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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  1999 Honda Accord - 1999 Honda Accord
  By Bob Kilmon - August 3 - 2:59 pm

  Ive driven this car for 8 years now, and Im gonna trade in for a Lexus. Overall, I think this is a pretty reliable car except for the fact that most Accords Ive see have a transmission problem. However, the design is really nice, and fuel economy is great, but I would recommend researching Hondas transmission problems (98-03) before buying this car. Weve had our transmission fixed twice, which cost 7k, so we decided to trade in.

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  great value - 2007 Honda Fit
  By Missouri Breaks - August 3 - 2:58 pm

  12 months and 60,000 miles. I think its broken in. It is what I expected it to be. Get 40 mpg when I drive like an old man. My highway mileage is closer to 35 mpg. The ride is on a par with my Mustang GT. The workmanship is ok. The power is about what is expected from a 90 ci engine. I will say the acceleration is about like my old Buick 225s. 455 vs 90 ci. Ill take the 90. Passing? Chose the right gear, keep the revs up and it does ok. Center armrest? Get a big, long, round pillow. A/C cant keep up? Tint the windows. Doesnt perform like you wish? It is what it is. Pretty darn good car, especially when you look at the price. Cheap carpet? Oh well, look at the price.

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  surprised - 2016 Honda Odyssey
  By Pat Nolan - August 3 - 10:12 am

  Since my last odyssey a 2007 EXL a lot of changes were made. The ride is great, noise level is better, safety features are nice but take a little getting use to. One thing I wish Honda would look into is folding outside mirrors. Home owners with limited garage space this feature would be nice to have. I could go on about the car but I think Honda has a home run with this vehicle!!!

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  Honda Lover - 2008 Honda Fit
  By Thomas - August 3 - 9:53 am

  Since 1991 I have only driven Honda cars. I have never had any major repairs. This Fit measures up and surpasses my expectations. It is an incredible small car. I get 32 mpg in or out of traffic, virtually no road noise and the performance is equal to anything else I have driven.

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  Bring your own transmission - 2002 Honda Accord
  By Anonomous - August 3 - 1:53 am

  I bought my Accord new because they are supposed to be low maintenance cars that run forever. After warranty expiration, I learned that "forever" is slang for until your warranty expires. Even though my car is six years old, it only has 40,000 miles on it and Im replacing the transmission. Ive learned that this is a very common problem among hondas. It does have a flimsy front cup holder that wont stay latched and has a lot of road noise when driving at high speeds. With only four cylinders, its a little gutless when getting onto the freeway. All these things could be overlooked if I could just get the transmission to let drive it.

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  Hot car, Great Ride - 2002 Honda Accord
  By Linda in Denver - August 3 - 12:38 am

  I love this car, bought it with 30K miles on it in 2005, now at 75K, three years later. This car has not given me ANY problems at all. I have it serviced regularly. Ive gone through one set of tires and one battery. It is fun to drive, love the V-6 power. It looks brand new after a good car wash and I get compliments on it all the time. This is the best body style Honda has ever had. I will be sad to see the day I have to put the old girl down.

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  I want my Civic back! - 2008 Honda Fit
  By rubypearl - August 2 - 11:15 pm

  I now have 5,000 miles on this car. Ive tried to give it the benefit of doubt, but I am so frustrated with it. The engine has an annoying knock/tick on acceleration, so much, that bystanders on the street acknowledge it. Of course, the Honda mechanics dont hear it. This Fit is a squirrelly beast in the snow, and is a frightening plow, rather than "fun to drive". Having lived in Alaska for many years, I do know how to drive in snow! Luckily I no longer live there. The paint quality is less than "quality". I have the Blackberry Pearl, sport model. I highly suggest choosing a Civic over a Fit, if handling, noise, and fuel economy are important to you. I miss my Civic, LOTS!

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  Not so great - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By kimo darling - August 2 - 7:50 pm

  The vehicle is small and does not take bumps very well. The doors shut and make a noise like tin cans. The vehicle seems cheap and cant pull anything but a really small trailer (really small) Lots of road noise. If you look under the vehicle from the rear, the exhaust pipe looks funny the way it is routed. It hangs down and looks like a string of spegetti.

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  Great Car - 2010 Honda Accord
  By William - August 2 - 4:10 pm

  After 18 months with a Civic, I had to do something. This car exceeds all of my expectations, less one. My other car is a 1999 AMG C-43, owned from new, so my standards are high.

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  Fit is Fit for me - 2008 Honda Fit
  By Joe Fleming - August 2 - 3:28 pm

  This is the best fuel economy car that Honda has to offer besides the hybrid. I love everything about this car, i loved the economy and performance so much i traded in my 2007 ridgeline for the fit. I will never get rid of this car it will be passed down to my daughter for her first car and will purchase another Honda. All in all this was the best move Honda had made, well done.