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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  Its Worth every $$$ - 2000 Honda Civic
  By Roman_civic - October 23 - 10:00 am

  Bough it a year ago for my wife. Since then I had to tighten to nut that holds the wiper and... thats it. Just regular maintance. Its a good reliable car. I understand that my wife thinks its too weak, but its a commuter car, not a racing car. (She used to have a 5 spd 93 Civic DX when a teen & drive it at 100-120 mph) I commend this car for reliabilty. So far, so good.

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  A do-anything car. - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By 95814 - October 23 - 10:00 am

  This car is ideal for urban living. We have a dog and kid on the way. So easy to park. All-wheel drive. Efficient to a fault. Sturdy and safe.

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  One of a kind - 2003 Honda Civic
  By Cisco - October 23 - 10:00 am

  A great car in every aspect very nice hot looking it stands out and the manual transmission i dirve makes it a great speed overall car

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  My search is over - 2003 Honda Accord
  By shellybelle - October 23 - 10:00 am

  Within two years, Ive owned a new Grand Am, a new Mustang(V-6), and in December bought a new Honda Accord 4 cyl. 5-speed manual w/leather. loved it soooo much i bumped up to the V-6 6- speed manual four days ago. had to have it. Honda makes an incredible car at a reasonable price that makes you feel as though youre riding in the lap of luxury and having fun at the same time. This is my dream car.

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  My cute lil car - 2009 Honda Fit
  By amanda - October 22 - 7:48 pm

  Since I have gotten the car, it has never dipped below getting 35 mpg! I love that there is a display that tells you how many mpg you are getting. It makes me happy. Its as good as you get without paying for the hybrid.

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  Fun to drive all the time - 2008 Honda Ridgeline
  By BC - October 22 - 7:34 pm

  Bought my ridgeline 19 months ago I look forward to driving it every day. Im in outside sales so this truck is my office and lunchroom. What a vehicle for those contemplating a truck purchase. Dont overlook this vehicle. Im averaging 19-20 mpg. Ive owned chevys, gmcs and fords - this truck is the best of the best.

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  Fuel Miser with terrific packaging - 2009 Honda Fit
  By Aay Kay - October 22 - 5:43 pm

  I had an 08 Honda Fit Base MT, that I traded in for my 09 Subaru Tribeca but then sorely regretted having let the Fit go, and purchased an 09 Fit Sport MT as an addition to the Tribeca. The 09 Fit feels much more substantial than the 08 Base Fit and clearly feels stiffer and more sporty. The mileage with both my 08 Fit and the 09 Fit have been significantly better than the EPA estimates - 35-36mpg in mixed driving conditions, which I am very happy with. As a repeat Fit buyer, I dont think I would be letting this little gem go, anytime soon!

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  Transmission Beware! - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By ALS - October 22 - 12:36 pm

  I loved this van! I do a lot of driving as a taxi mom of three children-135,000 miles to be exact. Then, I had three lights appear on the dash that indicated that the transmission was going out. I got a quote for $3500 from Honda and $2800 from a local transmission guy. The local guy told me that the month before I talked to him that he replaced more Honda transmissions than GM cars. Honda doesnt make the cars that they used to. Quite frankly, they dont care because they are selling plenty of vehicles. Please investigate this before making the same mistake that I did.

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  Love my baby - 2005 Honda Element
  By momofalot - October 22 - 9:03 am

  We got this car last week and I am totally in love with it. It is very comfortable with loads of room. As an older driver with older friends it was important to have easy access to rear seating and room to stretch out when in the rear. This car has it all including reclining seats front & rear. The only fault I have found so far is the "sun roof" in the rear which is really only a removeable rooftop window. (why??) I am told it should not be in the open position when driving as it might come off. The only use I see for this is more light in the rear section, so why have it removeable? Other than that almost insignificant fault, I think this is a great vehicle, both fun and utilitarian.

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  turbo - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By turbo - October 22 - 4:56 am

  vehicle is fun to drive and easy to handle on any type of road conditions. pilot is roomy and perfect for my family.