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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  Never Thought I would buy a mini-van - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By Pirogue - October 28 - 2:00 am

  With the arrival of our first child and the aging of my wifes car, we started to look for a dependable, safe car - and picked the Odyssey because of its safety features. I never knew how comfortable a mini-van could be.

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  A car you always have to think about... - 2001 Honda Civic
  By vinbone - October 28 - 2:00 am

  Dont be fooled by Hondas claim that youre buying a car "you never have to think about". Quite the opposite. Both of my 2001s had a multitude of problems, small some large: (1) Transmission major downshift and late shift issues, fluid burn, power loss. (2) Rotors need cut every 10,000 miles. (3) Gas gauge reads incorrectly. (4) Window motor locks up. (5) Fog lights crack repeatedly (poor design, lenses too thin). (6) Front end vibration. (7) Call pulls to right, even with alignment & new tires. (8) Front bumper and roof moulding issues. (10) Rear brake squeak. (12) Gas mileage 6 mpg worse than claim.

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  over the top - 2004 Honda Civic
  By Heikki - October 28 - 2:00 am

  This one snuck up on me. Purchased for basic hi-mpg go-to-work transportation; found instead a personal coupe I really love. Made commuting the best part of the workday (really). A very well balanced, fun-to-drive car.

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  Excellent Car - 2004 Honda Accord
  By Mohammad Turan Yurak - October 28 - 2:00 am

  I have an excellent experience with my Accord, Dont try it, buy it youll enjoy it.

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  Good car but with issues - 2009 Honda Accord
  By Mike - October 27 - 10:00 pm

  Enjoyable car to drive overall BUT: Overkill driver side lumbar pushing on back. Auto shifts pretty jerky in lower gears. 4 cyl versions have flickering headlights whenever a/c used. BRAKES!!! Im an EZ driver and well just google 2008, 2009 brake problems and youll see for yourself.

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  Defined by what you drive? - 2007 Honda Fit
  By smlltwngrl - October 27 - 6:30 pm

  Me? No. So if youre one of those peeps, this cars not for you. It looks like a very popular hybrid, but so much better and more budget conscious! Living in TX, I have to compete with a lot of V8 and V10 trucks (no, not horses). I am proud to say this little fuel efficient wonder zips through a sea of gas-guzzlers in a world of urban sprawl; and Im a manual-tranny-drivin-leadfoot! More features come standard with the FIT than any of its competitors: ABS, airbags, CD player, auto-locks, auto- windows and A/C! First tune-up? 100,000! I owned my last car for 12 years and 174,000 miles, and I look forward to owning this one for 12 more!

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  Glad I bought it. - 2006 Honda Civic
  By jaylieb - October 27 - 5:23 pm

  Drives like a much bigger car. Much quieter than my old Acura Integra. I love the looks of the car and the features.

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  Best Accord yet - 2010 Honda Accord Crosstour
  By swissy - October 27 - 2:56 pm

  I have been following the Crosstour online for months. This car definitely looks much cooler in person than in photos. You feel like youre driving a really nice Accord when you drive the Crosstour. This is the car for someone who wants the ample storage space and 4WD without having an SUV.

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  Honda Fit 2009 - 2009 Honda Fit
  By Warren - October 27 - 8:43 am

  We bought our Honda Fit 2 weeks ago after test driving the Toyota Yaris, and Hyundais Elantra and Accent first. So far we absolutely love our new car. We purchased the Metallic gray color and it looks great. We bought our car at Branfond Honda in Branford, Ct. and the salesmen Joel was straight forward and worked with us on price even before we came to the showroom which convinced me to go and take one for a test drive. The car rides smooth, handles great, and is fun to drive. We like it enough I would like to purchase another one soon. This is another fine product Honda has produced. My wife has an 18 year old Accord which is what helped convince us to go with Honda again.

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  Second Accord - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Honda Family - October 26 - 10:23 pm

  This is the second Accord Ive owned and it wont be the last. This one replaced a 2002 Accord EX 4cyl 4A with over 140,000 miles on it that I gave to my daughter. I really liked the 02 and I really love the 08. The bigger size has taken some getting used to, but the additional horsepower compared to the 02 and the performance are like night and day. This car seems to have much more "giddy up" than the 02. I was tempted to go for the V6, but I drive 42 miles one way to work and we have an 07 Odyssey with the variable cylinder management system and unless youre on long highway runs it doesnt get the gas mileage Honda claims. Im getting 26.5 MPG with the factory oil still in it.