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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  Excellent first car - 1994 Honda Civic
  By seaniboi77 - October 31 - 11:39 pm

  Excellent car, lots of fun to drive. I bought with some problems but its all fixed now.

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  Love It - 2007 Honda Pilot
  By Tom H - October 31 - 7:54 am

  I was a little worried about fuel economy, but not any more. City driving is about 17 mpg. On a trip to FL., we averaged 25 mpg. One time was 27 mpg. between fill ups. There is plenty of room. Seats are comfortable. There is more horsepower than Ill need.

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  useless usb - 2015 Honda Odyssey
  By J Taylor - October 31 - 6:57 am

  When I bought my odyssey, I expressed concern that there was only one jack to plug in my gps/phone. Ive never seen a car, especially a van with only one jack. It was pointed out that there was a USB port which would charge my phone while I used the jack for the gps. Well, after two 3hour sittings at the service department trying to figure out why my phone doesnt charge in the USB port and why I cant keep it plugged into the USB port while listening to an audible book, I was told the USB only works with Iphones! Even the service guys did not know this and couldnt believe it! I have an android phone, therefore the usb is useless for me. And when I plug a multi jack into the regular jack it doesnt stay with a good connection. My other pet peave is I have had the service guys try to fix the car so when it is put in park, all doors unlock. Apparently this is not possible either. It is extremely annoying to get out of the car and try to open the back door or hatch, then have to go back in to hit the unlock button on the door. Or to always have to hit the unlock button to let a passenger in. The more I drive this van, the more I wish I had stuck with the Toyota previa. When I first got the car, My son really liked it and decided this summer to trade in his car for an odyssey. After two months of having this car, he said hed never get an odyssey.

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  Mommy van no longer needed! - 2011 Honda Odyssey
  By Cathy B - October 31 - 5:09 am

  Couldnt be happier with this car, but as kids grew, activities (gear) increased, & technology improved,needed size upgrade from Acura MDX. This car has not given us an ounce of concern, & besides routine maintenance, only expense was a battery replacement after 50 months! Its paid off, garaged & in perfect condition inside & out, but empty nest mama needs less room & fun to travel & for errands!

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  Awesome Ride - 2006 Honda Accord
  By Chuck Wagon - October 30 - 10:36 pm

  I just bought the SE about a week ago. I love the way it handles. It is my first Accord and I love it. I would not go back to any other car. I traded in my Jetta for this Accord, and tell you what, its like a HUGE upgrade. Sure I miss the heated mirrors that I had on Jetta and the sunroof. But I will settle for an Accord without them.

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  2007 CR-V LX AWD - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By JSNK - October 30 - 8:15 pm

  Very happy with this car. I can get 30MPG on the highway, 22 around town, and about 25 to 26 overall. Comfortable, Safe, and the AWD is a dream in the snow. Large comfy cabin, and more space than I know what to do with. Interior is much nicer than anything else I looked at. Exterior styling is a bit strange, but thats not why I bought the car.

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  nicely done - 2007 Honda Fit
  By Buzcutt - October 30 - 6:46 pm

  I really like the handling of this car. The fuel economy is a little lower than I expected. The 5 speed auto transmission shifts smoothly. The fit has a very roomy interior. I really like how the seats fold down.

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  2007 Honda CRV-EXL 4x2 No Nav - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By WJMSEM - October 30 - 6:30 pm

  Picked up this car last Friday. Rear cargo ceiling seat-belt latch cover fell off in-front of sales rep. Disappointed to find no headlight auto on-off feature or Homelink. Armrest got in the way of seat belt latch. No fog lamps and top of head-rest tilts too far forward for my wifes 5 height. Interior design and head-room is excellent. Dash layout is perfectly aligned with driver. My wife pulled down the vanity mirrors and was quite upset to find each mirror without lights. Side-view mirros do not have integrated signals which doesnt make sense given the safety factor built in. Steering connects very "lightly" to the road. Would have liked the tail antenna to be replaced with small dome.

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  CRV - 2011 Honda CR-V
  By e suastegui - October 30 - 4:30 pm

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  CRV - 2011 Honda CR-V
  By e suastegui - October 30 - 4:30 pm