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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  love it, but mileage terrible - 2008 Honda Fit
  By goldylocks - August 15 - 2:06 pm

  Ok, so I traded in a small SUV for this Milano Red Honda Fit Sport Automatic. Honestly, my SUV got better gas mileage, I have to fill up at 200 miles in city. I only live 2 miles from work. so the best mileage Ive gotten is 24 mpg. But the majority is coming 20-21 mpg. I have not put it on the highway yet to test, but most of my driving is in the city, granted I live in Baton Rouge and we have terrible traffic, but i live 2 miles from work and dont go outside that realm during the week. I absolutely love everything about this car except the gas mileage. I just had the windows tinted, installed a sunroof and an armrest. Looks really sporty.

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  2003 EX Civic Sedan w/ side airbags - 2003 Honda Civic
  By danzreina - August 15 - 10:00 am

  I bought my new Honda about a month ago and am just loving it. I was debating between the Corolla and the Civic, and almost went with the corolla until I researched this website. I had thought the corolla would be cheaper but it wasnt. Plus, the civics features were much better...the one thing that sold me was the fact that the civics interior was way more roomy and comfortable for me and my passengers.

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  Its a Honda/ What else is there to say!! - 2003 Honda Civic
  By krw - August 15 - 10:00 am

  This car is your typical Honda,First and foremost QUALITY for your $$. Next and not far behind is RELIABILITY. What more could you want or ask for!!!

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  Beautiful Car - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Lucasnyc - August 15 - 10:00 am

  I love the Accord, from the sculpted body to the 240 horses under the hood, it is truely an amazing car. The more I look at it, the beautiful I think it is. The black leather interior compliments the metallic silver paint perfectly.

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  Hot Family Sedan - 2003 Honda Accord
  By JimSil - August 15 - 10:00 am

  This is one great family sedan. Most solid Honda Ive ever driven, and Ive owned several. No other company packs as much equipment as they do for a great price.

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  Oops! - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By Jesse Orta - August 14 - 11:06 pm

  My wife was wanting a Honda Pilot for the last 15 months. We waited for the new model, shopped around, got the best price possible and great she got her wish. Well we have owned it for the last three months. I am not too trilled with it! Blue tooth is outdated, the screen looks awful fingerprints all over it. The motor lacks power if four adults are in the vehicle. Third row seat is a bit too troublesome to get into, luckily my little girl loves hoping into it instead. ENGINE IS TOO NOISY!!!! Its a brand new engine and it is not quite. It sounds like crickets under the hood while in idle. My older truck has a quitter v6 than this Honda. SHAME on HONDA. Well we are already making plans in trading it in later next year. Too bad I had my hopes too high. I will NOT recommend this car to anyone.

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  Think twice - 2008 Honda Civic
  By Linda - August 14 - 10:16 pm

  I am already making plans to get rid of this car. Think twice before buying if your 54" or under. I have adjusted this car nonstop since I got it and cant find a comfortable fit. The head rest juts out into the seating area so if youre short, your head hits it nonstop. I finally pulled the headrest off. Now its comfortable but I dont feel safe. This is my fourth Honda Civic and the only one I wouldnt recommend.

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  Cool Car! - 2008 Honda Fit
  By tomsandys - August 14 - 9:32 pm

  Really a fun car to drive, worst gas mileage so far is 40 mpg, best 46 mpg. Sturdy, quiet, and nimble for an economy car.

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  I love my Element - 2005 Honda Element
  By hppywife - August 14 - 7:36 pm

  My husband bought me my Element for our anniversary. I love it. I drove a Cavalier and I am more then happy with the trade. My kids have so much room and it is a fun family vehicle. It doesnt have the get up and go like I am use to but it has a lot more room and a lot more reliable. My kids love their sun roof. I just love this ride.

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  Good Car except brakes skid - 2007 Honda Accord
  By ananymous - August 14 - 6:09 pm

  #1: The car doesnt seem to stop/ skids , when brakes applied over road bumps. Its a little frightening when it does that. No problem driving in the winter though (may be because I drive slowly). #2: 2007 model accord doesnt has a auxiliary port.