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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  A Movable Living Room - 2011 Honda Odyssey
  By suzanne - November 12 - 2:00 am

  Wow. My first Honda and am blown away. Crazy interior space...like driving around with your living room attached to you! Yet handles really well and gets pretty good gas mileage. Have only had it for a week, so very early, but I am Miss Picky w/ cars. Great deal at dealer and great service here in MA. Not sure I believe promised MPG, but will see. I do wish it were about 4 inches narrower, but then again I am not needing to haul 8 people as this van is designed for.

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  Ive got the peeling paint blues - 2011 Honda Pilot
  By ApexPilot - November 12 - 2:00 am

  Ive got an appointment to take my Pilot in a few weeks for peeling back bumper. Whats up with that? Ive been a loyal Honda owner for over 20 years and Ive never had an issue with the paint peeling. For the most part I love my Pilot. For me its much more comfortable then my 2007 CR-V was.

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  Best Car I Ever Had - 1993 Honda Accord
  By Mike - November 11 - 2:00 am

  This car ran like it was new when it was 16 years old with 190k miles. Its life was cut short by an accident, but I loved this car. Many cars (even newer ones) make noises or everything just seems flimsy, but this car ran and felt great. I chose not to buy a Honda again because I believe they have actually become overrated. I loved this car, but the prices for cars like this have become outrageous in the past few years. It was a great car, not a magical car that never will die or require maintenance.

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  We Love it! - 2011 Honda Odyssey
  By Orange&Blue - November 11 - 2:00 am

  Best driving vehicle we have ever owned. Has a very sporty/stiff suspension which is fun to drive. Cant believe its a minivan! Very quite ride. Interior is laid out very well. We love the interior quality and ergonomics. Ride and interior quality made the difference to us versus other mini vans available. Personally, I like the exterior styling, its sportier, differentiating, and better looking (chrome edging)than the Odys main competitor. We opted for Nav. only EXL. We have an ipad and that keeps the kids busy on long trips. Also, DVD can be added after the fact by dealer if we change our mind on this. Eco cylinder limiting and monitoring is neat and helps us conserve fuel.

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  Buzzing when car starts - 2009 Honda CR-V
  By larry - November 11 - 2:00 am

  Bought my cr-v new in 08 problem free till about a week ago, when starting , the relay switch buzzes.. Honda says its a "quirk", which to me says "problem" called the main office in CA was told to take it the dealership were my car can be checked out, but dought anything will be done about the buzzing.

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  Ridgeline is king - 2011 Honda Ridgeline
  By xrockx - November 10 - 2:00 am

  I have owned a number of short bed pickup trucks and the ridgeline is the best of all. The interior storage beats all other trucks and the in-bed storage is light years ahead of the competition. Safety features and solid build make for one excellent vehicle.

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  Great Car - 2007 Honda Civic
  By MissIndy - November 9 - 2:00 am

  I would most definitely recommend this car to any average sized person. This car is an absolute blast to drive, it handles very well on all types of roads. I have a lead foot and I always had over 30 mpg on the highways. The dash was easy to read.

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  So far so good - 2011 Honda Pilot
  By Wayne - November 9 - 2:00 am

  Had this vehicle for about a month now. Love it so far. Got it for the 3 rows that seat 8. It can fit our family of 5 with no problem with the 3rd row folded down which leaves plenty of room for cargo for our trips. AWD Sienna only seats 4 without third row (captains chairs) and Highlander was a bit narrower, had less cargo room and was more expensive. Didnt take to the Sorento or Traverse - which were also more expensive for the same options.

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  Awesome - 2011 Honda Ridgeline
  By Cwhulser - November 8 - 2:00 am

  This is my second Ridgeline! The first one was perfect and so is this one. It is the perfect combination of rugged and elegant!

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  Sales and service - 2010 Honda CR-V
  By kathy714 - November 8 - 2:00 am

  Excellent ride , both in the city and highway, window visibility excellent. mileage, almost 30 on highway. handles easily.