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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  You get out of it what you put in - 2017 Honda CR V
  By Andy - January 27 - 5:03 am

  I was hating the engine in my CR-V until I put in better Gas. Manual says 87 or above. I ran 87 for the first 1000 miles. The engine noise was horrible. Sounded really loud and rough. I put in a tank of plus and it was transformed. Much smoother and more power. MPG was improved. Im currently experimenting with Super which is another step change. Car feels much more alive and again much more quiet. MPG seems better too. Really happy now Ive figured out the engine noise.

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  Believe It! - 2016 Honda Odyssey
  By Anita Johnson - January 27 - 2:31 am

  Great van, it ride and drive great.

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  Love It!! - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Melissa - January 26 - 11:03 pm

  I LOVE THIS CAR! I had a VW Jetta, it got totaled so I took my insurance money and bought this car. Worth every penny! I think the front of this car is a little weird looking but looking at it from the side and back I think it is a real good looking car. The navigation system is on point and really easy to use, coming from someone who is very electronic illiterate. For a 21 year old girl the sound system is amazing, this whole car is wonderful

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  Love my E - 2008 Honda Element
  By wowaddict - January 26 - 9:46 pm

  I love my E. Its everything I expected. If youre used to a luxury car this is not for you. This is a no frills car. But lots of fun to drive. Its a peppy little suv with tons of storage. I love the interior and the whole look of the car. The XM radio and iPod hook up are great. The seats can basically turned in to a huge bed. The gas mileage is ok not great but not bad. Its not a car so its not fair to expect great gas mileage but for an SUV its good.

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  Sweet vehicle - 2008 Honda Pilot
  By steve - January 26 - 9:29 pm

  We searched for an suv that was large enough to be comfortable yet economical to operate and affordable. We found it in the Pilot. We test drove several before the Pilot and was not impressed enough to lay down the money. This impressed the both of us. It had what we needed and wanted with a couple of extras that are nice. We like the room, the engine performance,third row seating for the grandkids,cargo area is great and the dependabilty factor played a large part of our decision.

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  great !! - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By JIGAR PATEL - January 26 - 3:53 pm

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  2000 Odyssey LX - 2000 Honda Odyssey
  By ADubinLA - January 26 - 10:00 am

  We bought our Odyssey just after our first son was born. Its been fantastic. We decided on the LX because we were afraid of having power sliding doors with a toddler around the house. This hasnt been a big issue. Our favorite features are 1) roominess, 2) 3rd row folding seat and 3) good power. The biggest downside, fuel economy. We average <15 mpg around town. All in all, a great car. Id definitely buy another.

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  Great little car...great price! - 1999 Honda Civic
  By Cinjme - January 26 - 10:00 am

  Honda civic 4dr Ex is an very pratical little car that looks and drives like a sports car....great on gas city or highway, very comfortable and roomy, has lots of power and control. Ex comes with extras...moonroof, ABS, CD stereo,sleeker body style.....I would recommend this car to anyone that is looking for these qualities in a car!

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  GOOD NOT GREAT - 1998 Honda Civic
  By markswhite - January 26 - 10:00 am

  The car is a very good car, not a great one as some would have you to believe. It does most everything well. I never get more than 30mpg with the auto. You must push it to keep up with more powerful vehicles. It has had two safety recalls. I have had problems with the thermostat (cracked the radiator), failed oxygen sensor, recurring problems with the passenger side power window armature. It takes a few turns to start and the ignition sometimes sticks. The car is a blast and will out handle many higher priced vehicles, especially on highway on/off ramps.

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  What hasnt been said about this car? - 1998 Honda Civic
  By spideymike1 - January 26 - 10:00 am

  Bought this car used as a second car. Have owned Hondas in the past and after test driving this little Civic, I realized that I should still be owning Hondas! It could very well be the only car I would say would last 150K+ miles and still look good! Gas milage is great, the 5spd is peppy. Even the factory stereo with the add-on CD player is nice. What more could you get for under 10k used?