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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  Best Buy - 2009 Honda Fit
  By Love My Fit - July 6 - 8:53 am

  Superb interior space ,outstanding MPG,tight handling, FUN to drive. Honda quality and reliability. Its a cant miss in this class.Good power for a small car. Better than Toyota by a mile.

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  honda civic value package 4-door - 2005 Honda Civic
  By anne - July 6 - 4:23 am

  well I bought this car two months ago, already it is leaking coolant or some other liquid, can someone tell me if this is normal for this car? does not pick up speed quickly on the freeway or hills. not gas efficient. makes clucking noise, after the car is parked.Now I dont know what to do.

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  Accord ;-) - 2016 Honda Accord
  By Fbooker - July 6 - 4:14 am

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  Good Van - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By Busy Mom - July 5 - 5:08 pm

  Enjoy driving the van, it really does not feel like a van nothing sluggish about it. Van has had some issues like brakes, a shaking as I approach 40 mph and a side door that is defective. All-in-all, I have to say I have enjoyed the van. My lease is up next week and I am considering keeping the van.

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  Very Spacious - 2009 Honda Accord
  By Very Spacious - July 5 - 3:56 pm

  I downgraded to a Honda Accord to save money on Gas, Payment, And Insurance. I am saving over $300 monthly now, happily. I dont have as much power as Id like to have. But thats not a necessity anyway. Very Roomy, I have heard of complaints from discomfort of the seats but I havent came across this problem.

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  Small car, big interior - 2005 Honda Element
  By Graverober - July 5 - 9:13 am

  OK, everyone who has seen my car cant believe that I bought such a small wierd car. Let me tell you, the element only looks small! I am over 61" tall and over 300 pounds, Im a big boy! I have over 5 in of head room to the roof, and can streach my legs out fully (sliding up just a bit on the seat, but I still cant do that in most cars). Even in the back I have headroom and a fir amount of leg room. The clam shell doors and smooth floor are actualy a benifit for semi-disabled people. my dad is handycaped, but happily sits in the back of my car. he has pleanty of room, and when he needs to get out, he just plops (his words) onto the floor and slides out, he realy loves it!

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  Not up to Par - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By cc - July 5 - 2:23 am

  I have had the van in service dept several times for wind noise which is very annoying. Dealer states they can do nothing as it is a problem with all their vans. I have owned a number of new Hondas but I am very disapointed with this model and response from Honda to deal with the problem.

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  Love this car! - 2006 Honda Civic
  By lindoug - July 5 - 1:03 am

  I have this car for two weeks. First tank of gas I averaged 45 MPG. The odometer right in front of my face reminds me to take it easy when I drive. I was doing too many jack-rabbit starts and always trying to get ahead of the other guy which wasted fuel. The MPG gauge and the odometer keep me from my bad driving habit so now I am saving money. Plenty of pep for the highway and handles very well. Very comfortable, everything is in easy reach, cup holders, radio, climate control. I have mapped out two trips with the navigation and it was right on the money with directions. Want to know where the neareset chinese restaurant is? Just say nearest chinese restaurant and several are displayed.

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  Very disappointed - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By Monie - July 4 - 8:57 pm

  I bought a Honda thinking I wouldnt have any issues. I bought it used but certified. I got the carfax had one owner. I have had the air conditioner blow up twice. I also have had several other issues. Thank god I got the extended warranty that covered most of the problems. I do mean most. They always seem to come up with things it didnt cover. I am about to hit 100k miles and really thinking about trading it in because I cant cover any more problems.

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  Relatively new but great so far. - 2009 Honda Pilot
  By SJF - July 4 - 6:12 pm

  Great functionality - particularly for hauling kids w/ the third row seating. If a mini-van is not an option for aesthetics or other personal reasons, the pilot is a good blend that gives you the functionality of a mini-van with the appearance of an SUV and a very robust SUV at that.