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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  2008 Ody is more solid than 2005 Ody - 2008 Honda Odyssey
  By Larry - October 9 - 4:13 am

  We traded in our 05 EXL RES with 47,700 miles on a 08 EXL R&N and the difference is amazing. The ride has improved, the sound dampening has improved, and the fit and finish is better. The floor mats arent as thick, have less thread count, and they arent engraved with Odyssey on them. The back of the 3rd row seats are now carpet instead of leather. I like the telescoping steering wheel a lot better and now its more ergonomically comfortable to drive. Even my wife can tell a drastic improvement between the two vehicles. We never thought wed like driving or even owning a mini-van, but now we cant live without it. Convenience, room, better gas milage than SUVs, and comfort done well

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  Excellent Car - 2005 Honda Civic
  By Stan Grant - October 9 - 2:23 am

  I really like the handling of the Honda Civic Hybrid. Excellent gas mileage, great looks, sporty feel with the manual 5 speed. looks like a regular Civic which is great... Unlike the Toyota Prius - ugly.... I love it!

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  Loved this car - 2000 Honda Civic
  By jubilee - October 9 - 1:42 am

  Got this car brand new on 07/2007 with 8 mi on it and it drove strong for another 160000 miles until it got stolen and dumped in a river (broke my heart). I loved this car. It was the cheapest car on the lot, but it treated me well. Changed the oil every 4 to 5000 miles. Paint still looked new. Here are the things that went wrong: cracked exhaust manifold after 2 yrs, A/C compressor went out after 6 yrs, drivers side window went off track after 7 yrs. Otherwise, absolutely no other problems. Very reliable, and Im going to stick with Honda. This car has a lot of character. Other imports always wanted to race my stock Civic, and I cant tell you how many times people asked to buy my car.

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  Does everything you need!!! - 2016 Honda HR-V
  By Jr. - October 9 - 12:50 am

  Without expecting the world of features from one car, this vehicle does what its designed to do which is provide a great ride, lots of storage, great mpg and an awesome design all at a reasonable price.

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  Love the Accord - 2004 Honda Accord
  By buyahome - October 8 - 10:27 pm

  The Honda Accord has been an excellent choice for me. The quality is incredible. I cant imagine buying another American car after owning this one. The dealership has provided absolutely incredible service to me. They have gone out of their way to help with any issues I have had. Those issues have been: frozen door lock (from washing it with pressure wash I guess), most recently a problem with Navigation being erractic (they are currently working to resolve this one), possibly a DVD that may be working less than excellent. The only complaint I would have is the fact that the 4 cylinder engine is a bit light on the road and tends to ride a little bumpy & road noise is kind of loud.

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  Fun to Drive Civic Coupe - 2016 Honda Civic
  By JR - October 8 - 3:34 pm

  Sporty, fun to drive, economic, excellent fuel efficiency, looks great!

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  Perfection - 2005 Honda Civic
  By Andy - October 8 - 1:35 pm

  I bought this car new and have owned it almost three years. Its hard to express my satisfaction! My last three tanks of gas got 37, 39, and 41 mpg, which is normal. The car has more than adequate power, the ride is smooth, the road noise is about right for this class of car. So far the car has worked perfectly, only routine maintenance, which is easy to do yourself. This quality of this car feels better than the new Civic.

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  Honda CRV-LX 2007 - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By Vickie - October 7 - 11:03 pm

  What a great vehicle! This is the 4th Honda I have purchased and by far the best! I traded in a 2001 Honda CRV for my new 2007. I love it. It is a great vehicle for anyone that is short. Being only 52", I have a difficult time in most cars with visibility. Not with the CRV. The seat adjustment for height is great! So far I have averaged 27 miles to the gallon. Couldnt see myself driving a car again after owning a CRV! Very smooth car like ride.

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  Still a very good ride - 2007 Honda Pilot
  By John - October 7 - 10:51 pm

  The Honda pilot may have been around for a while but still is very reliable and offers plenty of space and safety comparable to the new CUV .and it is the only CUV that has a true 4x4 ability . It also has great resale value and the look is still appealing like a 4x4 should look not curvy, intruding on the interior headroom . I can fit 8 people in a pinch. Gas mileage isnt bad compared to other CUVs.

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  First Car - 1991 Honda Prelude
  By Prelude Power - October 7 - 9:59 pm

  A perfect first car, or even a car to just get from point A to point B. My Prelude has 185,000mi on it, and has always started up without a problem. This car is about 16 years old, and still many people tell me how much they like it.