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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  Excellent Vehicle - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By Aleisha - May 11 - 6:13 am

  I love it. Absolutely love it. I have had mine for a month now and cant stop driving it. Albeit a 4cly engine, it still has quite a bit of get-up and go to it. Lots of room, kid friendly features, and a smooth noiseless ride.

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  Ten Cu Ft Less than my 2008 Odyssey - 2018 Honda Odyssey
  By Mert Horne - May 10 - 9:06 pm

  The second row seats are on a dolly of sorts that can not be removed. It is no longer wide enough for a 4X8 sheet of plywood to fit without angling it. It has 10 cu ft less cargo carrying volume than my 2008 Odyssey. All of these are non-starters for me.

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  VP AWD great regional leasing - 2008 Honda Pilot
  By Raphie - May 10 - 10:19 am

  I leased AWD VP due to Honda great regional leasing program. Test drove both the EXL & VP, found the EXLs heated leather seat is far more comfortable and better support. EXL has lumbar support that VP does not have. The radio and climate control knobs seem to be designed for right- hand steering because the most-use knobs are located on right instead of left side. I traded the Odyssey since I want 4x4 for New England winter ice/snow and for the 90 degree turn from main street to long slope leading to my home.

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  Awesome Car - 1997 Honda Accord
  By Brindy - May 10 - 10:00 am

  The car has great acceleration and great gas mileage. Its super comfortable, spacious.

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  value can be fun and stylish - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By cwjg - May 10 - 10:00 am

  My first mini-SUV and it feels like a real SUV. The 2003 re-model transformed the CRV from a homely mini-SUV into a pretty hot car--especially the dark blue EX with privacy glass and leather seating.

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  excellent!!!! - 2004 Honda Civic
  By albania - May 10 - 10:00 am

  is the best economy car that i ever own

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  Great Car - 2003 Honda Accord
  By THG - May 10 - 10:00 am

  We had to replace our 89 Honda Accord LX (196,000)and so we "looked" at other competative models but always came back to the old reliable Accord. The 2003 has more power than our first and it is very quiet. The Hondas really keep their value as we sold our old one (which still looked like new)for $2,000 in less than a week.

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  windowm problem - 2003 Honda Accord
  By vo - May 10 - 10:00 am

  great car

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  I LOVE MY CAR - 2004 Honda Accord
  By wesgrl - May 10 - 10:00 am

  Now granted I went from a manual everything stick shift Dogde Neon but this car is excellent. It gets the same gas mileage that my neon did, it handles nicely, its a solid smooth ride. I dont even know it when I do 95MPH, not that I have done it officer! I am definetly a Honda girl for life!

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  Great car-wish I could order a duplicate - 1998 Honda Accord
  By WWII Flying Ace - May 10 - 12:44 am

  Bought the car used with 7,000 miles. It now has 127k. Recall repair on ignition (never caused a problem) at 90k New belts, hoses, timing belt, spark plugs at 100k ($700ish). Exterior rear drivers side door handle quit working at 105k--replaced this on my Civic once will probably fix it if/when its next in the shop, as I dont use the door too often. Working on fourth set of tires although the last two are low profile Nittos on 18" rims. Replaced front brake pads at 80k. A bit more road noise than I like due mainly to the aftermarket rims/tires. Change oil every 5k miles, adding a bit of Lucas Oil stabilizer--doesnt use a drop. Still gets 24-26mpg city 27-31mpg hwy