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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  10 Years Old - 1997 Honda Accord
  By Kolbow - December 10 - 4:08 pm

  This car has been great to drive. Having a manual transmission makes it more fun to drive. I hate to give this up. I hope I can get one more winter out of it.

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  Good car. - 2000 Honda Accord
  By Car Lover - December 10 - 12:22 pm

  This car is proclaimed as the best, however, I bought it used with 110,000 miles in July 2006. I expected it to be excellent and it is. The only problem is that everybody has it. It may look good, but I think that with few modifications such as the wheels off of the V6, and a spoiler, then this car will be great.

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  Glad I waited - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By TMAN - December 10 - 12:00 am

  Was looking at the new Tacoma, but I am glad I waited. The Ridgeline is much nicer. The ride is great and has some terrific options. My wife loves it and she didnt really want a truck.

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  My 3rd Odyssey, probably not my last. - 2010 Honda Odyssey
  By Jerry Hettel - December 9 - 10:53 pm

  My 1st Honda Odyssey was a 2000. I put about 100,000 miles on it and traded it in on a 2005 model. I put 100,000 miles on it and traded it in for my 2010. All of them were the EX-L model. I always get the maximum Extended Honda Care warranty and used it to keep them running with NO extra expense. Very few repairs on any of them. My 2010 now has over 112,000 miles and everything works fine. GREAT vehicles. Although my daughter bought a 2012 and it has had numerous problems including having the engine rebuilt under warranty. They always had it serviced by the local Honda dealer. They are going to trade it when their extended warranty runs out next year. I will probably get another new Odyssey next year. Things I like; I can almost use it as a truck for hauling stuff. I use it as a camper when going to a motorcycle race event. Taller seat so I can see better than some cars that are so low. Plenty of seats for taking the family places. Reliability and resale value.

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  Black Honda Coupe - 2009 Honda Accord
  By dmull - December 9 - 5:50 pm

  What can I say, its a Honda. This is my 7th Honda in 20 years. The unique thing about a Honda is when you get inside and close the door, you hear and feel a solid contact. This is true in all new cars. The unique aspect of a Honda is that it will still sound that way in 10-15 years later. They are just built solid.

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  the honda odyssey touring - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By arnel espinosa - December 9 - 2:13 pm

  we only bought this van for like a week. but it has really impressed me big time not only with its dvd & gps system but also with its console features (i.e. it tells you of the outside temp & miles per gallon which also reset every time you refill for gas). arriving from the philippines just last year we havent really heard that much about the odyssey. it was upon our arrival that we noticed lots of odysseys plying the streets. needless to say we reasearched on this van through our friends & the internet. what we found out was the standard VTEC engine (which means gas savings) & a covertible V6 to 3-cylinder engine driving configuration. in short the ultimate family car

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  Honda SUV - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By Sambo - December 9 - 12:16 pm

  I cant compare it with cars I have not driven but it is a great car. It compares favorably withe Acuras I have owned.

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  Accident/Crash Comments - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By Cheryl - December 9 - 12:05 pm

  When you hand your children a key to a car you are giving them control of their life. Truly and the life of others. My daughter had a head on crash into a stopped vehicle going ~38 MPH. My CAR TOOK THE ENTIRE HIT. She did not even get hit with an airbag as it did not need to deploy!!!! Wish I could afford Hondas for all my children and all my grandchildren! The car took 5 weeks to get back but it is just like new!. The Safety comments are real. My daughter would have been seriously injured had she been in her old car.

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  SUV + Truck = Ridgeline - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By jeantrot - December 9 - 11:46 am

  Great comfort and options at a reasonable price. The quality of the features more than justify the slightly higher price than other midsize trucks (Frontier and Tacoma) The Ridgeline is actually cheaper than a similar equipped Dakota except that you cant get the big V8 power. Its a cross between the SUV that my wife wanted and the truck I wanted. At first glance the styling is strange but it grows on you very quickly - if you like the look of the Avalanche you will love the look of the Ridgeline.

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  Honda Element EX-P - 2006 Honda Element
  By Mark Lynn - December 9 - 10:35 am

  Great versatile vehicle. Amazingly useful and fun too. The SUV has loads of features and is easy to convert from passengers to cargo use. Gas mileage is pretty steady around 23 MPG overall, but doesnt vary much from city to highway use. Actually has a reasonable amount of pep. Could use a five speed transmission, which I guess is standard for 2007. Fit and finish is Honda all the way, which is to say fantastic. Forward and upward vision is somewhat restricted due to extended roof line for taller people, but there is a tremendous amount of headroom, both front and rear. Could use a little more legroom for front seats in fully extended position. Maintenance is thrifty.