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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  Exactly what I need - 2006 Honda Insight
  By griller - April 22 - 2:39 pm

  This is a great little commuter car. I does exactly what I need it to do: get me and my briefcase across town, warm and dry on very little gas. The car is fun to drive in the same way the old MGs and small sports cars of the past were. Not too much power, but that is part of the fun and challenge of driving them. That said I have no trouble navigating traffic with the power the Insight delivers, in fact it is remarkably quick off the line. I get the advertised mileage of 55 mpg in city driving. Instrumentation is simple and adequate. This car is not for everybody, but if you just need to get yourself back and forth to work each day, and mpg is an issue, it is very hard to beat the Insight.

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  A Real Sports Car - 2006 Honda S2000
  By Kurt - April 22 - 2:10 pm

  I used to be a "Z" fan and owned three of them from the 240 to the last of the 280s. Post-marriage I was forced into the sedan market. My wife finally gave in and I went for the S2000 immediately. Its styling first attracted me. However, its performance was the clincher. I dont drive to listen to music, I wanted a real sports car with 6 on the floor, a solid feel and speed on the freeways when I need it. And its highly steerable with the brakes locked. The ABS is impressive. It also turned out that the trunk is large enough to hold two weeks of groceries.

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  Practical car - 2007 Honda Fit
  By ED Rader - April 22 - 1:33 pm

  The Fit can cary large amounts of stuff and still get good millage.

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  Touring Sedan - 2005 Honda Accord
  By Chris - April 22 - 12:43 pm

  A thinking mans touring sedan. Excellent handling and road feel, along with excellent high speed stability. A lot of car for the money...value.

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  A great little car - 2007 Honda Civic
  By Mary Hanning - April 22 - 2:33 am

  When gas prices started moving higher and higher, I started thinking about upgrading to a hybrid. As a very satisfied Civic owner, I decided to try out a Civic Hybrid. It was love at first drive. The engine is extremely quiet, yet quickly responds and seamlessly transfers power between the gas engine and electric motor. I could not be more pleased with the gas mileage. On average, I get 48 miles to the gallon on my 22 mile highway commute. I would recommend the car to anyone who wants a more green ride, yet does not want to sacrifice comfort and style.

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  Perfect Automobile - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By Joe - April 22 - 12:33 am

  This truck is awesome. It is, by far, the most practical car/truck I have ever had and probably would be for 90% of truck owners out there, especially those of us that spend 75% on the pavement. It has plenty of power, plenty of comfort, and Honda reputation and reliability.

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  S2000 - fast, fun and reliable - 2006 Honda S2000
  By Alexei - April 21 - 3:40 pm

  Honda reliability + a high RPM engine and a slick 6 speed manual = a lot of fun. Performance is right between the Boxster and Boxster S for about $20K less. The S2000 is a pure sports car, not a compromise sports/luxury car like the Z4.

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  Love that CRV - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By Beth G. - April 21 - 2:23 pm

  This is my second CRV and fourth Honda. I bought the first CRV model offered in 1997 and turned it in on the 2004 model. Wonderful vehicle. It can haul almost anything a truck can and its much more fuel efficient. The engine in the 2004 is an improvement....quite peppy. Love the sunroof and raised back seat. I never worry about mechanical problems. Its a Honda. Ill always have one in the family.

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  super family suv - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By liz digirolamo - April 21 - 2:00 am

  This suv is so great with it many comapartments 3rd row seat and comfortability. we leased a second one in Feb 2004. the only added difference which i though was great was the seatbelt reminder bell. After a near fatal accident in a jeep i never leave home without a seatbelt and with the honda pilot even if i forget it reminds me.......A+++++++ All the way. lizzytish in boca raton florida.

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  1st time Honda buyer - 2004 Honda Civic
  By CGMG - April 21 - 2:00 am

  My family has always been a loyal american made car buying one. However I noticed all the problems we had with buicks, cadillacs, chevys etc. Engines powerful by awful electronics and fuel econ. My wifes family had 3 generations of accords putting on average 150,000 on each with only minor problems. So I decided to get a civic mainly for work commute and to avoid the rath of my wife. Have had it only for one month but so far like it alot. Cant beat the gas mileage, ride, stereo, and room for the price.