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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  A thrilled owner - 2004 Honda Civic
  By Falcone - October 28 - 9:58 am

  I love my EX coupe, with a spoiler and a sunroof, and alloy rims. Though recently I have had to crank it for 2-3 seconds on a cold start. But mine has 90k miles on her, and i kinda beat the hell out of her for the entire time. And I bought the extended bumper to bumper warranty, so Im not too worried. The seats are great for long trips. Large trunk for an economy car. And Im a college student so that is important. I always tell my friends to buy a Civic. They are the only car that actually lives up to its reputation, for the better

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  Almost there - 2007 Honda Pilot
  By april - October 28 - 9:29 am

  My 2007 Honda Pilot is almost perfect. All it needs is a split window in the back and ideally a power lift gate. Of course gas mileage could be better. Other than those three things I find it PERFECT. I went from a Tahoe to a Lexus to a Honda. I dont know what took me so long.

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  Love It ! - 2007 Honda Fit
  By Dave - October 27 - 11:36 pm

  Best value car I have ever had. Delight to drive with room to spare. I have been getting 32-34 MPG in town and 35-38 MPG on trips. Cant wait for the 2009.

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  Excellent Car!!! - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Pleasant - October 27 - 11:20 pm

  I am a previous Acura TSX owner. Before that I had an 04 Honda accord coupe. I just knew when I got my TSX I was never going to get another Honda again, until i saw the 08 Accord coupe. Got it 11/07. I totally love it!! The new body style is off the hook!! I catch people looking to see what kind of car it is all the time. I had the chrome door handles installed to give it an extra kick as I did not want to pay the extra for the V-6. The inside is much bigger than the 04 coupe and the TSX. Totally stands out. Cant wait until the summer time to let the windows down and open the moonroof!! I love my new coupe!!!

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  Best small SUV - 2010 Honda CR-V
  By Major Disaster - October 27 - 9:16 pm

  Bought this car to replace full size pickup. Shopped around carefully with all competitors, roomiest, best use of cargo space, legendary Honda reliability and good power from large 4 cylinder, Smooth ride for SUV, Does everything I want it to do and reasonably easy on gas. Handles and rides like well behaved car, can tow small trailer (necessary criterion for me). No problems or complaints yet. Happy with Honda decision.

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  About the Windshield - 2003 Honda Element
  By Eilleen - October 27 - 3:03 pm

  Love the Element. Best car I have ever owned. Bought it because it was so roomy and dog friendly. Dog hair just blow out the interior. Muddy feet just get a hose.

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  Love the Ridgeline - 2008 Honda Ridgeline
  By Deron Bender - October 27 - 12:22 pm

  Never consider myself a "truck-guy" but now I dont think I could consider driving something other than the Ridgeline type truck/SUV/car. I consider the outside looks a blend of a truck and SUV but it really drives like a car. I use the truck bed way more than I could have imagined but it still never feels like Im driving a truck. It feels better than my wifes Lexus 470 and thats no knock on the 470. The bottom line is the inside feels like an SUV, the back is enough of a truck for what 90% of us need when hauling things and it drives like a solid car...couldnt be happier!

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  What Noisy Ride? - 2010 Honda Insight
  By David Moore - October 27 - 12:46 am

  I was looking for an "adult" ride to replace my 05 Vibe. This is less expensive than the Vibe was, and is a delightful, crisp handling, and (compared to the Vibe) quiet. I love this thing. All in all a really classy vehicle for the price.

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  Best value for money plus gr8 ride&handling - 2012 Honda Civic
  By hondaowner12 - October 26 - 9:23 pm

  We have been honda customers for a while..own a 99 accord (has crossed 225000 miles) which stills runs nicely and gives 35mileage..had leased 2007 accord which we loved. I recently bought 2012 civic and I love it. Moving from accord to civic may seem like a downgrade, but the priorities have changed, mileage and monthly cost being the top. The other option we considered was prius..But $7-8K additional price gives me -ve NPV over 5years..also I got 0.9 APR from honda financial My new civic gives me avg 42+mileage (I am mostly on freeway)..comfortable and spacious seats (for my 61" hubby too)..smooth ride&handling..

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  Honda Fit 2007 - 2007 Honda Fit
  By jmg - October 26 - 3:43 pm

  Best mini compact car by honda. Nice ride on the curves, accelerates fast, fun to drive on the sport mode. I love it.