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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  fun fun fun! - 2008 Honda Fit
  By whackgirl17 - October 17 - 11:20 pm

  After getting through a terrible ordeal with the dealership, my Honda Fit is great! Ill list my cons first: I agree with comments that there should be a center arm rest & a dead pedal next to the clutch. I also wish that the rear window wiper had an intermittent speed. There is quite a bit of road noise coming up from the floor at highway speed. On a day to day basis though, these things do not really bother me. Having used an automatic transmission Fit while waiting for my real car, I definitely recommend the manual transmission and would not even buy an automatic in this model. I love the zippiness of my Fit & the sound system is good. It is so cute, well designed & fun to drive.

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  Just purchased - 2007 Honda Fit
  By Ashley - October 17 - 8:16 pm

  Car is so much fun to drive and has tons of cool features! I really like the advanced air bags and how the back seats recline, fold up, and fold down. This car has tons of head room! Gets excellent gas mileage! I love it!

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  Nice car, poor gas mileage - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By cheryl - October 17 - 6:06 pm

  I like the Pilot very much--it is quiet, tight and fun to drive, but the mileage I am getting is way under what Honda publishes. I have had the car for about 6 weeks now and I am averaging about 14 miles a gallon!!! I am not a "lead foot" kind of driver. I averaged 18 mpg in my last car, a 2000 Ford Windstar (which is not known for great mileage). When I complained to the dealership, I was told that many Pilot buyers had similar complaints. Had I known the mileage was this low, I would have considered another vehicle.

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  MK HONDA - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By melrcl45 - October 17 - 9:51 am

  A very competent auto. The front and rear seating positions "feel" large and spacious. Very comfortable for an SUV, smooth and quite at highways speeds, but still, not a car. Average gas usage overall is 14-17 range. Never more that 19 on a long trip. Next time, Ill be looking for better gas mileage. No daytime running lights- except manually on. Overall- very satisfied.9+

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  Well Built Vehicle - 2009 Honda Accord
  By Car Guru - October 17 - 7:23 am

  I have owned many cars in my 25 years of driving, (i.e Nissan Maxima, Infiniti G35, Ford Mustang, Nissan Sentra). I never imagined owning a Honda after Nissan vehicles for the last 15 years. The Accord meets my expectations in styling, performance and workmanship. I dont understand why so many people are complaining about road noise and lack of comfort. The Accord does have a firm ride which adds to good handling. I dont like mushy ride and a loose steering wheel. I find that the Accord handles better than the 3 Maximas that I owned. The interior is very roomy and well made (no squeaks and rattles that I had with Nissan). I have not had one problem in the first 90 days of ownership.

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  Great Car - 2008 Honda Civic
  By Todd - October 17 - 7:03 am

  I was shocked on a highway trip to get 41mpg on the highway... far better than the 26 I used to get with my last car, a BMW. I am a tall person, 62 and easily fit in the car. I love the sporty styling and well appointed ergonomics. This car has great visibility due to the huge windshield. You will ride very low to the ground... but Im sure that has something to do with reducing drag.

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  Tops - 2016 Honda HR-V
  By Dale aRoland - October 17 - 6:06 am

  This SUV holds to the drive and drives very good. I love it.

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  Great Car - 2006 Honda Insight
  By jbyrne - October 16 - 9:24 pm

  I traded in my mercury Marquis when gas went over $3.00 per gallon. I drive a lot with my job and this car saves me $100/1000 miles compared to the old car. I figured out I could give my money to Honda or Mobil. I am getting between 65-70 per gallon at 65-70MPH. I drive about 3000 miles per month. I am just as comfortable in this car as the mercury.

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  Awesome Car, but good thing its a Honda.. - 2006 Honda Civic
  By wendtsc - October 16 - 1:26 pm

  I love this car, but... There have been two things about it that have me concerned about down the road. One, the fuel economy has been in the low 30s! This is even driving at an avg of 30 to 40 mph. I know they are suppose to get better after the break in, but I have never had a car that got 45% below the sticker ECONOMY! Two, the check engine light comes on randomly, and when I take it in to the dealer, no one knows what the engine error code means. I felt sorry for the dealer. They called Honda repeatedly over two days and no one at the factory knew anything about the 06s. So, they just clear the error. Unfortunately, the lemmon law doesnt protect against poor mileage or performance.

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  Close to perfection - 2008 Honda Accord
  By mikeneb - October 16 - 4:43 am

  This is such a great car! The 4 cylinder is adequate for my needs and the fuel economy is superior. This car looks and feels like an Acura. Nobody believes its just a Honda Accord. Only issue would be there is no way to control your iPod for the console. Wish that was an option.