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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  1st Honda, finally! - 1996 Honda Prelude
  By n_stemp - October 2 - 2:00 am

  1st off this forum has been VERY helpful to me. I researched ALOT of cars for hrs upon hrs and I had no doubt that I wanted a Honda, I found a few preludes, on line, and the one I purchased was 400 miles/8 hrs (round trip) away from where I live! I made trip to test drive and fell in love, bought it right there on the spot! I had to have a friend drive me back to pick it up on another day. This car is VERY fun to drive, Ive been in my Dodge intrepid (95 3.3 ltr) for 4.5 yrs, it is more comfortable.. but thats to be expected. I test drove 3 NEW hondaa (05 accord, 04 civic ex, 04 civic lx) and this car (96!) out peerformed all 3! new cars dont have the balls anymore.. fuel efficiency?

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  Honda S2000 Rated - 2004 Honda S2000
  By Rainman xxx - October 2 - 2:00 am

  This is a fun car to drive, lots of power with great gas milage. It is a great looking car and a super value for the money. The car seems to hold its value as I check the used prices. I dont see many of them around, so it will catch your eye. I bought it, and like it.

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  Good Little SUV - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By GSC - October 2 - 2:00 am

  Overall a very reliable, comfortable, and well laid-out vehicle. Kudos for the interior layout - everything is right where its supposed to be. Well, the automatic gear shift takes a bit of getting used to... just close your eyes and pretend its attached to the steering column. In two years, Ive had only one problem: the outer left rear brake lining detached from the metal backing pad. This caused the most awful metal-on-metal sound. Replaced the rear brake pads & had no more problems. One note: dont get the black exterior paint unless you have the means to have the car washed daily! The OEM stamped steel wheels are also a bit cheesy go aluminum.

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  My Birthday Present--Honda Odyssey - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By Missy Sue - October 2 - 2:00 am

  I have really enjoyed driving my new Odyssey on open roads and in town. A very reliable, great looking set of wheels!

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  First 1,000 miles were very impressive - 2017 Honda CR V
  By Richard Porterfied - October 1 - 3:18 pm

  In the past, I always bought one year old Chrysler products with minimum options as they had low resale and I could buy them for short money. Worked for me as a sales guy pounding on the miles. This changed when I watch a Toyota Camry ad on television showing the auto braking saving a family from a collision due to inattention. Acknowledging my age I felt the others on the road deserved for me to have these "extra eyes" helping. Also I live on a large hill in snow country and although I have always made it home with FWD, the trip often involved "flying" the car over the hills. Decided I would rather be able to climb hills at a sane speed so went with AWD. Went shopping and tried all the CSUVs. My evaluation pointed to the Honda as having the best forward emergency braking, adaptive cruise, cross traffic and absolutely the best lane guidance. Only 1,000 miles down so far but no buyers regret whatsoever. The car is quiet enough, the automatic climate control has not been touched -- set to 70 and forget. Lane guidance is amazing, I can go through s bends with my hands off. (The car admonishes me to steer after a few seconds but stays in lane as long as there are stripes.) Mileage is pretty good for an AWD non aerodynamic box with upright seating -- 34 on highway and 29 all round with many short trip.

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  Ive Always Had Hondas - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By Honda Loyalty - October 1 - 5:33 am

  Ive had Hondas forever, and have always loved them. When looking for a small SUV, I considered the Xterra because of 6 cyl. engine. Was totally surprised at the pep in the CRV. Ive always drven manual transmission cars, but wanted an automatic. Was afraid that Id lose too much pickup. I went to the EX model mostly because the upholstery in the LX was tacky. I didnt really want 4WD since I live in FL and its not necessary. Im a teacher and off-road stuff is not my thing. Honda always equips their cars well, and the CRV is no exception. The comfort level is great. I think Im going to love this car.

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  Very pleased! - 2008 Honda Accord
  By New Honda Owner - October 1 - 2:46 am

  I bought my 2008 Accord EX-L (4 Cyl) about a week ago and I absolutely love it. I am typically a GM guy and chose the Accord over the Malibu and I am sure glad I did. I am averaging about 28 MPG (City/Highway) on the first 2 tanks of gas. the ride is AWESOME and the 190 HP 4 Cyl engine is more powerful than I expected. Very pleased with my purchase!

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  my first honda - the element - 2004 Honda Element
  By mawa - October 1 - 2:00 am

  The element was my first honda purchase. reasons for buying: 1)price, 2)looks, 3) useful interior features, 4)convenient size, 5)hondas reputation for reliability. I drove it from california to nebraska fully loaded without any problems. and the 4 wheel drive option should helpful when driving in the snow. Im so pleased with the Element that I also bought one for my wife.

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  The Best SUV for the price - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By Asian Dude - October 1 - 2:00 am

  I got this SUV with Navigational system, and a after market DVD player intall, for 31,400. This is the last brand new 2003 model I could find around the area (Tulsa, Oklahoma). This SUV performant is great, spacy interior.

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  Great! - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By sarahgadd - October 1 - 2:00 am

  We just bought our new Odessey, and it is great! We bought the new EX with DVD version and there is no other minivan out there that can offer you so many excellent features for the price, with the great reputation of a Honda. I test drove the Ford Freestar, and the Odessey is so much more smooth driving, more comfortable, and much better looking. Coming from a SUV the gas mileage is great, and the kids car seats fit wonderfully. The seating options offer great versatility. We love it!!!!