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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  SMALL TUFF AND LOADED..... - 2003 Honda Element
  By RAY RAY... - August 23 - 2:00 am

  IM A CAR BUFF WHO LOVES HIS RIDES I HAVE HAD 41 AUTOS THIS ONE IS #42. I AM ONLY 40 YEARS OF AGE BY THE WAY. IVE WAITED FOR OVER ONE YEAR AND 2 AUTOS LATER I FINALLY BROKE DOWN AND DROVE ONE HOME. I LOVE IT JUST LIKE I KNEW I WOULD ITS THE BOMB. THANKS HONDA YOU DID YOUR HOMEWORK AND THEN SOME......

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  Great car " Honda build cars that can last a life" - 2015 Honda Civic
  By Linda Ramirez - August 23 - 1:53 am

  It my first car .. I treated it like a new born baby & I always keep in the garage .. Its well maintain " looks brand new " mint condition... Only reason I will consider selling is just " to upgrade my self into a newer Honda"... I love my car if I can afford to keep two cars.. I would not sell it!

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  This car just won’t die!! - 2000 Honda Odyssey
  By Kenny - August 22 - 5:23 pm

  I bought my odyssey in 2000 brand new. Little did I know Inwould still be driving it 18 years later!!! It now has 147000 miles on it and asides from regular maintenance, all I have done is replaced an EGR valve for 400 dollars and repaired a seat retractor which cost 18 dollars and I did myself. Everything still works. Have had no problems with tranny, doors, paint or everything I have been reading will be a problem with thei vehicle, but then again I take very good care of my vehicles. I change the oil every 3750 miles , wax it and do all the maintenance. I am also an easy driver and keep it in the garage. I was able to get 27 mpg by myself driving highway speeds and driving 75 mph, 4 people with AC blasting it dropped to 23.5. Gas milage in City is awful, but I really do not do much city driving. The only dislikes of the vehicle are the harsh truck like ride, road noise and I have quite a few dash board lights out. But thanks to Siri, I can always ask for the time when I am driving at night. Seats comfortable on long trips. Can drive about 6 hours, wo discomfort. Brakes last about 60000 miles, battery’s last about 9 years and I am able to get 60000 miles out of every set of tires I buy

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  ody 05 touring - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By Rose Cooke - August 22 - 9:50 am

  I researched the minivans online and decided to order the touring 05 Honda I have been very pleased ..more than I even thought I would be when I ordered it. I had driven it to Mt Baldy during the recent storms while other cars had been stuck in the middle of the road my minivan went right around and right up the mountain I was very impressed. The custom heating/air great for driving home my young hockey player who is over heated after a practice while I am very cold from watching. The voice activated commands are very convenient, if it only told me that it loved me too. The sun roof was not a feature that I would have chosen but I have enjoyed the stars at night.

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  I drove almost every SUV out there - 2017 Honda Pilot
  By Mike - August 22 - 7:37 am

  Extremely quiet and comfortable. I got 32 MPG on a new tank over a 4+ hour drive to New York. I drove every SUV out there before deciding on the Pilot. I had a CRV for 11 years and wanted another but, even though the CRV gets all of the rave reviews, I wasnt overly impressed by the drive. Im 64 and really wanted quiet comfort. The step up to the 6 cyl in the Pilot was what I needed.

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  Its Everything It Was Intended tTo Be - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By John Stukey - August 21 - 11:50 am

  My wife and I tested the 2001 Honda CR-V and we both agreed neither of us wanted it. When we took a ride in the 2002, it was like driving in another car. The ride, handling is superior has p. The ride and handling excells other SUVs we tested. Overall, the CR-V gives you what Honda intended, a fun, comfortable all-wheel SUV with great interior space. Both my wife and I love the car.

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  Most well-rounded car ever - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Sean - August 21 - 4:56 am

  Like the title says, this car is the most well-rounded car of all time. Power, exterior/interior design, and handling are all perfect in my opinion. It took a little bit for me to get used to the new "drive by wire" technology, but now that Ive adapted I couldnt be happier. Before this I had a 94 Accord w/ lsd and a lot of suspension upgrades. This thing handles just as well out of the box!

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  Love it... - 1996 Honda Prelude
  By Adrian P. - August 21 - 2:00 am

  This is my first car and im lovin every minute of it. My Prelude: www.cardomain.com/id/pelka

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  Extremely Solid and good car - 1998 Honda Accord
  By MGZ - August 21 - 2:00 am

  As my Accord will hit 120K miles soon, I have to admit it is better than all the American cars in this class that are 2004 models. It is agile, reliable, has good grip, and acclerates very well with the 5 speed manual. Fuel economy is excellent. The interior design and layout is flawless, though the exterior is a little boring.

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  1997 cr-v - 1999 Honda CR-V
  By diego - August 21 - 2:00 am

  this is my 3rd honda yet and satasfied with the purchase of my lx. critics arent to great on the reviews of the cr-v because of lack of power, but i would not trade for the world. i love my honda!