

  This just might be the first automobile I can honestly say, "I Love." It handles superbly in bad weather. For a small SUV, it is amazingly comfortable. I highly recommend this truck.

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  Bobs Truck - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By BobbyMello - August 17 - 4:26 am

  Best vehicle I have ever owned. I would replace with the same make and model.

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  Gobs of Fun To Drive - 2009 Honda Civic
  By Larry S. - August 16 - 8:43 am

  Have the car for 7 months, for the price no other car company can match it for performance, styling, fun meter level. The Civic-EX isnt even close in matching the Sis performance... no auto tranny may be the reason for not getting Si for many buyers. About 6.6 seconds to 60 mph with a 4 cyl. engine (no turbo), and only 197 hp, 139 ft.lbs of torque! Im getting about 25 mpg overall with about 60% city driving. You have to rev this car above 6k rpm to find its "sweet" spot. If you want less 4.0 sec to 60 mph, then buy a Vette for $80+K! One car magazine rates it #17 for the most fun to drive for ALL cars on the road (including BMW, Audi, etc.) that are priced 2x+ the Sis sticker.

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  i love it - 2007 Honda Accord
  By My favorite car - August 15 - 10:50 pm

  Well, I used to own many kinds of cars, that include 6 of them is Honda. In my own experience I would not own anything else beside Honda. Yes I heard all kinds of complained about gas, noise, performance so on, so what you expect the car under 30 grand. But my car very special, leather w/nav, dvd, premium sound w/6disc changers, 6 speed manual v6 with 245 hp, and 4 doors. Please note this : if you want a better gas mileage on your car that depend on how you drive it.

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  love it, but mileage terrible - 2008 Honda Fit
  By goldylocks - August 15 - 2:06 pm

  Ok, so I traded in a small SUV for this Milano Red Honda Fit Sport Automatic. Honestly, my SUV got better gas mileage, I have to fill up at 200 miles in city. I only live 2 miles from work. so the best mileage Ive gotten is 24 mpg. But the majority is coming 20-21 mpg. I have not put it on the highway yet to test, but most of my driving is in the city, granted I live in Baton Rouge and we have terrible traffic, but i live 2 miles from work and dont go outside that realm during the week. I absolutely love everything about this car except the gas mileage. I just had the windows tinted, installed a sunroof and an armrest. Looks really sporty.

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  2003 EX Civic Sedan w/ side airbags - 2003 Honda Civic
  By danzreina - August 15 - 10:00 am

  I bought my new Honda about a month ago and am just loving it. I was debating between the Corolla and the Civic, and almost went with the corolla until I researched this website. I had thought the corolla would be cheaper but it wasnt. Plus, the civics features were much better...the one thing that sold me was the fact that the civics interior was way more roomy and comfortable for me and my passengers.

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  Its a Honda/ What else is there to say!! - 2003 Honda Civic
  By krw - August 15 - 10:00 am

  This car is your typical Honda,First and foremost QUALITY for your $$. Next and not far behind is RELIABILITY. What more could you want or ask for!!!