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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  Big guy in a little car. - 2008 Honda Fit
  By Jason - August 1 - 9:45 am

  After reading many conflicting reviews about space for taller drivers I decided to test drive one to see if Id fit (sorry). To my surprise I had plenty of room, just as much leg room and lots more head room than my 97 Grand Prix. Im 66" and 280+ w/ size 14 feet. I had no problems whatsoever with the pedals being too close to me or each other (in both the manual and the auto). The steering wheel does not feel too far away to me, in my normal driving position, my arms are still slightly bent, but if I want to feel "racy" I can press my back into the seat and feel like Im driving a race car with my arms stretched out. Its got plenty of pep for a car of its class.

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  WOOOOOOOW - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By Ridgey - August 1 - 7:53 am

  After looking at all the other midsize trucks, I was impressed by all the features my truck has and others dont. The ride is smooth and the power is there. Very quiet interior, but Im always blasting the XM, that it does not matter. Excellent stock audio system! Geez, there is too many things I like about this truck, and Ive run out of room. HONDA, ITS ABOUT TIME YOU BUILT A TRUCK.

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  2009 Pilot has the right combination - 2009 Honda Pilot
  By NMH - August 1 - 7:26 am

  I purchased a "plain Jane" LX FWD version in fall of 2008 because it beat the nearest competition (GMC Arcadia) on interior features, width of roominess and price ($4500 cheaper on base model after all the rebates and negotiation at actual dealers). After 1 year of internet search, two car shows with a measuring tape in hand, I test drove both the Pilot and Arcadia back to back on the same piece of city/highway road on the same day. Pilot has great sound, is smooth and quiet and had the exact room I needed - I wanted to be able to have two 36 in long dog crates kept regularly in the back of the SUV with the 3rd seat down and still be able to have the 2nd row seats up for passengers.

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  Forget the LX/EX, get the Si! - 2008 Honda Civic
  By Dave M. - August 1 - 6:46 am

  Let me start by saying I currently also own an 07 civic coupe ex. Also owned an 07 civic hybrid. Traded in the hybrid for the Si after 9 months of driving boredom. Had a modified 350hp awd car prior, and thought I was over the performance bug. Well, the Si is quick enough to satisfy your desires for speed, without giving you much more than that. Its now the cheapest of the viable sport compact offerings, yet yields the best MPG, and lowest sticker price. Handling is also great and significantly better than the ex. The ex was just as much better than the civic hybrid. I put on lightweight wheels and tires and got noticeable improvement in acceleration. City/Hwy MPG has been around 25/30.

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  Fits the bill - 2007 Honda Fit
  By FITbuyer - August 1 - 4:56 am

  I initially began my search for a car with proven gas mileage and performance for its size. I initially looked at the Yaris, in this category. It had poor visability for a man my size. And most importantly, it lacked the standard safety features the Fit has. (ABS and Side-curtain air bags) I am very happy with the Fit overall. And it comes from a world-class automobile company like Honda. Renowned for reliabilty. This would be my first Honda. I normally consider no less than a Toyota.

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  Just got the EX-L V6 Coupe... - 2010 Honda Accord
  By Danny Boy - August 1 - 2:36 am

  After leaving my beloved Honda for Nissan for a period of three years, (biggest mistake of my life), almost a month ago, I was lucky enough to get a 2010 EX-L V6 Honda Coupe. Needless to say, the internet pictures does this car no justice. Its sleek, sexy, practical and inexpensive (in contrast to the other coupes available). Black on Black with the silver door handles is a must for this car...if not silver or the dark grey. The rear seat has just enough room for my sons baby seat and leg room for one more passenger. I still get head turns when I pull up next to people. Honda, I am back!!!

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  What an Asset! - 2004 Honda Accord
  By Marsha Mitchell - August 1 - 2:11 am

  What an incredible vehicle! We were able to refinance this vehicle in 2007 and payoff some bills. It runs well and looks great still and still has good value!

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  Hard to Beat - 2009 Honda Civic
  By NCMtnBoy - August 1 - 2:10 am

  I have over 4K miles on my LX and am averaging 35.4 mpg after running 10 tanks of gas through it. Ran it through its first snow the other day and it handled remarkably well. My only regret is not having opted for the LX-S version, cause Id like to have the alloy wheels.

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  Awesome Car Hands down! - 2010 Honda Accord Crosstour
  By PD - August 1 - 12:46 am

  This is my first Honda. I fell in love with this car from the time I test drove it. It handles with lots of solidity and control. The shape and sleekness of this car catches everyones attention. This car looks better in person. Go check it out yourself. Bet ya buy one!

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  Mixed emotions - 2004 Honda Accord
  By Jim - July 31 - 11:40 pm

  This could be a tremendous car. The bountiful praise given the engine, transmission, and ergonomics is well deserved. The design objectives have been met with meticulous precision. I enjoy the way it handles, and am impressed with the smoothness of the 4 cylinder. It is a miser at the gas pump. The engineers have done a fantastic job in almost every respect. So what is my gripe? That the wonderful attributes of this car are greatly diminished by creaks and rattles within the cabin. These nuisances are expected of a 10 year old car, not a new one, and certainly not one from Honda. It is a shame, really. Honda was so close. So very, very close to bestowing on me automotive bliss.