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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  The perfect "FIT" for our lifestyle. - 2009 Honda Fit
  By responderG - July 31 - 1:27 pm

  My wife and I live in a retirement community where we make alot of short trips to the stores, parks and etc. The Honda Fit Sport /w AT that we purchased, fullfills most of our expectations. We`re very satisfied with the running performance of this car.

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  to expensive - 2009 Honda Fit
  By Pancho - July 31 - 11:58 am

  My fit is a EX version after 5 months of driving it i feel that I could get a better car for my money, the fit power is poor (and winth a/c on is worse), the engine noise in the cabin is loud, the plastic is to cheap, I don´t like it after 5 months,since I bought it, the dealer change 1 sun visor, 1 plastic cover on the floor, the center air vents because when you put the a/c on 3 or 4 it clouse, and the boring noises are on all over the car those that are form plastic to plastic.

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  My Favorite Car Ever - 2000 Honda Accord
  By ErinS - July 31 - 10:51 am

  This car is probably the best Ive ever owned. While it may not be the "sports car" Ive owned in the past (although the coupe model does help) it handles better than any of the others Ive owned. This the first Honda Ive had and I dont think I will ever buy another make again. The reliability is unbelievable! 169K miles and still going strong! I hate to give it up, but its time to upgrade to my next Honda!

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  I got what I wanted - 2016 Honda Civic
  By David Simone - July 31 - 7:31 am

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  Dependable - 2009 Honda CR-V
  By Saba Khalid - July 31 - 12:26 am

  I bought it certified pre owned and have been enjoying the ride. Keep up with routine care and it will go much longer.The sun visors are a bit small when sun is low,should have an extender, esp for shorter drivers.

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  Love the power and ride - 2004 Honda Accord
  By 6 Speed - July 30 - 10:03 pm

  Ive had this car for over 5 years with 68K mileage. No major mechanical problems. The car radio Headunit backlight did go dead the the dealer, replaced it. This was a TSB from Honda to all dealerships. Their is some road noise but thats because the car has a lower clearance than Toyotas. The lower clearance gives honda a better handling and feel of the road where the Camry feels like you are floating going all over the road.For a V6 this car gets good gas mileage, 18-19 city and 29-30 highway. The fauk leather in the drivers seat does where down and stretch but no cracks.

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  1997 Honda Accord - 1997 Honda Accord
  By Paul - July 30 - 9:22 pm

  Simply the best car I have ever owned. Have owned Gm, Chrysler, etc and they dont compare reliability wise. Simple car, which is why they last as long as they do. 250k, tires, oil changes and brakes. Fantastic car....

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  Fun to Drive - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By Carol Hughes - July 30 - 5:16 pm

  I went from a van to the Honda Pilot and is is so much more comfortable and fun to drive. It is very spacious in the interior and has many cup holders and outlets for cell phones and other electronics. Love it!

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  Great Car - 2003 Honda Civic
  By HondaCiv - July 30 - 3:50 pm

  I got this car used, to replace my 97 Accord. I really like this car. it has about 25k miles on without even the hint of a problem. Ironically enough I was rear ended (correction- Plowed through) 4 days after I bought the car. I was rear ended at about 30 mph by a brand new Chevy Malibu. Her car was totalled. Mine had 7k worth of damage. I am very impressed at how well my Civic stood up in that accident for being such a small car. Anyways, it took them about 3 weeks to fix my car and its as good as new. If your looking for a semi-inexpensive car that has very low operating cost, high reliability and is also fun then go with a Civic. You just cant go wrong with a Honda

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  fun for the buck - 2003 Honda Accord
  By rich - July 30 - 3:26 pm

  Bought it with a few dings in it, but over all in great shape. Its a little four banger, but zips around town. Brakes like a champ and handles turns quite well. Very pleased with my purchase. Waiting to see how it handles in the snow and go from there.