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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  95 Civic EX Coupe - 1995 Honda Civic
  By Mike - December 20 - 2:08 pm

  What can I say? Its a Honda. Its a great car. When I bought mine, it had 85k on it, now it has around 130k and running strong. Starts every day, runs like a beast. The thing I like is the amount of aftermarket parts. The B16A shouldve been offered.Even though you can get a 5-spd, more power could have been nice although it has a decent amount. It couldve had a little more room in the back seats, but nontheless, its comfortable. I drive pretty hard sometimes and Ive --NEVER-- had any problems with it. I just take it and get the oil changed every 3k miles and have things serviced. Its a very sporty, well-built car and I would --- HIGHLY---- recommend this car to anyone.

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  2008 EX-L w. DVD - 2008 Honda Odyssey
  By Johnohio - December 20 - 8:43 am

  Purchased it at a reasonable price ($2400 below invoice found in Yahoo and Edmunds, primarily because of the $2300 incentive Honda provided to dealers). Traded in my 2001 Civic. I have no doubt that this is a fabulous vehicle. Drives like Camry, even my wife who scared of driving any vehicle bigger than her Camry can handle it easily. Most amazing is the gas mileage. Before 1000 miles, it is 19.75 miles/gallon (50% highway + 50% local); After 1000 miles, it is improved to 21.75 and then 22.3.

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  Impressed - 1990 Honda Accord
  By In love with Honda - December 20 - 5:50 am

  Bought this great car from my uncle three years ago. almost 198,000 miles now and still running strong. Easy for self repairs and modifications. Great gas mileage with a peppy 2.0L four banger. Catches the eyes of street racers with a sleek long sporty body style. Really gets up and goes. A classic reliable Honda. Starts up in my hometowns 112 degree summers and our chilly sub freezing winters and handles like a dream in the snow and ice. Great car for travel or short commute. Only downside, used parts are hard to find in junk yards... But only because these cars are still on the road due to dependable Honda engineering.

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  Lovin my new Odyssey - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By jenfoor - December 20 - 2:00 am

  I just purchased an Odyssey a little over a week ago. I was home visiting my parents in Wisconsin and traded in the Voyager for the Odyssey and drove it home to Florida (1100 miles) I loved everything about driving long distance with the Honda. The kids (4 and 2) were separated from each other in the second row buckets, that was great. The DVD player was a lifesaver and I love the lower lumbar adjustment on the driver seat for my lower back. And I got better gas mileage than with the 2.4 ltr. Plymouth.

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  I LOVE THIS CAR!!!!!! - 2001 Honda Accord
  By rlak1013 - December 20 - 2:00 am

  I love this car! I wanted a Honda Accord V6 all through college and when I graduated I decided I was going to treat myself to this car. It was very expensive and I probably bit off more than I could chew, but I will never trade this car in. Its perfect in every way.

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  What a Bang for the money! - 2003 Honda Accord
  By sweet_joe - December 20 - 2:00 am

  I traded in my 1999 Passat for 2003 Accord. What a car for the money! Great look inside out. Smooth, I mean Smooooooooth engine and transmission. You can hardly hear engine running. More than adequate power for 4cyl. I liked my Passat, but I LOVE my Accord.

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  Great investment, I love my car - 1997 Honda Civic
  By Elizabeth - December 19 - 3:17 pm

  This car has been wonderful. Im at 104k miles and hardly any problems so far. Just had some minor things fixed last week (scheduled maintenance, brakes, water pump, timing belt), but before that only the muffler replaced (around 60k probably) and a motor mount (around 90K). Very reliable car, still running very well. Ive driven it thousands of miles on the interstate and never had to worry. I love it and plan to keep driving it until it dies.

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  Well laid out roomy vehicle - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By rgrsonger - December 19 - 12:11 pm

  Honda has spent a lot of time designing the interior of this vehicle. The front seating area has a roomy, open feel by not having a floor mounted console. And the fold down feature of the little shelf between the driver and passanger also add to this roomy feel. And then little features such as how to stow the back seat chest belts add a touch of finish. Since new, our total combined gas mileage is just over 26 mpg.

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  Our return to Honda - 2005 Honda Accord
  By David T - December 19 - 7:03 am

  Purchased this car for my Wife and 16 year old daughter to share. The quality is as excellent as expected and the performance is just right for its intended use. We almost purchased the new VW Jetta, then came to our senses and walked next door then drove home with the new Accord Coupe. Whew! that was a close call. There is no comparison. We are very pleased with our purchase and just really like this car.

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  A True Bargain for American Motoring - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By HondaBeliever - December 19 - 4:56 am

  This new model is a distinct improvement over the initial CR-V. The engine is far more adequate, while maintaining good fuel economy. The appearance and interior design are substantially improved. I love all of those quaint cubby holes for storage that Honda designs into their vehicles.