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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  Love my Honda - 2005 Honda Civic
  By Weasle - July 21 - 12:42 am

  I just bought the car this month and I love it! It handles great, is a blast to drive, love the 5 spd. The ride is very smooth. I drive 80 miles round trip to work and still only fill up once a week, but Im realizing I get better gas mileage on higher octane fuel and I only use shell or sunoco. I had a 90 Civic Si which was an awesome car but so far I like my 05 better. It picks up when I need it to with no problem and still has plenty of power when running the a/c. Hondas are awesome cars I highly recomend them.

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  Perfect Fit - 2009 Honda Fit
  By bill - July 20 - 10:50 pm

  Just before my daughter returned from Afghanistan I bought her a Fit Sport with Navigation. I liked it so well, I bought one for myself. Hers is Blue Pearl and mine is Black Pearl. Hers has some optional goodies such as center armrest, sport grill, all weather floor mats, door sill plates and rear bumper applique. She also added an aftermarket remote start system. I just opted for the arm rest and floor mats.

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  I love my 2007 Element SC!! - 2007 Honda Element
  By Torey Simmons - July 20 - 11:41 am

  I bought my 2007 Honda Element SC in 06/07. I traded in a 06 Silverado Crew Cab. My element is so much easier to drive and to park. I get double the gas mileage also. I still have plenty of room for passengers and luggage. For the past several years Ive traded in my car every 1-2 years but not this one. I absolutely LOVE it. Thank you Honda for a great vehicle! Its awesome to drive too.

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  Wonderful Minivan - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By clcl - July 20 - 9:43 am

  I had this Odyssey for just one week. The whole family just loves it. Interior is very comfortable and more luxurious than a Sienna XLE. Making a U-Turn is a piece of cake. It feels secure to drive and has a smooth ride.

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  Incredible Car - 2009 Honda Fit
  By HarrisonGreeleyIII - July 20 - 8:23 am

  I love the Fit. The mileage is amazing. Im getting 32 mpg in the city and 40+ on the highways. This blows the EPA estimates out of the water (28/33). The gauges at night are beautiful. The MPG gauge really helps maximize fuel economy by showing current and average MPG at the same time. The paddle shifters are very cool and help maximize economy too. You can lock into 5th gear when cruising so the transmission never down shifts when going up hills. I just love this. This cars MPGs are right in line with my Yaris liftback that has nowhere near the room or features. The USB flash drive player is so very nice! Do yourself a favor and drive the 09 Fit Sport. You will LOVE IT!

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  LOVE THIS VAN - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By lucie - July 19 - 1:46 pm

  We should have had this van when all kids were at home! We own the EX-L model and enjoy everything about it. Best of all is the room that we have. Everyone is 57" or much taller and we all have plenty of leg and head room. Used this van to move my son home from college. With the middle seats out and the back seats stored, we put his x-long single mattress and boxspring on its side and still had plenty of room for his other stuff. For long camping trips, we take out the middle seats, drop the rear seats and put in two road bikes, camping gear and luggage. Very comfortable and convenient. Young son and friends, all 6+ took it on road trip and enjoyed the comfort.

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  Not pracitcal, but FUN! - 2001 Honda S2000
  By mikeandterri - July 19 - 12:33 pm

  I bought my 2001 S2000 with 5K miles on it. It was too impractical for the previous owner. Since I only drive it to work and back, practicality is not an issue. In fact, the S2000 makes my 30-45 minute commute fun, everyday except when its snowing. Acceleration is awesome, top goes up and down in seconds (important for the surprise thunderstorm), handling is superb. The interior is quite cramped, and not recommended for someone 6 feet or taller. Im 510" and fit fine, although getting in and out with the top up requires some agility. The stock stereo system in poor, and if you upgrade you lose the remote control functions on the dash. So I just upgraded the speakers.

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  1sthondaluvit - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By pilotcopilot - July 19 - 12:06 pm

  Have only owned this vehicle for around a month, but love it! Replaced a worn out Mercury Sable wagon with it and never looked back. It drives impeccably and handles like a dream! Even though it has 78000 miles on it, runs like new. I have owned other Japanese vehicles in the past and loved them. This by far is the most comfortable and best handling of any!

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  What a Car!!! - 1999 Honda Civic
  By Barry - July 19 - 11:58 am

  I purchased this car used, but I plan to buy a new Honda if and when this car gives it up. But it shows no signs of doing anything of the sort. I get 40+ mpg (OK, maybe I am a bit of a hypermiler). It helps that it was well-maintained by the previous owner, and I am also keeping it fine-tuned, well-oiled and clean. It is extremely reliable, stylish, and economical... everything I want in an auto. Interior is a tad small, but I do not really care since the pluses completely outweigh this one concern. The trunk is very roomy. The ride is smooth, the pep is just fine, and it is significantly more quiet than I expected. I give this car a TEN - absolutely!

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  Review - 2004 Honda Accord
  By Display - July 19 - 11:50 am

  For the price Ive paid for this vehicle it is very comfortable, very reliable, the gas mileage is excellent and it has a ton of standard features. I use it as a commuter car, Ive already put 38,000 miles on it in 18 months and it is still working like a swiss clock. Ive only had one minor problem with the air conditioning not operating at the driver side which was due to a leak. That was fixed under warranty.