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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  Not that good on gas! - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By GOLD - May 27 - 8:00 pm

  The Honda van is very nice inside as far as style, comfort. The main complaint is the AC going out two times. The struts went out early in the game, and the road noise is loud. I cannot hear my children asking questions from the seat in far back of the van. I do like the separate climate control, heated front seats, shades for the children and the sliding doors.

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  Great vehicle - 1997 Honda CR-V
  By liz - May 27 - 4:29 pm

  I had my CR-V for 10 years and it is 230,000 miles on it. I still have it because I have not found anything better. I recommend it highly.

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  Overall Value - 2009 Honda Accord
  By Mark - May 27 - 2:16 pm

  I have had my Accord for almost 2 months now, with about 3500 miles on it. Overall, this is a well designed and well built vehicle. The V-6 is smooth and powerful when needed. The Accord is an excellent mating of power, comfort, handling and solid road feel. It does everything well for a family sedan. I really like the interior and while it suffers from too many buttons, the layout is intuitive. I am a bit disappointed by the poor sound insulation and the stereo is mediocre, the heated seats dont really work that well.

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  LOVE my Honda - 2009 Honda Accord
  By the rock - May 27 - 10:13 am

  I have read some of these other negative reviews about the new redesigned Honda and cant disagree more with them. The ride is much better than the other Accords we have owned (this is our fourth). The seats feel great and are made of the type of quality that I have come to expect from a Honda. We looked at other models but realized for the price and value this was the best choice.

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  One of the "Best" Autos Ive owned. - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By Ray - May 27 - 9:28 am

  The only Problem Ive had is the back of the front seat keeps falling off. (Six times in 27 months the car has been back to the dealer to replace/repair this issue.) I hope this will be resolved soon as the 3 yr./36,000 mi. warranty is up.

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  love this mini van - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By paseur - May 27 - 5:36 am

  I cant say enough good about this van. So easy to drive, comfortable and roomy. Place for every need we could want. In riding along you can see every thing ahead and right down on the street. A very good view around you . The camera is very big view behind you. Windows are large , the pull up screens are handy on the windows on second row and they do roll down. Dvd intertainment and the satellite radio*and the navigation system ,is the best we have seen. We are happy we choose the ex leather it has so many features we enjoy.

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  14 Years Old and Still Awesome - 1994 Honda Civic
  By GasSipperEX - May 27 - 4:32 am

  I bought this car used a little over a year ago and yes I found a diamond. 13 years old at the time of purchase with 70,000 miles on it. Car has been great and very fun every day. I changed the brakes, radiator, timing belt, spark plugs etc.. when I bought the car. This car runs like new and I hope to have it another 14 years. My cars before this were an SC400, Mitsubishi Evolution VIII, Toyota Supra TT. Even though I had those cars and sold them. I love this civic so much more. It gets great gas mileage, no one wants to race, and I can just cruise with my sunroof open and get 35+ MPG where ever I go. I lucked out and grew out of the cool car faze just in time. I would not go back.

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  Yeah - 2012 Honda Accord
  By PATRICK DYER - May 27 - 3:24 am

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  The Perfect Fit - 2003 Honda S2000
  By Deutche Ecke - May 27 - 2:00 am

  ISO: -small -sporty -convertible -decent power -good handling -reasonable price -trunk space -reliability Looked at a lot of cars. Only one fit. After 3 months behind the wheel, I am still thrilled! Styling? It is not eye candy but not an eyesore. Low torque? As an autobahn driver, this car gives a spirited driving experience. Tight fit? Like a comfortable pair of jeans.

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  The Baby Hummer - 2003 Honda Element
  By M. Black - May 27 - 2:00 am

  The Element handles well and the various configurations make the SUV very user friendly. The exterior and interior design are cool, not like your everyday grocery getter. Hondas Realtime 4WD is great in the snow.