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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  Amazing car - 1998 Honda Prelude
  By Kat - July 15 - 2:50 pm

  A truly amazing car to drive. Superb handling, great gas mileage (I get about 27 city!), incredibly reliable, gorgeous exterior. I have added several modest aftermarket performance parts and absolutely love the ride! Certainly a keeper!

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  My New Civic, Although I Miss My Old One - 2005 Honda Civic
  By Punkrawkgrl11 - July 15 - 1:30 pm

  I just purchased a used 2005 Civic EX M/T Special Edition and OMG. It is SAH- WEEEET. I traded in a 98 civic for this one and immediately i like the design from the 6-disc cd changer to the red illumination on the panel. the alloy wheels and the spoiler definately make the exterior look very sporty. all in all I miss my old civic but i REALLY love my new one. 5 Speed all the way baby. Civics are the reason I started driving manual and Ill never go back!

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  Eh... - 1999 Honda Civic
  By Pryscila - July 15 - 11:47 am

  This was my first car so I babied it. While I have had it over 4 years ive had to replace the AC and the radiator. The car has 146,000 miles on it, and has NO way of going another 100k. My automatic transmission shifts very hard and sometimes doesnt shift, the cars RPM just keep rising until I decelerate. This is HORRIBLE getting onto the interstate or trying to pass a car. The car is not fun to drive. Its noisy and a bumpy ride. My gas mileage is about 27 mixed which is good. I have to put $45 in it every week. The car is also black which has faded in the Florida sun. The paint almost looks none finished.

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  Disappointed with suspension - 2016 Honda Accord
  By badhonda - July 15 - 4:22 am

  2016 Touring needed front struts, rack and subframe replaced due to clunking from day one

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  Great little car! - 2007 Honda Fit
  By JimS - July 15 - 2:53 am

  This is my first Honda. I bought it as a replacement for my wifes old Ford Escort, but it has become my car of choice. I am a big guy (62", 225 lbs.), but this little car is very comfortable and spacious. The seats offer excellent lower back support. Reports of sluggish performance are absolutely untrue. The Fit is lively, responsive, and fun to drive. The manual shift is the smoothest I have ever used. The fuel economy is better than I expected--up to 41 mpg on the highway (at 70 mph) and 35-38 in mixed driving. The cargo capacity, with the rear seats folded down, is amazing. My wife and I love this car and hope to have it for a long time.

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  My favorite car ever - 2001 Honda S2000
  By Evan - July 14 - 10:44 pm

  The S2k is amazing with its 240 bhp engine that screams from 6-9K rpm and nimble responsive chassis. Its also roomy and comfortable on the inside. Undoubtedly a car that needs a skilled driver to really shine! It is at most in its place on a twisty mountain side.

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  This is a great truck! - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By neededatruck - July 14 - 8:46 pm

  This is my third new truck in 3 years. Started with a Hemi went back to a Sportrac and now the Ridgeline. The Sportrac was good but this is great. More power, better brakes ,AWD, NAV, inbed trunk etc... I use my truck for business, hauling from hardware store, loads of dirt and the normal household chores. This does them all well. The ride dynamics are much superior to any of the trucks I have owned in the past (not just the last 3 years) I dont believe that the Ridgeline will be a threat to those that need the lift kits, big knobby tires and a V8 with loud pipes, but for the average user this is the real deal.

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  Very Versatile - 2008 Honda Fit
  By sherri - July 14 - 6:01 pm

  I can carry passengers in comfort and almost anything I want. Its huge inside. I love to pull up to the door at Home Depot ready to load in a screen door and some 9 foot molding and see the look on everyones face! Its really fun too.

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  2003 Honda Odyssey transmission - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By Audrey - July 14 - 5:24 pm

  Purchased used Honda certified Gold from dealership in Feb 2007. In June 2008, noticed that the van seemed to hesitate when I hit the gas. Took it to local repair shop and computer said transmission problems. Sent to dealership. Tech said tranny fluid was old and flushed twice and got no codes. They drove it and said it was better. Took it home and the next day it did the same thing. Felt like not catching between 2nd and 3rd gears. Made an appt to take it back in. Later that day, had major problems getting up a highway hill. Major revving and burning smell. Dashboard totally lit up. Transmission needs replaced. Fortunately warranty runs out in Oct 08. Why on a 5 year 100,000km.

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  Honda Fan for Life - 2007 Honda Accord
  By Lisa Y in VA - July 14 - 4:56 pm

  This is an excellent car. I bought it new and now, over a year later, this car has cost me nothing but gas. Smooth quiet ride, great stereo system, safety in mind all the way, easy and fun to drive.