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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  Most Reliable Car I ever had - 1992 Honda Civic
  By Jay - April 1 - 7:07 am

  I bought it used with over 100k on it now it has 208k and still going sold rock. If you do not look at the odometer you would think it has below 50k. Never let me down. No mechanical problems just change the oil every 3k and put gas.

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  Best Car - 2003 Honda Civic
  By b360 - April 1 - 2:00 am

  Best car on the road, however little small for 66 guy. Can not beat the quality, gas mileage, and depreciation.

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  AWESOME CAR - 2003 Honda Accord
  By LOVE IT - April 1 - 2:00 am

  I was really into mazda 6 before this, but after test driving that car, i was really disappointed. especially 4 cylinder mazda 6. it drove worse than my 99 accord. i test drove 4 cylinder accord and it drives like V6 of the last model. it has really smooth transmission and interior. INTERIOR IS AWESOME. love this car. highly recommended for those looking into midsize cars.

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  Wow - Love Our Fit!! - 2007 Honda Fit
  By reartcycle - March 31 - 4:16 am

  We love our new Honda Fit! After test driving both the manual and the automatic, the manual was the way to go! With a manual transmission, you get great control in the acceleration (we traded in our 1990 Acura with a V6 engine). Its quick and responsive and has a great u-turning radius. We cant wait to go on our road trip in August! We plan on driving this car for 20+ years too!

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  Best car ever built? - 1990 Honda Civic
  By Simon - March 30 - 6:37 pm

  90 si still drives like a car with 60,000 miles. One thing it needs for sure is wheel alignments. The suspensions on these arnt the best (due to weak components), but considering this car does not have power steering it handles really well. I am 23 years old and i drive this car always revving to redline before shifting, driving at 120mph and it still drives awesome. Other than oil changes every 5000kms and wheel alignments every 40000kms I havent done much on this vehicle. And i have owned it since it had 66,000 miles, its at 245,000miles. Timing belt, and normal tune up needs to be done every 60000miles. USE 185 65 14

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  2004 Honda CR-V - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By TVinc16887 - March 30 - 6:26 pm

  The CR-V is a very fun and reliable vehicle to drive. The quality of workmanship and material is top-notch. Average gas mileage is between 20- 21.5mpg in the AWD models, but a little better in the 2WD models. Engine performance for the CR-V is very good with plenty of torque.

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  Great car - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Brad - March 30 - 2:23 pm

  Just bought this car, it is an excellent car. Very logical design to the interior, I love the dash layout with the MPH, Fuel, and Instant MPH gauges right below the windshield

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  Super Car - 2007 Honda Fit
  By Jeannie - March 29 - 10:50 pm

  A powerful car - like a puppy straining at the leash. Compared to my old car, just touching the accelerator brings a surge of power. It took me a few days to get used to it and put on over 100 miles in the first week. I have only owned it for two and a half weeks but am in love with it.

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  Awsome Work Vehicle - 2005 Honda Element
  By Rivak Hoffman - March 29 - 7:30 pm

  My 2005 Element is my work vehicle. I travel approx 200 miles per day as a mobile Personal Trainer. The Element easily stores all my equipment in it, and things are easy to get to. The only negative is the gas mileage. Highway is approx 21 mpg and city is 18 mpg. With the 12 gallon tank you can go 250 miles before fill-up Other than that, this vehicle is an awesome eye opener! And you feel very safe in it. The car represents to future of SUVs

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  Just as I Exepected - 2009 Honda Accord
  By Tony - March 29 - 10:40 am

  Considered 09 Acura TSX but it was smaller, more expensive, cost more in insurance and only had a few more luxury stuffs. Considered and test-drove 09 Mazda 6. The interior was almost as big but the materials used seem inferior; dashboard design not as elegant and the side mirrors were 1/3 smaller. 6s Bose stereo also didnt sound any better. After 3 months the Accord is exactly what I expected. I thought real hard about V6 but the 4-cylinder can handle everyday driving without much problem. Every now and then when hard acceleration is called, flash of regret of not buying V6 came across my mind but mostly this version does the job just fine. Bottom line: best family sedan today.