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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  Superior handling - 1992 Honda Prelude
  By alex - December 19 - 5:11 pm

  This car has the best handling in its price category. Performance is good for a 4 cyl. The 4ws is so much fun to drive, you just wanna turn in corner at the last second so people in the other lane think youre gonna hit them. For a 16 year old car, exterior is great. When you stop at a red light, people just want to race you even if you dont want to. Note this is a cop magnet car too. Give the car good tire and handling is more then amazing.

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  Most Overrated Minivan in the World - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By JOHNPAR - December 19 - 4:46 pm

  The drivers side power door opens a few inches and then stops, a real pain with a new baby which is the only reason we went the Honda route. Poor noise insulation, DVD works ok but the headphones have never worked correctly. Dome light barely lights up, Back seats are uncomfortable on a long trip. Traded a mid-level 1998 Olds Silhouette in on this much quieter, better ride, comparable power, and handled the same. 105K miles was time for a new vehicle, this is our last Honda.

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  My Prelude - 1993 Honda Prelude
  By LadyPrelude - December 19 - 1:33 pm

  Ive had this car almost 10 years and still love to drive it. Its fun and fast.

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  Cant Be Beat - 2009 Honda Fit
  By jousai7 - December 19 - 11:20 am

  Great car, very happy. Bought one two days ago and have put 500 miles on it. The seats are stiff but supportive and i have no issues with long drives. The suspension is stiff but i enjoy the control the vehicle has. It feels sporty enough for getting 39 mpg on my first tank. Really enjoy the interior space. For the amount you spend on this car its worth every cent. I would definitely suggest the manual over the automatic, those paddle shifters were interesting but hardly useful.

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  Mileage disappointing - 2008 Honda Fit
  By captrgc - December 19 - 8:53 am

  Sold my Tacoma when the gas prices were high and bought this car because it was so well rated. I am sorry to say that after 5000 miles, I have not been able to achieve more than 30 MPG and the last 2 tanks gave me only 27 MPH... not enough to justify the loss I took trading in my 20 MPG truck.

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  My new 2017 Ridgeline - 2017 Honda Ridgeline
  By jpmac08 - December 19 - 8:11 am

  I really enjoy this vehicle but I do have a few however. I wanted a small pickup to commute and do occasional work. I narrowed my choices down to the Ridgeline, Tacoma and the Colorado. I picked the Ridgeline on comfort and I was able to get a little better deal through COSTCO. I love driving it. Along the way I have found a few things that I am not excited about. My battery went dead and I went to jump start it according to the owners manual. Honda for whatever reason has not made this easy. You have to remove a shield before attaching cables. A huge hassle. Secondly the instrument council controls are not automatically lit. I had to make a drive late a night and wanted to turn off the A/c. Had to turn on cabin lights o see controls. A back light would have been nice. Finally, in todays world I would think a small truck could get 20 MPH average for all driving. My Ridgeline gets 18.5. Disappointing. I would by this vehicle again, I really enjoy it and the dealer I have bought it from has been great. At the end of the day, nothing is perfect. Honda can easily address my "CONS".

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  A Good Mini-Van Overall - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By R.J. - December 19 - 4:00 am

  Being on a budget, I opted for the Odyssey LX model. I am disappointed by the interior fit & finish of this model. Especially when compared to my 03 CRV EX. The car was delivered with a large gap above the upper glove box, weather-stripping & door molding that was disconnected from the door as well as cheap plastic everywhere the dashboard also makes squeaking noises. I am quite surprised that these issues (gaps and disconnected molding) were not taken care of by quality control at the Alabama plant. I also notice a strange grinding noise when first driving off at about 12 mph, it lasts about 1 second. Honda is aware of this and advised me that this is a self-check of the stability control.

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  Great Vehicle - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By dwv - December 19 - 12:46 am

  By far the best mini van I have owned. Much better ride, quality, features... than Town and Country.

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  great car - 2006 Honda Civic
  By nayyar ali shah - December 18 - 11:46 pm

  I think it is agreat car except for the cruise control that it did not have. the dealership has promised me to arrange it and equip my car.

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  The Best mid-size SUV so far - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By tangotango99 - December 18 - 9:40 pm

  This SUV is the Best Mid-Size SUV so far. The ride is one of the very best the interior is roomy. The Pilot is not the best in everything it is just above the average in all around in evaluation