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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  It is a keeper - 2008 Honda S2000
  By iownans2000 - January 22 - 8:56 pm

  If you want a fun car, this is it. However, it is NOT an every day car. I have owned several sports cars, the last being a 350z. The S2000, is much more fun than the Z, has a better road feel and is easier to drive. However, the inside is tight and there is not much leg room. If this is your 3rd you will want to drive it often. However, if this is your primary car, you will wish it had more room.

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  It Fits - 2007 Honda Fit
  By Frank - January 22 - 6:43 pm

  The vehicle feels real soild, very little body roll in the turns. A little more pickup from a dead stop wouldnt hurt. Plenty of leg room for 4 big adult.

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  1998 Honda CR-V - 1998 Honda CR-V
  By areyoukiddingme? - January 22 - 3:42 pm

  The reliability in this truck is incredible. I bought mine with 144000 miles and now have 229000 and it is still tight. The guy who just did my timimg belt couldnt believe the shape the engine is in. It is what is designed to be - fuel efficient, 4wd, roomy and functional.

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  Outstanding fuel economy - 2009 Honda Fit
  By Sean V. - January 22 - 11:50 am

  Loved this car so much. Outstanding fuel economy: Mix driving 42 mpg (with fastest speed up to 75mph and slowest is 40mph)- City driving is from 35 to 37 mpg. My new Fit has less than 300 miles on it. Too sure it will get up to between 47 and 50 mpg (mix driving) easily when engine breaks in. Great visibility. Looks great both in and out. Beautiful interior. Spacious. Magic seats. Great handling. Fun to drive. Exceeded EPA rating (27/33/30)---> NEW EPA RATING SHOULD BE: 35/45/42.

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  Im in love with this car! - 2005 Honda S2000
  By mrmajestic - January 22 - 12:13 am

  I gave up a 93K Porsche C4S for this car...not because of money...and I dont miss a thing about the Porsche! I smile every time the top goes down and Im driving down the road in the this Japanese "Alfa Romeo. This car captures all the fun AND beauty of the original Italian convertible but with much more speed and obviously reliability.

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  Nice surprise - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Adrian - January 21 - 11:40 pm

  I just traded my 04 TSX for the Si. Although some people at work have told me I step down from a nicer car; I feel like it was a wise choice since I only had to come up with a couple of Ks out of my pocket to drive off with a car with tons of horsepower, technology, and design. As gas prices are on the rise, Im sure a lot of SUV lovers will start discovering the beauty of 197 hp and 31 mpg. 6 speed manual transmission, navi, sunroof, sport seats, etc on a $22k car? Why would anybody be driving anything else than Honda/Acura products???

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  They dont make em like this anymore - 1992 Honda Accord
  By ENGR - January 21 - 11:17 pm

  Bought mine 4 years ago, with the plan to replace it after I graduated college. I got my degree last year and still driving the car. The car is an example of good design. Everything is easy to use, everything works well and its a very reliable car. Having said that, Ive had to do quite a bit of work on it: new radiator, water pump, oil filter seal, transmission CPU (the last automatic I will own). I kept the spark plugs in for 48k miles. But this is a 16 year old car that will do 85 all day, cross country, and Ive done it many times. Still getting 23/28 mpg.

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  Solid Vehicle - 2007 Honda Pilot
  By Nathan - January 21 - 8:24 pm

  We have been driving this vehicle for about 6 months and have been very satisfied. My wife is the primary driver, and loves how it drives and carries our 2 children (2 and 4 years old). We previously owned a 2000 Odyssey, which may have had more interior space, but we prefer the SUV layout the Pilot provides. The fold down seats in the rear provide adequate flexibility when choosing to haul people or cargo. The fuel economy is close to, if not better than the van, however we have the variable cylinder engine. Overall this is a great alternative to the Mini-Van!

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  Used 2004 Honda Odyssey - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By david - January 21 - 10:27 am

  We absolutely love this van! It is a big change from the Kia Sephia we were driving. I feel like we got a very good deal on it and it was in like new condition with the occassional scratches for a 4yr old van. It drives and handles wonderfully. I love the heated seats and the dvd plays great. My only complaint is that I wish the back tailgate would lift and close more smoothly. Other than that I love it! Gas mileage is 20-25 depending on where I am driving. It is very spacious and I like that you can move the 2 middle captain seats around or take them out. And also that the back seats lowers down for more space. This is a Great van! No way could we have paid the new sticker price for it.

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  my crv - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By my crv - January 21 - 4:30 am

  Bought the CRV because it gives the flexibility of a minivan but allows you to maintain your dignity. My wife and I are constantly impressed with just how easy it is to drive this car and do errands, etc. Everything seems to be simple, in the right place, is at the right height and functions the way youd expect it. And its still fun to drive.