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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  CR-V - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By A. Peltier - September 18 - 2:00 am

  Living in the snow belt of Massachusetts and the hills of Worcester, I traded in my Accord of 5 years for the CR-V and I love it. Its been a great ride during lousy weather.

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  DONT SETTLE FOR ANYTHING LESS!!!!! - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By PAUL BAMBACH - September 18 - 2:00 am

  BEST MINIVAN ON THE MARKET

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  minivans rule - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By vladytom - September 17 - 4:16 pm

  When we decided to shop for a large SUV I was looking either for a Toyota Highlander or a Honda Pilot. I never imagined that I will buy a minivan (not sporty enough). I tried a few used SUVs but I didnt like the "feel of the wheel". When I first tried that used Odyssey, just to show my wife why we dont need a minivan... it was love at first sight! It drives so nice and its so much more comfortable than an SUV! As Edmunds says, there are 2 categories of people: the ones who like the Ody and the ones who dont know this yet!

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  170 Thousand Trouble Free Miles - 1997 Honda Accord
  By DrSardonica - September 17 - 2:00 am

  The only thing I have done to this car is change the oil, the belts and the tires. I do use synthetic oil. Given the performance of this car, I would never own anything but a Honda.

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  Really nice - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By andy - September 16 - 11:33 pm

  I traded in a 2001 Subaru Outback for the CRV. The CRV is a wonderful midsize SUV. Styling, performance and handling are first rate. Standard features and the quality of the materials and build would have you think you were in a 35,000 vehicle. Only real negative is that rear seats do not fold flat. Other than that, flawless.

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  2009 FWD EX-L with Navigation - 2009 Honda CR-V
  By doffer - September 16 - 8:23 pm

  This is a well-engineered, solid vehicle at a reasonable price. The vehicle provides better road visibility as it sits up higher than a sedan, decent mileage, and is flexible enough if we need to transport small stuff (e.g., chairs, boxes, etc.). The ride is kind of rough, not sure if a change of tires would help, or thats the way it is supposed to ride.

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  Love this car!! - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Art Vandelay - September 16 - 2:26 pm

  I have a job where I drive 40,000 - 50,000 miles per year visiting accounts up and down the east coast. I needed a car that can handle alot of long, high speed highway runs, and I could not be happier with this car so far... For me it was a decision between the VW Jetta TDI and the Civic, and while I loved both cars, I felt like the value and reliability were better with the Civic. The fully loaded Civic costs at least $1000 less than the least expensive TDI. The Civic is giving me an average of 38-40 mpg so far, and while it doesnt have the high speed passing power of the TDI, the engine is one of the smoothest I have ever driven. I highly recommend this car!

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  Great car! - 2016 Honda Civic
  By Zhiyuan Lin - September 16 - 1:34 pm

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  Great Car - 2007 Honda Civic
  By Pat - September 16 - 6:33 am

  Love this car. We have owned this car for about 1 month now. On average we are getting 47mpg city, and 51 on the highway. Not only does it exceed my expectations on the mileage, its quality, looks and drivability are outstanding as well. Plenty of power for passing and high speed driving. The Navi system is outstanding. I wish is that the color combinations were better. I wanted a white car and could only get a tan interior. I wanted a darker color.

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  reliable and comfortable - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By upong - September 16 - 2:00 am

  its very reliable and comfortable. kids like to sleep especially on long drive. we have a 2000 model and planning to replace to the upcoming all-new oddysey 2005 model. i like the new design and the features. were very anxious to have the new one, hope it will be on the market soonest!!!