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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  A great value - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By mjvkag - January 21 - 10:00 am

  A lot of SUV for the money. Its solidly built and very enjoyable to drive. Ive only had the car 2 days and have received several compliments on it from strangers in the parking lot!

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  Civic comes out winner after long search - 2004 Honda Civic
  By satisfied_100percent - January 21 - 10:00 am

  Tested out Corolla an others - Glad I went with a Civic though! The grill and headlight shaping for 2004 are a big improvement over 2003. Interior is put together SO well. Not boring - love the electric-blue gauges. Each part of interior feels like it was crafted specifically for your car - not in mass. No rough edges on molded plastic. Ride is awesome! Told my wife I wouldnt consider anything but an EX. After testing an LX, I was surprised that the less powerful LX engine didnt feel lazy. Just wonderful! Handling is tight and responsive, not boaty like a Corolla. Transmission is SOOOO silky smooth!! Love it!

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  2004 Civic LX Sedan - 2004 Honda Civic
  By acousticgtr - January 21 - 10:00 am

  I love it!

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  2001 Odyssey Review - 2001 Honda Odyssey
  By hondafan - January 20 - 11:49 pm

  This car is one of the best Ive ever owned. Other than routine maintenance, I havent had to put any money into the vehicle. The storage capacity is awesome even with the back seat in. We can travel with 2 adults and 2 kids with room to spare. Well own this car for several more years.

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  Great For Cyclers - 2005 Honda Element
  By R. Laurence Bird - January 20 - 6:03 pm

  My Magnesium Metallic 2005 Element safely holds my two racing bikes and all my gear. I take out one rear seat and put the other up on the side. I can pull the bikes straight out of the back, which is preferred over the side doors because of the clamshell design. The new color along with the black plastic panels makes this a unique looking Element. XM Radio is great. Put the subwoofer on 5 and just cruise. You dont really need to use your iPod, but the car has a jack just in case. Handling is better than expected. The car will offer me many years of utility and better mileage than my old Chevy Tahoe. I am 43 years old.

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  Great Car with a few flaws - 2017 Honda Accord
  By Jarrod Manna - January 20 - 11:35 am

  Ive owned my 2017 Accord Sport Special Edition for about a month now. I upgraded to this car from a 2006 Honda Accord. Keeping my cars for several years, I require my vehicles to be dependable. Thats why I stuck with Honda. My 2006 Accord was a great car that gave me zero problems for ten years. It only had 115k miles on it but I wanted something new. Needless to say, upgrading to a 2017 model, was a no-brainer. With that being said, even though I enjoy my new Accord, its not perfect. Im not achieving the advertised mpg of 26 city. Im averaging closer to 21/22 in town. I use the Econ feature and keep it in "D" not "S" mode, so Im not sure why my mpg is slow low. Could using the heater lower the mpg that much? Hmm... Perhaps I still need to break it in. However, city driving is a joy. Not only is the car comfortable, easy and fun to drive, Im noticing other drivers breaking their necks to check it out. Its a nice feeling to see others taking notice of this attractive car. For a practical midsize sedan, I think it looks great! The interior screams luxury with the red stitched black leather interior and cool dash. The speedometer features a color ring that changes from white to green when you reach efficient driving. I mean, whaaat?!? I dont have the dual-screen infotainment, but Im glad about that. It just seems too much. I dont think Id use it that much anyway. The audio speakers are average at best. Youd think Honda would install better than average speakers but again, nothings perfect. The car drives a little different at higher speeds. It seems I have to "control" the car more than my old 2006 model. It kinda wants to veer a bit on the highway, making for a little less comfortable ride. Are the 19" wheels the culprit? You tell me. Overall, Im very happy with my 2017 Honda Accord Sport Special Edition. Its a beautiful, fun and quality made car which I look forward to driving over the next ten years.

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  My Favorite Car Ever - 2005 Honda Insight
  By Custom Computer - January 20 - 8:11 am

  Have driven this car 16,000 miles in 4 months of ownership. Its fantastic, a perfect complement for daily commute plus I can use the car pool lane. My mileage averages 61MPG even though Ive hit speeds of 75 mph for hours in a recent trip to Houston Texas. Round trip was 3400 miles and the car was just FANTASTIC: comfortable, quiet, plenty of power to keep up with everybody although most drivers on Texas freeways during Christmas holiday were at 85+ mph. The complaint people have about tires "hunting" freeway grooves no problem, replaced by my dealer with Yokohama, wider tires which are absolutely perfect! No hunting great handling, mileage not affected so far. I love this car!

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  Great family car - 2018 Honda Odyssey
  By Ricky - January 20 - 8:02 am

  Great for toting the kids around!

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  Great buy for the money - 2018 Honda CR-V
  By Thomas Gottlick - January 20 - 5:47 am

  The car is well worth the price.

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  honda hybrid - 2006 Honda Civic
  By m wilson - January 19 - 8:30 pm

  This car performs very good for the size of the motor. This car has a nice ride for its size.