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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  Good SUV - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By murali - March 25 - 2:00 am

  Value for money. and honda quality makes it a winner

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  2003 CRV-EX - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By pauls - March 25 - 2:00 am

  this vehicle is fun to drive, if you are looking for off-road action do not buy this SUV.

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  My new Honda Odyssey - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By akshay - March 25 - 2:00 am

  The Odyssey is by far the best Minivan that I have ever driven. Love the 240 HP V6 engine. The 3rd seats which magically disappear are a huge plus. The high safety rating combined with a very comfortable ride have made me an extremely happy owner.

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  Im actually PROUD to drive a minivan! - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By mfallo - March 25 - 2:00 am

  3 years ago I purchased my VW Passat because Consumer Reports magazine rated it best family car. HA! What a joke! From day one I had no idea what the editors were thinking. But when I was due for a new vehicle, again I listened to the experts, giving them one last chance. The Odyssey is everything it claims to be and more. A mom definately had a say on the design of this thing. The best car I ever owned before this was a 1991 Honda Prelude, and this minivan has the b---s of that little Honda. Once you step in you are surrounded by ingenious design, luxurious leather, and such a smooth ride that the big bus feels like a small sporty sedan.

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  great car - 2003 Honda Accord
  By go honda - March 25 - 2:00 am

  i love this car it takes a couple days to get used to the power but when you do, you can just sit back and let the car do all the work.

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  Grrrrrreat - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Nycmichael - March 25 - 2:00 am

  There were only two snags that I experienced with the car. First off I realized a horrible rotten egg smell after I would accelerate sharply or for an extended period of time. Its ok to do this because all Hondas are red lined off the line. The smell turned out to be the catalytic converter breaking in, this is supposed to go away after 2000 miles, Im at 1600 so I cant confirm this. The second is the gas milage. After getting the car I realized I wasnt getting the advertised gas milage. This also turns out to be a breaking in issue, I was told that after 3000/4000 miles (with highway cruising) the car will begin to achieve its normal mpg.

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  Love the new Accord - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Catra - March 25 - 2:00 am

  This is my first new car, and I love it! Not as fond of the exterior as I am of the new Altima, but the Accord makes up for it in the interior. Extra bright gauges, a pretty good sound system, and it is so comfortable! I love the ride, the wheel is very responsive, and bumps arent jarring at all. Great car for the price!

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  Clear Why This Car Sells Like Hotcakes - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By masternc - March 24 - 3:49 pm

  To address the elephant in the room, my CR-V does vibrate my seat at 600 RPM when stopped in drive. However, shifting to N or turning headlights on raises RPM. Adjusting the idle speed would fix this, so I imagine Honda will have to address. Otherwise, loving this car for my extended commute. While the acceleration pattern takes adjustment, it handles well and I am getting 30 MPG (with AWD) from hwy & suburban driving. There are a few minor interior quirks but car is comfy and spacious. The CR-V is in high demand; you cant get a Touring for months and there is little negotiating room. Ended up going with an EX-L, which saved me $5,000. My EX-L took 4 weeks to arrive in my color.

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  1994 Prelude - 1994 Honda Prelude
  By annette - March 24 - 2:00 am

  This 94 Prelude is highly reliable. I have never done any repair beyond normal maintenance in 10 years! Ive had years in which Ive driven it 20,000 miles and others of 5,000 miles. Its a peppy, fun drive that accelerates very well. It handles beautifully. This is the best car Ive ever had in 35 years of driving. Even the temperature controls are great-the air conditioner cools quickly and the heat is just as responsive.

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  Great Car to own and drive. - 2006 Honda Civic
  By david - March 23 - 7:23 pm

  This is another great car produced by Honda. Not only does it have more space, but it still gets great gas mileage. I am getting 41 mpg on the highway.