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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  What more could you ask for? - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By Stephanie Taylor - April 14 - 5:12 am

  Sure, the 2005 are a lot better looking inside and out, but whos got $15,000 more dollars when you can get an 04 thats just as good. Weve had ours a week. We shopped around for almost 6 months. It was between the Sienna and this. The Honda looks better outside. The Sienna has more "cubby holes" and looks a little fancier. But as far as SAFETY, RELIABILITY, RESALE VALUE, and LOOKS..Hondas got everyone beat. Your kids are the most precious thing, and you would want them to be as safe as possible... what are you going to trust? A van thats won the "Safest Car on the Road" for like 5 years now... HONDA ODYSSEY! Has that sporty feel, takes corners wonderfully, excellent for trips!

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  Excellent car - 2009 Honda Accord
  By Tony - April 14 - 2:26 am

  The car is excellent, well built and that is why I always buy Honda accord. This my third accord and best ever. Fun to drive, has everything luxury cars have for less money. I had 2003 v6 accord, drove it for 200K and sold it for 8 grand!

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  Value for money - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By Jayesh Mehta - April 13 - 2:17 pm

  Known brand this is my 2 cr-v and my dealer is the best, they make feel at home like family and i am doing buying my cars since 1992.

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  2016 Honda Fit - a review from a single female. - 2016 Honda Fit
  By Theresa L. - April 13 - 2:07 pm

  Before purchasing this vehicle I had a Honda Fit Sport I purchased new in 2010. I was in an accident where someone rear ended me going about 30 mph. The entire left side curtain airbag deployed. I was the driver and the only person in the car at the time of the accident. This accident totaled the car. I was so highly impressed how safe such a small car really was in an accident at that impact was, I was determined to replace it with a new Honda Fit. The Honda fit that was in the accident was silver, so I wanted something different. I really wanted a Modern Steel Metallic. None were available in a 200 mile radius of my area I was told. I had to drive an hour away from my home to get a Aegean Blue Metallic. White and silver seemed the only colors local available. I was surprised at the features you get with the car for the price. The Multi-Angle Rearview Camera with Guidelines, Right side cam for merging, Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink® and Streaming Audio, Multi-Reflector Halogen Headlights with Auto-On/Off. None of those came with the 2010 Honda Fit sport I had prior. Im one person, no kids. I dont need a big vehicle, so that considered this was great for me considering the price. I didnt purchase a luxury vehicle so I like to show people the new features it came with for just an average car. Ive only owned it a month, so I cant say much past how it compares to the 2010 I had. But Im happy with the purchase and got more than what I expected.

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  S2000 - 2005 Honda S2000
  By Lonman - April 13 - 12:34 am

  Whats not to like about this car. Solid as a rock (more so than a lot of hard top cars), stunning good looks, excellent hids, great led tail lights, superb handling, awesome gearbox, and honda reliability and amazing value. Snatch em up while you still can. This car is one of the best kept secrets in todays auto world. And my other car is a 2004 BMW M3.

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  First time new car - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By Daleen Tosso - April 12 - 2:32 pm

  I read all the reviews about the CR-V before I purchased it. We bought the 2016 Touring edition and for the money it had all the features I was looking for and more.

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  Cant Go Wrong - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Chaski - April 12 - 3:16 am

  So...Im at the honda dealer getting my oil change and saw how nice the 08 coupe looked, what a beauty! So I traded in my 06 and got this one. Best buy ever!! I mean, it handles so well, turn radius actually got smaller, and not to mention how sexy this car looks. The V6 manual transmission is still fairly new to me and having to readjust from driving a V4. The coupe responds so well to acceleration, even at low rpms. Gears are a bit tricky but Ive only had the car for a week, so im still learning her. But major complaints, its definitely a very fun car to drive and handles smoothly. I cant wait to break her in and really test her.

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  Ridgeline is perfection - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By don - April 11 - 10:36 pm

  I recently bought a Honda Ridgeline and traded in my 2004 Chevrolet Trailblazer for it , there is no comparison, the Ridgeline is built so much better its like comparing apples to oranges, So far I have 5000 miles on the Honda and not one hint of a problem,unlike the Trailblazer which was problem ridden from day one,leaky shocks, electrical problems, noises, etc. This thing turns heads everywhere I drive it and it goes anywhere.I would recommend this vehicle to anyone who wants extreme fit and finish with attention to detail.Definitly 5 stars

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  great niche car - 1992 Honda Prelude
  By datadesk - April 11 - 2:57 pm

  This is a car that handles like a dream, and is bullet-proof reliable like every Honda Ive owned. Maintenance is affordable, maintenance intervals are generous (for its time) 7500 oil / 90k belt. Its a shame they discontinuted this line - you pretty much have to buy an S2000 to get this level of handling nowadays. My S is a little low on power, but theres not much you can do with an Accord engine. If you have a choice, do purchase the Si or 93+ VTEC. Youll get a lot more for your money. As to the owner who blew his balancing shaft seal - your mechanic probably neglected to read-up on the Honda bulletin that urged you to swap it out ASAP due to a weak retention ring.

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  A great SUV to own - 2017 Honda CR-V
  By PK - April 11 - 3:55 am

  Compare to other medium size SUV, it is the best. Good value, comfort, and safety are my likes.