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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  Update, ~3850 miles - 2007 Honda Civic
  By JMB - October 10 - 5:00 am

  My first review still stands: all-around amazing car. Now I just have a couple nitpicks: The visors are rather poorly designed. The driver-side has already broken (presumably occurred after the plastic softened in the heat of a summer day). I have a hairline crack on the inner driver-side door release, which prevents it from returning flush with the housing much of the time.

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  We Like It - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By mlucas2007ody - October 9 - 8:23 pm

  good highway mileage 24-25.5, love the XM stereo with subwoofer, handles good even in rainstorm, fun to drive, sunroof is nice even when open, city mileage 13-18 (keep your foot out of it for the 18), great acceleration including highway speeds, van loves to go fast 70-80 no problem, good visibility thru glass and mirrors, comfortable in rear seats, front seat a little hard, steering wheel needs to extend out a little further for tall drivers, kids like the TV and game hookups, overall package we love it.

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  08 better than 05 with some exceptions - 2008 Honda Odyssey
  By briann - October 9 - 5:53 pm

  Just turned my 05 ody in for the 08 EX-L RES. Overall, some nice improvements (back up monitor, tighter fit/finish on dash, minor exterior tweaks). The big let-down is that the 2nd row jump seat no longer stows in the floor compartment. BAD BAD move Honda: that was incredibly useful; now, you have to either leave it in (hard to access the third row), or leave it at home or in the back compartment. Whose bright idea was that at Honda?? Still a great van.

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  Pilot - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By Honda - October 9 - 11:58 am

  At this time, the paint seems to be well crafted. Workmanship seems to be of very good quality. Price is competitive with the Highlander and other SUVs in the near price range. The Pilot is smooth handling for a SUV. Storage for the front passenger and driver is properly arranged.

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  Fantastic redesign - 2006 Honda Civic
  By mbailey - October 9 - 6:20 am

  The 8th generation of Civic is fabulous. My LX Sedan feels like its worth thousands more than I paid for it. Perhaps its due to the size increase or the quality of the interior materials Honda used, but I feel like Im driving an Accord. The acceleration is steady and smooth and of course a bit quicker than the 7th generation due to the increased power from the new 1.8 i-VTEC. It feels like it has a bit more torque than a Honda engine should as well. Safety features were a big deciding factor in my purchase decision, this year all Civics come standard with side and curtin airbags and ABS. Not many economy sedans offer this in this price range. A bargain Honda? Maybe the first!

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  Amazing ride! - 2008 Honda Civic
  By Deltaflaze - October 9 - 2:36 am

  I have loved every moment of driving this car. Ive only had it for a few days or so and its been an amazing experience. Im a college student who commutes and works at a hospital and its been amazing. No problems yet and I dont expect any with a Honda.

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  Best value vehicle - 2016 Honda Accord
  By Byron Tanigawa - October 9 - 2:28 am

  For the amount of features, quality and resale value you wont find a better car in its class!

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  Great car - 1998 Honda CR-V
  By bvillerev - October 9 - 12:42 am

  I have had my car since new. Now, with more than 95,000 miles, it is still an awesome car! I enjoy driving it and am so blessed by the reliability of it. Ive always done my routine maintenance suggested by Honda and have only had a couple of things outside of that done. Good ride but not exceptional comfort. A little too much roadnoise if given a perfect situation. But, still one of the best on the market! The only thing I would like to see changed is the corner posts of the car. They are rather large and get in the way of driving with full view on curvy roads. Oh well, I just lean a little and voila!

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  Element of Fun - 2003 Honda Element
  By Wayne - October 8 - 11:19 am

  No problems whatsoever. Very dependable. Its comfortable and fun to drive. Love to get stares from people.

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  Great Choice - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By Karthic - October 8 - 10:00 am

  Its really worth of the money that was spent buying this SUV. EPA fuel-economy estimates are 17 mpg city and 22 mpg highway as per the book. I am getting 17 in Highway and 15 in City driving. Otherwise, I am happy with this SUV.