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:

• 

  What deal... - 2017 Honda CR-V
  By CARLOS GUTIERREZ - January 30 - 10:01 pm

  The first and most importan quality of this car is such amount of features that you can get on EX Trim for a low cost; even I compared the safety features of this with other luxurious cars that not include them. For compact SUV I have to say that pretty spacious inside and finish looks made of quality materials. Very comfortable, good fuel efficiency and enough power.

• 

  Love our new Sedan - 2006 Honda Accord
  By Barbara - January 30 - 8:20 pm

  My tall husband actually can be comfortable in the passenger seat of this great sedan when I am driving. Plenty of room in this car. Everyone who has seen it loves the luxury look." We love the good mileage we are getting around town.

• 

  Wow! beats zoom zoom zoom any day! - 2007 Honda S2000
  By tominatlanta - January 30 - 6:42 pm

  Ive owned my 2007 S2000 since Jan. 3, 2007 and am absolutely enthralled with it. Responsive, yes! Fun, yes! Powerful, yes! Comfortable, yes! (Like a glove. Now Im a fairly slim guy, 5 11" 155 lbs. and fit in the cockpit like medium snug, which is good...) Great gearbox. Great steering. Great suspension. All in all, a truly exhilarating ride and driving experience! As a former Miata owner, this is THE TRUE ROADSTER/SPORTS CAR!!! Get one!!!

• 

  My Two Cents - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By Mark81 - January 30 - 6:20 pm

  My experience has been two sided actually. From a family hauler perspective it is great for taking the kids to after school functions and throwing some groceries in the back on the way home, glad to have the cover. As for a truck, I really wish i had my Silverado back , having traded it in on this. We camp in the summer and also tow the boat over to Dale Hollow on the weekends, the salesman assured me a 3500# boat would not be a problem. This is not the case what so ever. The V-6 struggles getting the boat off of our street let alone the heart attack I almost had trying to get it up a ramp. The brakes offer no confidence either when trying to bring the trailer to a halt (w/ trailer brakes!).

• 

  Love it - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By Julie - January 29 - 7:56 pm

  we love this car- great layout inside, plenty of room even with the 3rd row up. Even I have sat in the 3rd row without too much discomfort (Im 5 ft 4 in), but would not want to do it on a regular basis. Best for kids. But all the rows have a recline feature for the seats, the middle can be moved up and back as well. Not anything negative from our point of view.

• 

  What Kids Want - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By fotovan - January 29 - 5:26 pm

  This is the vehicle kids want. Our oldest [4 yrs] squealed with glee when we took delivery. Easy to load in and load out. The XM, NAV and DVD keep us all entertained at the same time. Dual climate control is nice. I have owned Acura and Honda in the past and would expect the same excellent reliability as we have had this vehicle for only 10 days. Honda offers a good product for the money, but would be well advised to someday do something about the road noise that is persistent in all Honda and even Acura that I have driven. Wheel well insulation/sound dampening along with double insulated doors [like German cars] would greatly increase the solid feel of the van.

• 

  Franks 1999 Honda Odyssey - 1999 Honda Odyssey
  By Frank Parada - January 29 - 2:06 pm

  Overall Ive driven the van for four years and love it. The van gives me between 18-19 mpg and enjoy the comfortable ride. I would purchase the same van again.

• 

  Our First Honda-A wise choice! - 2006 Honda CR-V
  By Andy - January 29 - 12:38 am

  This is our first Honda CR-V. We decided on the SE model because of all the options it offered. In general I like the vehicle but I do have some problems with the interior. It has ample power, gets good highway gas mileage, and is very comfortable on long trips. Everything is close to the driver and the steering wheel controls are intelligently placed, although the cruise control on/off switch could have been placed in a better spot. We were able to store tons of luggage for the annual Christmas Trip from Evansville IN to San Antonio Tx. We are very pleased with our investment.

• 

  Honda Accord rules! - 2003 Honda Accord
  By LQB - January 28 - 11:43 pm

  I put on 56K in a little more than 2 years, and have no problems with this car. Just make sure all the regular maintenance is done when they should be done, and this car should last forever. My tires still have about 35% left, and my back brakes are still not changed yet... so I dont understand why some of the comments on here stating that the brakes are worn out at 14K!!! How do they drive their cars? I wonder?? This car is absolutely great.

• 

  Awesome little car! - 2004 Honda Civic
  By Eric - January 28 - 7:52 pm

  I had a 2002 civic LX and traded it for a 2004 Chev Malibu thinking I would appreciate the larger car with more bells and whistles. WRONG! I had the Malibu for a year and a half and here I am...back in a civic. I absolutely love Hondas and i will NEVER buy from another auto maker. People say "never say never" but I tell them to drive a Honda...youll see!!! My only complaint is the Firestone FR690 tires that come with the car are dangerous. I changed them to Michelins and we are back in action. LOVE IT!!