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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  Honda Civic is an excellent choice... - 2008 Honda Civic
  By Jay - September 12 - 8:30 am

  I purchased a 2008 Honda Civic LX in Aug of 2008. 4000 miles later, I am still extremely satisfied with my purchase. When gas prices hit almost $4/gal in the summer of 08, fuel economy was a top priority. This Civic looks good, is fun to drive, and yes, does do well on gas. Fuel economy does depend on what kind of driving you are doing and how you drive, but I have been averaging around 35 mpg... but have gotten over 40mpg on more than one tank. I liked the look of the Civic and researched the car in depth, and found that used models were holding their value so well on the car lots that it made sense to buy a brand new model... my very first "new" car in fact.

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  I like my Accord - 2008 Honda Accord
  By jans57 - September 12 - 3:53 am

  Nice, quiet ride with lots of zip. Love the dark red color. No problems yet after 700 miles. This is my 4th Honda Accord and it is the best of the bunch. Styling is great, love the extra room.

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  2007 civic LX (1.8 automatic) - 2007 Honda Civic
  By John - September 11 - 9:10 pm

  Just like the other 4 Hondas we have had in the family, 150,000 miles and just got her broke in. Just routine maintenance over the years. Now its time for another one of the kids to inherit as we jump to the 2016 model. Coundnt ask for a better, more reliable car. 42 MPG on the highway, 35 around town. Socal driving at 35 MPG...come on...great car...not tradin this one in!

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  Great car time for a new one - 2006 Honda Accord
  By Linda Simon - September 11 - 4:40 pm

  Great car

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  Great car time for a new one - 2006 Honda Accord
  By Linda Simon - September 11 - 4:40 pm

  Great car

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  Well worth it - 2008 Honda Accord
  By LOU L - September 11 - 4:06 pm

  Recently bought the Accord after a falling tree totaled out my 2004 Maxima. Looked at all cars around the price range. I drive around 60 miles a day so fuel mileage was important.Was on the way to see a Toyota but stopped at Honda first.Took a test drive, looked at the one in the showroom and we were sold. Wife and I both commented on how solid it felt. Great interior room, Great safety features, and a great deal.We bought the one in the showroom. First tank mileage was 27 mpg not bad at all. Average has been about 26 to 27 mpg

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  Got what I expected - 2009 Honda Fit
  By Fit Fan - September 11 - 12:26 pm

  I did a good amount of research on the Fit before getting it. I knew going into it that the sport suspension was going to be great for driving, but rough on unforgiving roads. The same goes for the motor. I knew that the Fit did not produce a lot of horsepower. For what it is given, it is fun to drive. It is the right amount of power for a single driver who wants to push it on the local interstate. Storage on the Fit is prefect for the size of the car. As long as you know you cant try to fit a mattress into a Fit. Lastly, I suggest spending a little extra and get the Mugen and Sport add ons. It helps make the little guy stick out among the other Fits on the road.

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  1st Honda, But Not the Last - 2008 Honda Accord
  By sternie - September 11 - 11:16 am

  Let me start off by saying I love this car. I totaled my Mazda Protege 5 and spent the next 4 weeks comparing vehicles. With about 60% of my commute being freeway I am averaging about 27 mpg. This is by far the most comfortable vehicle I have owned.

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  Its new but so far good - 2006 Honda Civic
  By DTCarRater - September 11 - 10:50 am

  I had a hard time picking out a car in this class. Dollar for dollar though the best deal was this car. Yes the standard price is higher, but after you factor in all the features I paid about 300 less. I got a more relable car and I get excellent gas mileage. The dash seems sort of weird at first but it is actually nice so dont have to look down as much

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  Will probably be my last Honda - 2008 Honda Accord
  By John - September 11 - 10:06 am

  This is my 3rd accord that Ive owned in the past 5 model years. I had a 2003, a 2006, and now this 2008. The 2003 was a GREAT car. Little 4cyl 5 spd LX and it got awesome gas mileage. I then bought the wife a Honda Minivan, and traded the LX in on that. After about 6 mos I missed having an Accord, so I bought one for myself for my work commute. The 2006 was the 4dr EX V6 Manual 6spd edition. Got ok mpg averaging about 26.5-27.5mpg on my work commute which is about 85% highway. Bought this car and even on a 100% highway trip I couldnt get >26mpg. My work commute I get 22.5mpg. My 96 buick regal got 26-27mpg. Nice car but horrible MPG compared to ratings. Car maintained properly.