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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  Overall Great Vehicle - 2003 Honda Accord
  By CrimsnGhost - August 8 - 1:16 am

  I recently bought an 03 Accord LX 4dr 5-speed 4cyl, June 2008. I love the reliability of this vehicle. The gas mileage is great on the highway or in the city. With 25+ MPG, it is quite the gas saver. There are hundreds of after market modifications for this vehicle, making upgrading fun and a must. The interior is well laid out with an exterior thats just as well. The Accord is bigger and roomier than the civic making it a more comfortable ride. Options such as cruise control, steering wheel volume control, 5-disc changer and CD player add to the versatility and comfort. I love the fact that oil changes are needed only every 5,000 miles. For the price, an 03 LX was the best option for me.

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  Satisfied - 2008 Honda Odyssey
  By Jim - August 7 - 7:37 pm

  Not sure how you can get under 17 mpg in the city. I guess those posting 12- 13 must really live in a city, with stop and go, heavy traffic and never drive over 5-10 mph. We average 18.5 mpg city (suburban driving) and 25-26 highway (only measured highway mileage once). 1900 miles on the odometer. Sold our 4wd Sienna got 12mpg. This is basically the same interior size getting 80% better city mpg.

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  Cape - 2005 Honda Accord
  By Jake - August 7 - 12:40 pm

  Awsome car, best mileage is keeping it on the highway. Average/ normal gas mileage around town. When you need power this is a rocketship! Lots of creature features on this baby too!

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  Civic Hybrid - Elegant & Thrifty - 2008 Honda Civic
  By Tom from Plano TX - August 7 - 7:23 am

  Having driven both, and now owning the Civic for a few weeks, I think the Civic Hybrid beats the Prius in roominess, handling and performance, with no penalty in gas mileage. This is a stylish, comfortable car that requires no sacrifice and pays dividends at the gas pump, and to the environment. This car replaced a 2005 CR-V, which I loved, but my gasoline consumption is down 50%. Way to go Honda!

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  What took me so long? - 2007 Honda S2000
  By Joenat56 - August 6 - 2:33 pm

  I finally got my 2007 S2000 last Tuesday, July 29. I had been test driving different S2000s at dealers, reading road tests and reviews, and researching them on the internet for about 6 months. I have been an auto enthusiast most of my life and have owned many performance cars and two corvettes. I will have to say that the Honda S2000 is the most fun car to drive that I have ever owned. Its not the fastest or the most powerful or the most comfortable but it does so many things so well. I cant drive this car without smiling. By the way Im 66 years old. My son told me the S2000 wasnt practical. I replied that I was too old to be practical.

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  The Fit is a Definite GO - 2007 Honda Fit
  By fittastic - August 6 - 12:46 pm

  Ive only had the FIT (base model w/ MT) now for a handful of days, but Ive put over 500 miles on it already and could not be happier! It handles wonderfully, parks easily, and the gas mileage is superb! All for a base model car with power windows/locks, AC, stereo, and awesome safety features!

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  Great van, safety is first - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By IGNACIO V. JOHNSSON - August 6 - 11:16 am

  There is nothing more important to me as a father of three, than moving my family around with peace of mind. Besides this is a great vehicle in pretty much every aspect, is incredible to see, after a little resarch, that this van is even safer than some Volvo cars. Driving is simply awsome you will not believe youre driving a vehicle this big, it just make you feel safe and comfy. Comfort is another high for this van, everybody in my family says is a great improvement from our last van, also an Odyssey. Just by driving it, you will find out why is so well considered within editors and users all around.

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  Repeat Buyer - 2008 Honda Element
  By Repeat Buyer - August 6 - 7:23 am

  I traded in my 04 Element, and bought the new 08. Loved my first Element, and only traded it because I got a great deal. I live in New England and find the car handles all the weather that we get great. I have taken several trips to New Hampshire. Handles the mountains well.

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  Not Your Fathers Honda Civic - 2016 Honda Civic
  By Bruce Marshall - August 6 - 12:25 am

  Much larger than what one thinks of in a Civic.

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  Works In Northern Canada Too! - 2008 Honda Ridgeline
  By Martin - August 5 - 10:18 pm

  We had always owned a Chev or GMC before in Northern BC Canada,it can be tough driving in the winter so we were concerned about moving away from the large size vehicle. However after our first 3 or 4 months we have nothing but good things to say about the vehicle and the service from Honda. Our other vehicle had always been a Toyota so it was nice to see good service at Honda as well. GMC and Especially Ford could learn a lot on how to service customers. Lastly if I was asked what weakness this truck had I would say that a more efficient diesel option would have been great. Driving Duramax diesels before exposed us to the benefits of that type of engine. Its been our best vehicle buy.