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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  Odyssey review - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By myh13140 - March 12 - 7:33 pm

  Superior engineering, both from performance standpoint and exterior/interior styling. Looks good, feels good, controls are intelligently placed, great features, very reliable and the usual Honda performance (excellent). Slightly disappointed in fuel usage, so far has not lived up to suggested fuel economy. In all, very pleased; would purchase again and definitely would reccomend.

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  Goodbye Tacoma, Hello Ridgeline - 2017 Honda Ridgeline
  By R. W. - March 10 - 7:54 pm

  If you are looking for a great driving, comfortable riding pickup then get a new Ridgeline. I bought the RTL-T AWD model and cant find anything Id change. Its actually more comfortable than the 2011 Accord coupe I once owned. I am getting over 22 mpg in the month Ive been driving it.

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  Best Buy - 1999 Honda Civic
  By Chad Poulter - March 10 - 5:48 pm

  Great car, It is my first car and I looked around and bargined the dealer down to a good price. I have been very pleased with the car. I average up to 30+ MPG on highway (depends on how full the car is). You will pay several thousand more versus Ford or Dodges similar models but value that it holds more than makes up for that. When you want reliability, buy a Honda. SImple as that.

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  Honda Pilot!! - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By Matt - March 10 - 3:13 pm

  The Pilots rear cargo space is exceptional.I really enjoy this SUV.

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  Better than our ML 500 - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By Julia - March 10 - 1:23 pm

  This is our second Odyssey, and I cant believe how much its improved! Its so air-tight I have to keep an eye on the speedometer. With three kids from 18 months to 11 years, this car meets my need to have plenty of spaces to store "stuff", but still look fantastic. The controls are very intuitive, and the only complaint I have at all is having to re-adjust the arm-rest every time I put on my seat belt. The additional features of the touring edition are worth every penny. The rear camera and parking sensors help with our tight garage, and the remote lift-gate comes in handy when carrying a toddler, computer bag, back-pack and stroller all at once.

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  Excellent SUV - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By bob - March 10 - 9:20 am

  Excellent vehicle to get out of town for a long weekend. Great on the highway, with plenty of window view.

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  Honda is the Best - 2007 Honda Accord
  By Jordan - March 10 - 1:16 am

  The Accord is a wonderful vehicle. We bought the accord for the long trips we make. We ride in comfort.

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  Great Fun Car - 2009 Honda Civic
  By reelalarm - March 9 - 9:26 pm

  This is my 6th Honda, first Hybrid. So naturally I like Hondas. I was surprised by the power, not like the original VW diesel of yesteryear. Car is fun to drive, but watch out dont get caught and wrapped up looking at the dashboard constantly showing data or you will be in an accident. I only have it for a couple weeks but the MPG is as good or better than the sticker rating. Usual Honda quality, not a thing wrong so far, there is no laundry list for the dealer to repair when first service come around.

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  1999 Honda CRV - 1999 Honda CR-V
  By yapyap1011 - March 9 - 5:34 pm

  I bought my 1999 CRV used from a friend a year ago and it hasnt disappointed me yet. It has surprisingly roomy seating and everyone that rides in the backseat mentions this to me. The AWD is great in rainy conditions, I can feel the wheels stablize when I hit a puddle. It handles like a car, gas mileage is fair considering the AWD, but I do wish it had a little more power for the uphill climbs. Im just under 60,000 miles and no mechanical problems.

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  Great Car - 2009 Honda Accord
  By Ray Miller - March 8 - 3:40 pm

  Had a 2005 Honda Accord exl w/ navi and loved it. Never had one problem. Bought this one in Apr of 09. Was hoping that the economy of running 3 cyl when 6 not needed would help the mileage (it didnt) over the 05 model. drove the 05 from midwest to west coast 4 times and averaged 30 mpg over 1500 mile trip each time. Just arrived in Nv. this year and we averaged 28 mpg. Other than disappointment with the mileage I love the car. I feel this car has better drivers seat comfort than the 05. I usually drive 850 miles first day on way to the west, and did have back problem with the 05. NONE with the 09.