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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  First small car - 2004 Honda Civic
  By Jim - August 1 - 12:10 am

  I love this car. It is fun to drive and the mileage is better the futher you drive it. Excellent manufactures assistance and concern. Dealer satifaction is high. Very nice people. I bought the car for gas mileage around town and it has satisfied me.

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  MOST RELIABLE - 1992 Honda Accord
  By J Cruz - July 31 - 9:35 pm

  This car is very reliable. I went from a newer car to the 1992 Honda Accord and it was a very smart choice. I drive a lot and this car takes a beating in the HOT Florida weather. After driving it all day this car feels same way, never sluggish and no rough idle, runs like a true champ.

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  S2000 = Jet Fighter - 2006 Honda S2000
  By Brandon - July 31 - 6:52 pm

  I bought this car to replace my 1999 M3. Havent looked back. The car can play nice little roadster and the sporty feeling stays hidden if you keep it under 6k rpms. But when you see the curve up ahead an you hit 6k rpms, no more nice little honda, the sound becomes better than anything else youve heard, you turn in sharp and the car sticks like super glue. The S2000 can beat the boxsters in the turns if youre a good driver. This car feels so willing to turn in an accel. The interior is perfect, everything is in the right spot, the transmission is the best Ive ever driven with. The digital dash is very driver oriented. Honda somehow made a great car, even better. Not too many cars can compare.

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  my accord experience - 2005 Honda Accord
  By Ryan - July 31 - 12:56 pm

  I bought an EX-V6 before this one and find the hybrid much better in quality. My EX-V6 squeaked and rattled loudly after 1K miles, well see how this one does (hybrid feels better put together). The ride feels much better and i like the electric steering. Gas mileage is *HIGHLY* variable -- 10 to 20 in rush hour traffic but 25-40 while moving around town. 35-45 mpg on highway where vcm really helps out. overall better acceleration than EX-V6, but accelerating keeps the car in V6 mode and thus you wont realize gas savings. Therefore, you can save on gas, but you have to work @ it -- dont be a lead foot and drive @ off peak hours. Other features it shares with EX-V6 work just as well.

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  Great little car - 2007 Honda Fit
  By LaurenceB - July 31 - 9:03 am

  I have been very pleased with my Honda Fit. My basic manual version gets 37 mpg regularly, which is about equal to the goverment estimates. It is the first car that I have had to come even close to the expected fuel economy. I am particularly pleased with the extremely low rolling resistance. It gives a sense of frugality and adds to the engines performance.

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  I Love My 00 Honda - 2000 Honda Accord
  By lovemyhonda - July 31 - 7:20 am

  I purchased my first Honda Accord 3 years ago. I was going through a divorce and told my salesperson that I needed a vehicle that would be dependable, low maintenance, safe and have good gas mileage. He recommended a 92 Honda Accord that was on his lot. I kept it for the weekend to test drive it, and I loved it! I was so impressed with the car, that when my son got his drivers license and I passed my car to him, I knew that I definitely wanted my new car to be another Honda Accord. It has everything you could want in a car. I have 100,000 miles on my car and I just got back from a 3,000 mile road trip. Not once did I ever doubt my cars reliability or safety. I love It!

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  2002 Honda Civic - 2002 Honda Civic
  By skeezicks - July 30 - 8:56 am

  I bought my Civic new. This car gets the best gas mileage ever. On trips Im averaging 42 mpg! At $3.09 per gallon who could complain. Minor problems, stereo system died at 35,800 miles (under warranty), needed new battery at 50,000 miles. I have 53,000 miles now and will be trading in for a new 2007 Civic. Great car for the money. Gets better gas mileage than the Honda Fit!!!

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  2016 Honda Accord. - 2016 Honda Accord
  By Kevin Benson - July 29 - 10:43 am

  Great vehicle

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  Feels Solid and its Fun to Drive - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By mercurius_1 - July 29 - 7:26 am

  Previous vehicle was a 95 Toyota Camry; traded up for a bigger and hopefully safer vehicle that wont also be a gas hog. This is deceptively big with a very well thought out interior. It rides firmly and solidly over the rough roads of central PA. So far I have no complaints whatsoever about it. I love sitting higher when I drive and I am impressed with all of the standard safety features. I also love the interior cargo space - Im an artist and this vehicle has plenty of room for me to haul around my paintings and other materials. Love it so far!

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  Odyssey "Touring" = Luxury + Excellence - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By Happy Osyssey Driver - July 28 - 11:26 pm

  Luxury plus! A Mini-Limosine. All kinds of modern features. Comfort and ride are excellent. Soft plush leather seats. Everyone loves it, and I can hardly get to use it, my teenage son and daughter enjoy it so much. Our short and long trips are total comfort. Overall gas mileage is 22 mpg. The same level Toyota cost about $300/month more. With this Honda luxury van, forget Toyota.