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 hatchback in the US - 2003 Honda Civic
  By BryanCivic - April 10 - 2:00 am

  Civic Si drives like a go-cart, has great feel, is 1000 lbs lighter that VW Golf(power-weight ratio)and that you can feel. The exterior is very Euro, and I rarely see any others here in WI, so thats always a good thing, especially since its a Honda and there is no shortage of non- hatches around. Overall, I still cant believe the amount of car I got for the money. Thanks to all the SUV suckers, us car buyers reap mucho savings.

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  Love My Accord - 2003 Honda Accord
  By flclewis2002 - April 10 - 2:00 am

  The car makes a statement. It was compared to a 9 series BMW. Of courser the BMW has a lot more gadgets, but overall the person who own the BMW said that my accord was very similar to his car. I purchased the Black accord. My complaint is that the paint seems to have developed swirls in it. I have also been having problems with the brakes but I understand that this is the first model in the style.

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  Exceptional - 2004 Honda Accord
  By FirstTimeHondaOwner - April 10 - 2:00 am

  This is my first Honda automobile. This model comes with everything except Navigation, but after owning it for a month I couldnÂ’t be more pleased. The engine is very quite at idle (canÂ’t hear it), and provides ample acceleration. The interior very comfortable and comes with all the bells & whistles. The automatic climate control is excellent along with the heated seats. The traction control proved to be an excellent addition when pulling out of a snow bank left by the city plow. The car is an excellent example of overall superior engineering and quality considering its cost. I couldnÂ’t be happier with my decision to purchase it.

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  Love It - 2007 Honda Ridgeline
  By john - April 10 - 12:05 am

  We love every thing about it. It rides and handles like a top of the line car. We have had camper tops on our last two trucks, but we do not miss them. With the trunk and fold up seat we have plenty of room to move and stash everything we wanted to transport so far. We love the console storage. No one can see what is in there. The gas mileage is the only thing I am not happy with. 16-17 in city and 19 highway is the best I have got.

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  Very happy with my CRV! - 2014 Honda CR-V
  By Dani - April 9 - 10:09 pm

  Here in florida this ride is perfect! no issues at all. everyone that comes inside it passangers all love it! i get compliments constantly. have had since 0 miles . now has over 10k and no issues. go in on time for all my oil changes. For those bad reviewers, its probably since they live in harsh snowy areas but here in flat florida its perfect! A/C cools fast in this hot florida weather , smooth ride always, weve taken it for long trips up and down the florida coast and not one peep. highly recommend this little SUV for anyone who has dogs or kids. My dogs love the cargo space ! Recommend getting the weather techs floor liners to protect the floor rugs. plan to have my baby for years to come!

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  Functional, good looks, and cheap! - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By JohnD - April 9 - 8:50 pm

  Last week I found yet another storage bin in the CRV that I wasnt aware of. So much room for storage, comfortable seats (especially back seats) and surprisingly large rear storage. I traded in a troublesome 2002 VW for the Honda and it has lived up to the hype. Fun to drive, side-air bags standard, and good gas milage make this a no-brainer. Did I mention how affordable it is?

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  Love My Accord - 2008 Honda Accord
  By mleddy - April 9 - 4:50 pm

  This is my first Honda and I am so impressed. The redesign is so well done. This car feels big inside, accommodates four large adults with ease. The trim package with the chrome looks so classy, I have received many compliments already. Door closure is solid, leather seats are very comfortable. I got 25 mpg around town with first tank. No Highway travel yet. I love the variable cylinder engine feature of the V6, I do notice it change but it is really not a big deal. Every control placement is well thought out, although the radio controls are somewhat redundant. I think Honda has really done well here and the added expense compared to the others in the same class is well worth it.

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  You Gals will Love This Car - 2007 Honda Fit
  By Jayne - April 9 - 6:33 am

  I have had this car for almost a week now and it is one of the best cars I have ever driven. With gas prices heading no where but up its a good choice for us ladies who care little about speed and performance. The safety devices include six air bags and although its a small car it feels so roomy on the inside. The ease of reconfiguring the seating is really nice. Dont even have to worry about breaking a nail when doing it. The controls are easy to understand and readilly accessable. Its the perfect Mom or Grandma car but I feel that the guys may not feel manly enough driving it. I chose the Sport Automatics since I like all the added features in the package. FIT is GO for us Gals!

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  great car - 2007 Honda Civic
  By michael - April 9 - 2:26 am

  exceptional handling, solid, quiet comfort. replaced 05 civic with this 07 coupe cant believe they are the same car.

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  Base Fit = Great value - 2009 Honda Fit
  By W - April 9 - 1:40 am

  Got the base Fit because the only feature I really wanted on the Sport was cruise control, and that wasnt worth the extra price. Keyless can be added by buying the transmitter keys online, and I negotiated with my dealer to do the key cutting and programming for free. If youre thinking Base versus Sport, the Base model rides a bit smoother and gets a bit better mileage, while the Sport is definitely "sportier" and it does have a lot of nice add-ons that you may or may not place a great value on. The Base also has a lighter color interior that you may or may not prefer over the Sport.