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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  Excellent van - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By Terry - October 20 - 10:12 pm

  This is a wonderful driving van. Only negative is some wind noise. I would highly recommended this model. The wireless DVD headphones, seperate control for front & back radio/DVD is a great feature.

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  A super car - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By WILLIAM WILLIAMS - October 20 - 7:50 pm

  The head rests are tilted forward enough to muss up my wifes hair - she turned them around and is now happy, but i dont know how effective the now are.-------------The merry go round under the floor in the middle sec. Is completely worthless. I removed mine and it is for sale [unused] for a cheap price.---------One of the tires lost most of its air in 45 days, two times. They had to replace the cast wheel, it had a very small defect. A fine car!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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  Fast, peppy, and totally utilitarian - 2007 Honda Fit
  By cbmtrx - October 20 - 4:30 pm

  I bought this car for these reasons: 1. Usability & Cargo room: I sold a Subaru Outback that sometimes had trouble fitting long items. Ive been redoing our basement, and carrying 8 lumber in the back of the Fit. Beat that! 2. Fuel economy: Im getting 300 miles between fill-ups right now and I figure with about 2 gallons left in the tank. All in all about 34-37 mpg. 3. Performance: This car takes corners like a cork in a pinball machine. Amazing, amazing handling. What it lacks in HP it makes up for in responsiveness. 4. Looks: I got the Sport model in Blaze Orange. Yeah baby. What a beautiful car it is to look at. 5. mp3 input/mp3 CD player. What did you expect, a cassette deck?

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  Hard to top for 27k - 2006 Honda Accord
  By Dave - October 20 - 4:26 pm

  This is probably the best car I have ever owned. The interior styling and the quality of the materials makes you feel as though you are driving a 50k car. The car has the right balance of luxury, comfort, and performance without looking and feeling like a family car. Quick quiet and fun to drive and turns heads too.

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  Should have bought a 5-speed manual - 2007 Honda Fit
  By Rolland - October 20 - 8:39 am

  I really have only one major complaint: the automatic transmission. It lurches and bucks on acceleration. Also, when braking or coasting to a stop, something under there is helping me stop. It is called the "engine braking system." In theory, I suppose its a good thing. But it is very annoying. It makes the car surge when it upshifts. I feel like I am losing control. Im very disappointed with this little bucking bronco. Otherwise the car is great! Great features (stereo), great handling. Good performance once I get it up to highway speeds. The gas mileage is a little disappointing. I get 28 to 32 mpg. Was hoping for mid 30s. Wish I had waited for a 5-speed manual.

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  In a word "wow" - 2007 Honda Accord
  By DA2799 - October 20 - 8:26 am

  Purchased my new accord and i have to say i love it drives great handles great and has an interior thats awesome second accord for me so it makes me very happy to continue with accord as its one great vehicle

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  Well worth the money - 2005 Honda Accord
  By War G - October 20 - 2:13 am

  The 4cyl engine is more than capable of handling your everyday needs. Hondas attention to detail is evident throughout the cabin right down to the small courtesy light (located near the driver side reading light) that gently lights up the center console during the night. Build quality is solid

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  Civic Surprise - 2009 Honda Civic
  By CivicSurprise - October 19 - 11:46 pm

  Over the last 15 years I have owned Audis, BMWs, Acuras and Mitsubishis. I have always been trying to find the right car for the small daily commutes and riding around town on small tasks. I always thought having a luxury car was the answer. I traded in my 2006 Acura TSX for the Civic. I was so surprised by this car. I have just enough creature comforts to get by but the ride is very surprising. The room inside is much bigger than I thought. Overall compared to all my other cars I have owned this is the right match for me. Love the gas mileage, comfort and overall use for this small sedan. As reviewed the Civic does have some road noise but it is no louder than an Acura and BMW is louder

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  Hondas Rule! - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By Boomer - October 19 - 3:06 pm

  I traded in my 2000 S40 Volvo because we needed a larger fuel efficient vehicle. I researched Honda, Ford, Toyota, and Volvo. Honda came up the winner for economy and quality. I laugh when people tell me nice truck because it drives, rides, and feels like a car. We love it I wish that I would have bought a CR-V in 2000 when we purchased the Volvo. The four cylinder engine feels like a V-6, very peppy and fun to drive. I know it is not considered a luxury SUV however I consider it my luxury SUV. The heated seats, steering wheel controls, moon roof, and leather seats make it a wonderful vehicle to commute in. Very well done Honda continue the great work!

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  FIT IS GO! - 2007 Honda Fit
  By I Love my FIT! - October 19 - 7:47 am

  I love this car! This car has more room than my other Honda and Nissan (Xterra). I love driving it, the gas mileage, the handling, the way it looks... everything about it! Weve had 2 tall adults, 1 teenager (57") and 2 kids (11yrs) in the car with no problem. When we got out, people were looking at us like "How in the world..." Im looking forward to the 2009 Fits! If youre looking for a small gas friendly reliable car, FIT IS GO!