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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  New 06 Odssey. - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By Paul R. White - May 27 - 3:13 am

  After recently returning from a 2800 mile trip throuh the mountains of East TN, NC, and VA, in this NEW Odssey I have been amazed at its power and the smoothness of its transmission shifts, (especially, the operation of the cylinder management system). Also, I have been pleased with its comfort and fuel mileage. I am a retired NASA Engineer and tend to be picky, but as of now, I am well pleased.

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  Happy! - 2007 Honda Element
  By Nikki - May 26 - 9:48 pm

  I love my Element. Its so roomy and not all cramped and confining. My husband is not a small man and in some small SUVs his head actually touches the roof and theres no leg room. He is very comfortable whether riding or driving. Weve taken several vacations in our Element too. Great gas mileage, fun to drive. I love how the back seats lay all the way flat, fold to the side or come completly out to create more cargo space. And when youre riding in the back the seats actually sit higher than the driver so you can see out & over the people in the front. My dog is a taxi for my two Boxers and they love to go for rides. Overall very very staisfied element owner!

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  Great Car - 2009 Honda Civic
  By Ed Wise - May 26 - 8:33 pm

  I am very pleased with my Honda Civic Hybrid it is better than I had hoped for. I purchased this vehicle to commute in Los Angeles traffic and it performs great - the comfort level is very good. I have been driving about 43 years and would recommend this vehicle to everyone who needs a great car at a very good price. I am considering purchasing a second one for my daughter.

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  Good family car - 2015 Honda Accord
  By B.A. - May 26 - 6:06 pm

  Overall I like the car. The inside is roomy and comfortable, I have plenty of leg room and even with a car seat placed in the middle back seat, we can still seat 2 adults behind. The ride is smooth but you can definitely hear the road on the highway. What I would say is that I am not impressed by the acceleration. That is something I will definitely consider next time I shop for a car.

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  THE BEST - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By Muhammad - May 26 - 5:00 pm

  WHEN COMPARED TO THE TOYOTA SIENNA THIS VAN HANDS DOWN BEATS IT. ITS FASTER, looks nicer, and is more technologically advanced. I actually considered buying a Lincoln Navigator but the fuel economy was too bad....the odyssey has 20/28 mpg, is just as spactious, and comes with more options for a lower price.....well not that low....About 40K with all the options

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  Love the interior - 2005 Honda Element
  By Christy peterson - May 26 - 11:50 am

  I have 4 pets and I love the easy clean up. I love this vehicle for its many uses and reliability. Could improve on wind noise, longer and wider visor, roll down back windows, maybe coarse rubber in rear section to keep things for sliding

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  Just an average Honda Pilot - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By SMC - May 26 - 11:17 am

  I have had my Pilot for 18 months now. It has creaking noise from the door seals and drivers side B-pillar. Every time when I have an oil change at the dealer, the service guy lubes all the seals for me. The noise from the seals usually go away after being lubed. But it will come back once the lube dries out. The noise from the B-pillar was never fixed, even after three, four attempts. My Pilot also have broken / leaking struts that have to be replaced. I am kind of shocked with the quality. Gas consumption is so so...averaged 18- 20 mpg with mixed city and highway driving, pretty close to the advsertised number of 18-24 mpg.

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  New Car - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By Jack Lott - May 26 - 6:03 am

  Im 57 and this is the best car I have ever owned. I spent a week in snow storms and it handled perfectly. Very reliable and fun to drive.

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  Great, Just what I needed. - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By Patricia Harrell - May 26 - 2:41 am

  Car fills my needs perfectly. Attractive, comfortable, peppy, lots of cargo space.

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  Surprisingly great car! - 2008 Honda Fit
  By CaptainZeep - May 24 - 9:00 pm

  A job with a 30 mile commute, A big dog and and a baby on the way all conspired against my Acura RSX. My wife and I looked at a Subaru wagon but were not impressed with the fuel economy. The Fit caught our eye so we took a look. It had all the room and features we needed. After a quick test drive, we were sold. It is very fun to drive and overall very appealing. The space and flexibility of the interior is truly amazing. After waxing the Fit this weekend, my opinion continues to improve. The blackberry pearl paint is flawless. The materials quality, and finish is impressive, regardless of price.