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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  find a reason to go to the store!! - 2005 Honda S2000
  By Jon-david DiMaggio - May 19 - 2:07 am

  This is such a fun vehicle to drive that I have had to make up reasons to run to the corner store. Honda has really put together a high performance machine that is very sleek and good looking. The handling is extremely tight and smooth.

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  Redesigned Odyssey is Great! - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By john - May 18 - 4:33 am

  My wife and I have waited and crammed 3 kids into a much smaller car for 2 years just to buy this new Odyssey. We are NOT disappointed! The split folding rear seat, the performance, the styling, and comfort are awesome! Weve also had occassion to try out the vehicle stability control feature - it works! If we drive rather conservatively, we can get around 22 MPG in town and 27 on the highway. But with this much engine, its hard to drive slow!

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  Second owner at 80K - 2009 Honda Accord
  By Me - May 18 - 4:28 am

  Ive had this car for a couple years now, and it is at 166K (mostly highly) now. This car has treated me greatly, and I would definitely recommend one for anyone looking for a used model. Its a heavy car, but very stable, earlier models of the previous generation felt alot more nibble. If you use a good set of tires, it will make all the difference in the snow. It has its quirks here and there, but overall you seldom have to be under the hood to repair it past basic maintenance. When it comes to parts and repair, these cars are expensive when going through your Honda dealer, but they are so reliable it makes up for the cost.

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  Excellent choice - 1998 Honda Accord
  By cl8855 - May 17 - 3:50 pm

  This was the first car I bought myself 7 years ago. Choices were things like the Nissan Maxima, Volkswagen Passat, Chevy Malibu and the Accord. Boy am I glad I chose this one. Reasons for purchase were #1 reliability, #2 fit and finish, #3 good pricing (cheaper than both Passat and Maxima). Over the years I have replaced only the tires and the brakes in 75000 miles. Not once have I had to bring it in to the shop for any reason other than standard maintenance. Plan on keeping this car for another 7 yrs/75000 miles for sure.

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  Inexpensive, Sporty, Fun-to-drive!!! - 2010 Honda Civic
  By dano0726 - May 17 - 11:43 am

  Just purchased this week and traded in a diesel 2005 VW Passat Sedan. Plan to hand over the keys to teenage daughter in 1.5 years as her first car. Black exterior with LX-S trim looks sweet; black cloth interior looks better than the gray. Was concerned about going from a diesel back to gas engine, but I am impressed with the acceleration the car has. Good build quality, and the entry price and nameplate could not be beaten.

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  Excellent Car! A+++ - 2009 Honda Civic
  By Kevin - May 17 - 5:40 am

  This is truly an excellent car. I am 63 and have ZERO comfort problems. There is plenty of space for the driver and passengers. I have read some reviews about people complaining about the parking break... but its fine. Also, a few people have complained about there being no trunk-release. Are you serious!?!? Cry me a river while I turn a key to open up my trunk. The mileage is great, and the car drives so smoothly. I was very impressed at how smooth the car drives, very little bumps. Also, the road noise is fine.

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  Great buy - CD Player problem? - 2005 Honda S2000
  By Matt - May 16 - 12:18 pm

  This car is a winner. It rides great for a sportscar, handles exceptionally well and has enough power to remind you that it is a sportscar. Gets decent gas mileage also.

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  Drives like a car... - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By dansgirl - May 16 - 9:56 am

  So far we have been very pleased with our new purchase. We looked at the Sienna, but the Hondas ride and overall comfort sold us. We have never owned a stigmatized minivan, we have always been a SUV or Truck family, but we have been more than pleased with the luxurious interior and amenities available for our entire familys comfort and ride enjoyment.

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  Excellent Sport Convertible - 2005 Honda S2000
  By Donald K Cariaga - May 15 - 8:20 pm

  The S2000 is an excellent sports car that does not carry the large price- tag. The handling, acceleration, and stopping ability is great. The interior though not plush, is very nice. The top can be deployed very easily and a hard top is also available. Similar to the corvettes of old. It brings back memories of the way sports cars were in the past without the loss of gas milage. It is plenty fast and brings back the delight in just driving....An excellent automobile.

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  Great car. - 2016 Honda Civic
  By EK - May 15 - 2:23 pm

  The only drawbacks poor back window visibility,