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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  Another Great Honda - 2007 Honda Fit
  By Tony - November 6 - 12:54 am

  I only have about 1500 miles on my Sport but I am very glad I bought it. It reminds me a lot of my 86 Civic SI. Its interesting how times of changed. My 86 SI was noted for its spritely acceleration at a 0-60 time of 9.8 sec but the Fit is considered a dog with the same numbers. I drive in the foothills of the Sierra Nevadas and I amazed how little I have to take it out of 5th gear. It will easily pull out in fifth from about 20 mph without stumbling. I would say the engine and tranny are well mated. It is quiet for a small car and it shifts better than my 86 which was lauded for its smoothness. Its a great car that needs nothing. If you need more power, grow up!

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  2009 Honda EX-L - 2009 Honda Civic
  By Rob - November 5 - 11:00 pm

  I have been driving this car for 4 months now and still look forward to driving it each time I get in. It handles very well, very comfortable, and high quality construction.

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  Civic Si. Vtec Love - 1999 Honda Civic
  By parknfly - November 5 - 7:21 pm

  If your ethinking about buying this car, just do it. I never had a single problem with it since a year of ownership and its almost 9 years old. (the most relible car I have ever came across even more than some other Hondas Ive owned) Dohc Vtec is very fun and the handling is amazing. The only downside of this Japanese perfection is that it gets a lot of attention from people and theives. Im scared to leave it parked in the mall due to it getting attention. Just recently I went to a dealership to look for a car for a friend. And the salesman was all over my si:) I think he wanted to buy it. This car will be a classic in about 5 years so they are worth holding on to.

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  The Fit really is Go! - 2007 Honda Fit
  By JessFitPhan - November 5 - 11:10 am

  I absolutely love this car, and I would recommend it to anyone who wants a small ride that doesnt feel cramped or cheap. Im 510, and I Fit just fine in the front seat, with room to spare. The lack of the dead pedal and center armrest? No big deal to me, as I lived without these things in my last car (Ford Escort). I wish my car was getting better MPGs (its barely breaking 30 each week), but I will say that the MPGs improve everytime I fill her up. I also wish she was a bit more powerful and had a few more "advanced" features (and that she was a bit cheaper, considering the lack of some of these features), but those are minor quibbles, as I adore this car and Im so happy I bought it. :)

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  Handles well - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By Marcy - November 5 - 3:16 am

  Handles great on highway and in town .Good gas mileage Easy to see out all windows

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  Great Car - 2007 Honda Civic
  By Neel - November 5 - 3:16 am

  This is a very good car. After having tested several other vehicles, I decided upon this car as many have told me that it is reliable. I commuter about 100 miles a day, and I average close to 35MPG. The interior design is nice, yet I feel it is a bit extreme. Seat comfort is good and I have no problems driving for more than an hour. My wife took this car to work one day and she loved it. It must be great considering that she drives a Mercedes E320. Once gas prices go back down, I am planning to buy a Mercedes ML 320. I used to have one, but the gas bill was excessive.

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  26 Yr Honda car lover asking "why the change?" - 2016 Honda Accord
  By Byebye Honda - November 4 - 6:37 pm

  Be aware of the visibility concerns regarding shorter people, and the dual outside driver mirror that appears to create a noticeable line.

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  316K miles - 1990 Honda Civic
  By 316K - November 4 - 4:31 pm

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  Awesome - 2005 Honda Civic
  By STUD - November 4 - 12:36 pm

  This car is fantastic. I bought a 2005 lx special edition 2 door coupe and I love it. Its quick, looks great, and with Hondas reliability you cant go wrong.

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  A Tribute and a Sad Goodbye - 1993 Honda Civic
  By Emmanuel Pureza - November 4 - 10:41 am

  14 years flew by so fast. I clearly remember the day I purchased this car. A day after my 22nd birthday. Just a few weeks ago I was talking about how I want to keep this car forever but on Oct 26, 2007 with over 182000 miles on it, a deer abruptly ended it. The 30+ miles to a gallon with an average maintenance cost of less than $600 per year will definitely be felt and missed. If there is a Hall of Fame for cars this one no doubt will be inducted. I am not saying this car is perfect, just like any mechanical device it had its malfunctions but none of them major. It stranded me once due to a blown computer chip but overall it met my expectations of reliability, build, and economy.