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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  Excellent car. Best value for the dollar - 2008 Honda Fit
  By EXCELLENT VALUE! - July 8 - 7:03 pm

  Excellent! I will have this car for at least 300,000 miles (like my Dodge Colt from years back. 248,000 miles same engine/transmissions also 5 spd) the fit is phenomenal! First tank of gas around 37 mpg (city/hghwy combined. If you drive the speed limit meticulously as I am doing now you can easily get 39-41 mpg! The Toyota yaris is smaller and $1800 more. Base fit comes with abs, pwr doors, am/FM/single cd - 160 Watt stereo. 5 spd shifts like butter. Short throws. Rides nice. Practical yet not cheap. Great build, ,excellent brakes, steering, road manners and of course its a Honda. So I am certain it will last easy 300,000 miles (just ride it easy and change the oil every 6,000 miles

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  I love my Smart Fit! - 2007 Honda Fit
  By Sharon - July 8 - 4:56 pm

  I have the Blaze Orange Fit and this is the smartest car I have ever owned! I love the looks and enjoy the utility. I am an outdoor cat so I love the fact that I can put my bike in it with relative ease and it will hold a great deal of cargo for camping and hiking trips. Looking at it from the outside, you would never guess how much head room and utility it actually has on the inside! It is a very comfortable ride for such a small car and the gas mileage is outstanding.

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  Best family mid size suv - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By ram sharma - July 8 - 1:24 pm

  7 adults can be seated comfortably, superior handling on freeways and village roads too, city 20/21 mpg, highway 26.1 mpg. Best inclass outward visibility, lots of storage space and cup holders, only downside Honda should offer navigation on the available 8" touch screen.

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  Car has been babied from day one. - 2000 Honda Accord
  By WILLIAM FLOREZ - July 8 - 11:21 am

  This vehicle is a durable and a very comfortable automobile that will be around for a long time. All the service has been done to this car and it still runs like its new.

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  Excellent car overall - 2008 Honda Civic
  By Valerie Phillips - July 8 - 2:40 am

  I have only driven the car a few thousand miles, but enough to know what a wonderful car it is! When I traded, my car payment increased approx. $50.00, however I have saved over $100.00 in gas each of the past 2 months. The ride is very pleasant and the overall workmanship of the car is great. There a few minor irritations, however I would definitely choose this vehicle again. I do wish that I would have gotten an EX-L with Navigation.

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  I Love my Odyssey - 2018 Honda Odyssey
  By JohnI - July 7 - 11:21 pm

  You can get a generous discount. The 2018 has many more safety and convenience features than the 2017.

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  Love the Pilot - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By Bart - July 7 - 9:59 pm

  I bought my 04 EXL-Nav w/ 22K miles in immaculate condition. The ride is very smooth and quiet for an SUV. Ive always been a car guy, but Im very happy with the Pilot. There are a few interior rattles but theyre bearable. I was impressed the first time I punched it getting into traffic - it really moves for a truck that size. I test-drove several mid-size SUVs, but the Pilot outmatched them all in almost every category, and hey - its a Honda!

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  Great little car - 2009 Honda Fit
  By James - July 7 - 7:50 pm

  Just got my new Fit after an accident took my old beloved Corolla. The car is attractive and adaptable. I got 35 MPG on the first break-in tank and it was hauling 5 people for most of that mileage. Really enjoy the sound system. Its a nicely put together car with all the key safety features standard.

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  Cant get a better Car for the $$!!! - 2006 Honda CR-V
  By Critty - July 7 - 5:36 pm

  Have had this car for almost a month and absolutely love it! Leather int. is great as are the steering wheel controls. Tons of room front and back not to mention the safety features that come standard. Priced the new RAV4 w/ same options and it would have cost me 5K more than I ended up paying for CRV. No more european cars for me!

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  My first Honda - 2007 Honda Civic
  By Ryan - July 7 - 3:06 pm

  I recently traded in my 2001 Sebring because I wanted something more reliable and better gas mileage. My brother has an 03 civic and loves it, so I took to 2007 for a test drive and fell in love with it. It has great acceleration for a small car and is fun to drive.