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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  Best Car Ever! 97 2 dr se - 1997 Honda Accord
  By Rob Elliott - July 25 - 2:02 pm

  Bought it w/18 miles on it in dec. 96. It now has 215,000. Zero problems. Only 15 oil changes in 11 years. One new battery & a few tires. Still looks & drives like new. Solid car. Have gotten my money out of it. Still gets over 400 miles on a full tank that holds 13 gallons. Ive opened the hood twice. Once when I bought it and again last year when I put a new battery in it. Priceless.

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  My first Honda - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By Usanda - July 25 - 5:06 am

  Its my first Honda and I like it so far except for the fuel consumption. I drive 90% of time on the streets (Los Angeles) and I average 19 miles per gallon. This would be my only concern. On the freeways with no traffic a get about 30 miles per gallon which is pretty good I think. On the positive side, the ride is very comfortable and quiet. Stereo system is awesome with 6 disk changer. I burned my mp3 music on the cds and now I can listen to music for ours without changing a disc. Front and rear seats have a lot of legroom (Im 62). I would definitely recommend this SUV to a friend)

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  Exceeds Expectations - 2008 Honda Civic
  By Brian F - July 24 - 11:33 pm

  I traded in my 4wd SUV for a 2008 Civic EX w/nav for the purposes of reducing my monthly payment and cutting my fuel consumption. Mission accomplished. I figure to save around $400 a month (about $150 on payment and $250 on gas). I fully expected to sacrifice power, comfort, and cargo space. While I did lose a little power, the Civic is surprisingly and deceptively roomy on the interior. And the large trunk and fold-down rear seats allow for more than adequate cargo capacity. Adequate power, plenty of room (even for me at 6 tall and 220 lbs), and an interior (with voice activated navigation and digital gages) that gives off a "luxury car" feel leaves me with no regrets whatsoever.

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  Long lasting - 1993 Honda Civic
  By MG - July 24 - 7:09 pm

  My civic was bought it Texas.The original owner took it to Toronto, then moved to Montreal, I bought it in 2005 for $2200 I drove from Montreal to Banff with a cost of $310 in gas, ACROSS THE COUNTRY. Since Ive had it I put about $1100in repairs and maintenance, brake cylinder, radiator, thermo, bushings. Nothing major.

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  More fun than I expected - 2008 Honda Fit
  By Allison - July 24 - 5:16 pm

  I transitioned from a basic, bare-bones Toyota Echo to the 2008 Honda Fit--what a difference. MPG is less than I was used to, but this is much more of a car and well worth the slight decrease in mileage. This car is fun and solid to drive pickup is great, especially for a car with such little horsepower, and the car is very comfortable on long road trips. The sport model is worth the higher price, since those little luxuries all factor into the enjoyment of driving this car.

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  Safety # 1 - 2008 Honda Pilot
  By Jonna - July 24 - 11:40 am

  I am recovering from a car accident. I was hit by a Cadillac Escalade. I was not moving, he T-boned me at approx 40 mph. I flipped over. The side airbag deployed, I had on my belt. I have 1 broken bone, fortunate to be alive. The police and hospital both said how lucky I am. You only get 1 chance in an accident, so choose the safest vehicle on the market. This has 5 stars, the top. This is a great vehicle to drive and very safe. I am going to buy the 2009.

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  Civic sets the bar - 2005 Honda Civic
  By crossfive - July 24 - 8:57 am

  This is a our commuter car (110,000) 108 miles a day, mostly highway @ 70mph. We get 35 to 38 mpg. We were pretty smart in 05 to get it then. Im 61 and find it ok for the hour drive. My 16 year old twins hate the back seat but that is what the mini-van is for. Ok for quick hops. We have the autotrans (my wifes choice) and that takes some getting used to when braking. It automatically down shifts and feels like an additional brake. Before this Civic we had an 02 lx and it did the same thing. A feature? The 02 was never the same after the deer strike so we traded it in. All in all, great vehicle and we are looking at the 08 Civic lx - and the boys cant wait to get the 05

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  best minivan in the usa - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By sofimatrix - July 24 - 12:23 am

  very nice, lots space and utility, decent gas miles for 4400 pound vehicle, kids love it.

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  Windshield doesnt clear snow well - 2006 Honda Civic
  By sd - July 23 - 9:30 pm

  Bought the car new. Overall, very happy with it, however in snowy conditions the snow doesnt clear well because its recessed about 1" for some reason and the wipers wipe to the outside edges of the windshield. Have also suffered rock chips in the paint in unusual places (i.e., near the gas door, on the edge of the door near the left rear window, on the roof) places that cant be blamed on other peoples doors in the parking lot. Honda dealer says "oh well, too bad". Initially wanted the Si, but was commuting then, and needed economy, the 140 hp in the EX is very impressive, and I have no complaints about it.

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  Tranny, tranny, tranny, tranny! - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By babs - July 23 - 7:47 pm

  The 2002 Honda Odyssey is an ideal family car and ours has managed to ferry us on many memorable trips. When its not undergoing repair, were happy with almost every aspect of the van. However, almost alone among Hondas, this particular model has had persistent problems with its automatic transmission. For us, the problem has recurred with EACH transmission installed to replace the original equipment. The initial transmission was the subject of a national recall (Honda Service Bulletin 04-021). We have also replaced the original tranny THREE times. No kidding!! Were very disappointed.