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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  Great Car - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Stefani - March 14 - 6:53 am

  I bought this car a week ago and have not yet had to fill the tank. I live in Chicago and drive downtown and back 2 times a week for school and am getting great mileage. I have not yet experienced the problem with the headlights at night or the loudness of the engine (I can hardly hear it). I used to drive a Civic and absolutely love the step up. The interior is huge and the exterior is super sleek. Love it!

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  It really saves on gas - 2005 Honda Civic
  By zack82 - March 13 - 9:33 am

  I went from driving a jeep, to driving this hybrid. Even with gas prices the way they are, I still am saving an average of 80 dollars a month on gas. And I drive a lot for work, so someone who doesnt drive a lot might need only to fill up once a month. The average gas mileage i get is around 44.6 MPG. It all depends on if you use the air and how fast you drive. Driving with the cruise control really helps to increase gas mileage. I recommend this car to anyone who wants a sporty/hybrid alternative.

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  Great vehicle. Bought this car new, and - 1997 Honda CR-V
  By keith solt - March 13 - 9:29 am

  Great vehicle. Bought this car new and have driven it 153000 miles without any problems. Have all records of regular service. All factory recommended maintenance has been done and recorded. Have made many trips in relative comfort and with very reasonable gas comsumption. Have changed tires at 60000 miles though there was always considerable wear left. Would recommend this car to anyone looking for dependable relatively inexpensive operation.

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  2 Year Mark - 2007 Honda Fit - 2007 Honda Fit
  By Rev Show - March 12 - 12:27 pm

  This has been one of the best automobile purchases I have ever made. The mighty Fit continues to impress me with its amazing cargo space and fuel economy. Ive averaged 33.8 mpg with a low of 30 mpg (100% city stop & go driving) and a high of 40 mpg (100% freeway at 75 mph). As a drummer Im able to load a full kit with all hardware and room for a front passenger...amazing! Ive also moved furniture and other large pieces. When someone helps me load, they always say, "This wont fit in that little thing...whoa! It did fit!" I did replace the wheels and tires with a larger foot print as the stock wheels seemed to travel a lot on grooved surfaces. Highly recommended!

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  Great Car - 2005 Honda Accord
  By alex - March 12 - 1:30 am

  This honda has been an answer to my prayers. It has everything you need from looks to luxury. Its interior is really quiet and the ride is very smooth.This vehicle accelerates like a V6 and handles like a sports car. This honda has a V-tec engine unlike its main competition, the toyota camry, which makes the accord accelerate a lot faster than it would without a v-tec engine. This car is really fuel efficient and spacious. What more could I say its a Honda.

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  Cant beat it - 2008 Honda Ridgeline
  By thebigv21 - March 11 - 10:23 am

  I have owned practically everything over the last few years, not being able to be satisfied. I owned trucks (Frontier, Tacoma), cars (Forester, Matrix), and have finally settled on a Ridgeline. I chose the base model and is has plenty of equipment. I am one who likes vehicles loaded. This one is not loaded, but for a truck is equipped well enough for me. The ride is the best part. It rides like a car and is extremely quiet inside. My wife loves it in the snow. We had some snow in PA and she bragged about how she was in the passing lane while 4X4 full sized trucks were fishtailing in the slow lane. I chose the base model to try it. Now that I have one, the next time, I will go up.

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  I Love my Pilot EXL - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By smgbjl - March 11 - 10:00 am

  The BEST SUV for the price. Sticker says 22mph highway...no way....Im getting 27mpg! Ride comfort is excellent! Does not ride like a truck like my old explorer did. Visiblity excellent...pleanty of wide open windows...makes for easy parking and loading. Only wish...Honda would have had this out when I got the Explorer!

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  The cars great. - 2004 Honda Accord
  By charles meisch - March 11 - 10:00 am

  I never though I would purchase an other forgein made car. But my daughter asked me to come with her to look at the Hondas. I left with a new Honda Accord EX. It was the first time(in a long time) I really was exsited about a car.

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  that Honda, so hot right now, Honda - 2000 Honda Accord
  By Jeremy Clark - March 11 - 8:00 am

  There is nothing bad that you can say about this car. Maybe a wish for heated seats (but thats only because I just moved to Chicago), other than that its great. Great body design; stylish, sensible, not too big so you cant parallel in tight spaces (a must for Chicago or any big city). Great all-around car.

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  Great all around - 2007 Honda Fit
  By CubanoRockr - March 11 - 6:10 am

  Although Id like to have a little more umph out of my cars, its really hard to complain about the Fit. The 5sp transmission shifts smoothly and the suspension hugs the road like a much more performance oriented car would. There is plenty of space in the interior and the rear seat are truly "magic" as Honda quotes them. The rear hatch is huge, especially considering how it all looks from the outside. Overall I love the car. Great fuel economy, more than ample space, and best of category handling.