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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  Odyssey Lover - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By Tim Ferry - November 21 - 12:53 pm

  I have been a Honda fan since I purchased a 1974 Civic. What a kick, the reliability and fantastic resaie was unbelievable. I was hooked. Now I own a 2005 Odysssey, agoain, due to my experience with a 2000 Odyssey we owned. The 2005 rides better, performs better, and gets about the same fuel mileage. We now have 15,000 miles on it after owning it for less then 6 months. A great vehicle.

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  Upgrade from a Mercedes-Benz to a Honda - 2009 Honda Accord
  By garyinbillings - November 21 - 8:16 am

  I took two and a half months to find a new vehicle. I own an E300 and ML350 Mercedes-Benz. I test drove the Mercedes-Benz C350, BMW 5 Series, Saab 9-5, Audi A6, Nissan Maxima, Toyota Avalon, Volkswagen Passat, Chevrolet Malibu, and Cadillac CTS. I drove various cars from Billings Montana to Missoula and back. After a great deal of research and testing I had no choice but to purchase a Honda Accord EX-L V6. In Montana you need a great dependable vehicle for mountain and urban driving – which the Accord certainly is. I appreciate the quality, craftsmanship.

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  2005 Honda Pilot - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By CWells - November 21 - 5:00 am

  This is the best car I have ever driven. It drives like a dream, handles wonderfully, and Im proud to own it.

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  Excellent around town car - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By Rick - November 21 - 4:22 am

  I have had the CRV for about 9 months, I have a little over 12,000 miles on it. I find it is an excellent around the town car. I use the speed control quite a bit and I am getting between 26-27 MPG. I traded in (up) from my del Sol which got better mileage, and Im not sorry. I can take 3-4 people with me, now.

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  02-/17/2017 Received - 2017 Honda Accord
  By Rhonda - November 21 - 1:12 am

  Shoppers should know to do their research as their are test drives and comparisons with high end coupes videos.

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  What I was looking for! - 2009 Honda CR-V
  By hey sis - November 20 - 10:33 pm

  I test drove most similar sized models so that I could have my own comparison information. I chose the CRV because of the value for my dollar. I have been thrilled with the performance so far (6 weeks). I live in outer suburbs, so gas mileage was an important factor and so far I am averaging around 21 MPG in town. I have not taken it cross-country but am sure that I will be happy with those results too.

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  Excellent car - 2005 Honda Accord
  By Abbey - November 20 - 6:40 am

  I spent a couple months looking for a replacement for my mustang GT convertible. This is definitely the best choice when it comes to looks/comfort/value. I had an impression of Hondas to be plain but this car was surprising luxurious. I test drove the Altima and Maxima SL prior to buying this car. In comparison, the Accord has superior interior (aluminum?/metal panels are beautiful), comparable stereo sound and HP, and are $3000 less. Everything is placed well ergonomically, and the exterior is very sharp. I wasnt looking for XM radio but it has turned out to be one of my fav features of the car.

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  2017 wheels - 2017 Honda Accord
  By Hector Perez - November 19 - 10:39 pm

  Edmunds got dealers interested but I negotiated a better deal on my own.

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  Hot Red Car - 2006 Honda S2000
  By Larry S - November 19 - 10:27 pm

  Love my red S-2000. Great engine and 6 speed trans. Turns heads! Got a high of 28.4 MPG. Firm seats and precise ride.

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  Love this car!!! - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By Crystal Berry - November 19 - 9:06 pm

  I have always wanted a Pilot. The fun in driving and being a passenger is great. It rides smoothly and is comfortable. The navigation system has been fantastic. What I do not like is the noise when a window is open and the opposite window is not. I would not trade the car in for this. It is very roomy for passengers.