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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  2005 HONDA ODYSSEY EX-L - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By indi mom - August 12 - 12:36 am

  We compared side by side the honda odyssey & toyota sienna. Hands down, for the price, the odyssey had more features, which when added to the sienna would have cost much more. it has a 6-cd changer, easy to fold down 3rd row seats, second row sunshades, 8th seat, dual power sliding doors, stability control & 3 rows of airbags. we opted for the EX with leather, but no video or navigation system. Honda charges about $1700 for their entertainment system ... we got a portable dvd with 10" screen that hangs on the back of the headrest for less than $400 at walmart.com. Also, you can get a nice navigation system at circuit city or a store like that for around $1000, much less than the honda one.

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  Great All Around SUV - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By KING - August 11 - 6:39 pm

  The engine is adequate and very reliable. The styling beats the new CRVs hands down. The seats could be more comfortable and the driver seat needs more movement backwards for long legs. I love getting around parking lots and the narrow body allows plenty of room for the doors opening in parking spaces. This SUV has plenty of cargo space and lots of storage nooks inside. I wanted a red CRV with black interior but this is not offered.

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  Pilot vs. Highlander - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By Tony - August 11 - 3:08 pm

  Moved from a Highlander to the Pilot for more seating comfort. Pilot is great in the year I have owned it. Reliable and spacious although there is more road noise than the Highlander. Still in summary I am glad made change.

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  My new 2001 Civic - 2001 Honda Civic
  By My 2001 Civic - August 11 - 10:33 am

  I bought a new 4 door LX Civic with standard transmission. Gas mileage is great, but have had a continual plague of mechanical problems. Air dam fell off many times- finally left it off. Gas filler door release failed. Passenger window will not go up when it rains. Front wheel bearing failed at 45000 miles. Engine mount failed at 60000 miles. Headliner fell down in back seat at 65000. Air bag SRS light comes on, 67000 miles the front end bounces and moves on the road when you hit small bumps.Rear window defroster does not work

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  I love my Honda - 1999 Honda Accord
  By lrp - August 11 - 8:56 am

  I have owned this car for almost two years. It is a fantastic car in every sense. The pickup on this v-6 is outstanding and it has great vision from the drivers perspective as I am short and have had problems with other vechicles I have owned or rented. I give it a two thumbs up in every respect.

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  CRV - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By Greg - August 11 - 6:08 am

  Comfortable ride, good gas mileage, and lots of storage space with the seats down.

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  Still going - 1994 Honda Civic
  By hondaguy - August 11 - 1:34 am

  I have owned many Honda motorcycles in my life, but this was my first Honda car. Im sold. I bought this car as to be a reliable, sporty commuter car when I returned to school. It had 22,000 miles on it and it was three years old--dealer maintained. 170,000 miles and ten years later--I refuse to sell it. It just will not die. I make well into six figures a year, and this car is still my daily driver. I drive it 80 mph to work every day, and it gets 33-36 mpg. It has never given me a major repair bill. Other than regular maintenance on brakes, belts, exhaust, plugs and wires etc.. The only real repairs I have had to make are CV joints on both front axles (twice),and a new radiator.

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  Last year of Japanese Mfg shows - 2006 Honda CR-V
  By Don - August 10 - 6:37 pm

  This is the smallest SUV with AWD I would consider since we are not small people. It is also the first four cylinder Ive had for about 20 years. We dumped a V-8 Durango for this little gem, and it does the job. Plenty of power even with the 5 speed auto, but I wish we would have gotten a stick. The D3 setting (only uses lower 3 gears) works well in the hills. It revs quite a bit when you get on it, but climbs well. Not enough leg room for me to drive or ride in front for more than about an hour with the seats all the way back. Very maneuverable though! 2006 was the last year these were made in Japan, and the build quality is there. No rattles, runs smooth and quiet.

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  Lots of fun - 2008 Honda Fit
  By Laz Morera - August 10 - 3:50 pm

  Honda DNA, car is fun to drive, efficient cargo utilization, good expected mileage (have not used a full tank yet). Excellent ABS brakes, turns on a dime, responsive stering, and fast. Mine is black, beautifull. My wife and I love it. Very practical, This is our 4th Honda. We also have an 05 Element EX. The only recommendation I have is that Cruise and remote keyless entry should be otions offered on the base model. All of this for less than $15 grand with auto and air and a bunch of airnags. Fantastic! Find a good Honda dealer and buy one soon!

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  Pleased new hybrid owner - 2004 Honda Civic
  By D. H. of Visalia - August 10 - 10:00 am

  I was originally looking at the Civic EX for the exterior design, fuel economy, safety, and sporty options (sunroof, spoiler, and wheels), but was convinced by my wife to explore the hybrid for the fuel economy. Once I drove the hybrid after driving the LX and EX I was surprisingly pleased by its handling and acceleration capabilities. It didnt have the options I was looking at, but I hope the fuel economy solidifies my decision for purchasing the hybrid. I have tinted the windows and definitely plan on changing out the aluminium wheels to make it look more sportier.