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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  Power of the 2000 Honda Odyssey - 2000 Honda Odyssey
  By Family_Man - August 26 - 2:00 am

  I own the Dodge carivan fist but it lacked power, the 2000 Honda Odyssey met and exceeded my expectations.

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  04 Acura TL to 05 Accord Hybrid switch - 2005 Honda Accord
  By undertoad - August 25 - 4:20 pm

  After 12 months & 25000 + miles in a new TL enough of the hard nose suspension, growly engine and myriad squeeks and rattles. It cost me about 13 cents/mile to switch to the Acccord Hybrid w/Nav but if the first week and 1000 miles are any indication, I wont regret it abit. Fit and finish is noticably better and not a loose piece of plastic anywhere. Low profile tires may be pretty but you pay for it in your butt. The Accord may not corner like the TL but it certainly is smoother AND just as quiet on smooth surfaces. At a steady 60 mph in rural NC the needle hovers around 42 mpg and its not even broken in yet! I gave up a sexy broad for an honest woman.

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  Beautiful to drive - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By Irvine Family - August 25 - 9:10 am

  We were sold on the first test drive - this is a beautiful car to drive. Wish wed stepped up to the Touring for a couple of reasons. XM ready means a $600 installation fee which really annoyed us as, frankly, false advertising. And it doesnt have automatic headlights! This is not only annoying (any old GM car has them) but dangerous - especially when the dash lights are so bright it makes you thinks the lights are on when theyre not.

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  Fit Right - 2007 Honda Fit
  By Brian - August 25 - 8:50 am

  Nice handling, and quick performance makeit fun to drive. I have the brilliant orange color, and 2 people at work don,t like the color. But the other 682 people at work like it. It,s a smart car I,ve been told, with you look good in it! And Im 46 years old. The Fit rides mutch better then the Matrix in my test ride. The fold up rear seat has come in handy also. I also like the up graded radio, it puts out a plesent quality sound at a loud volume sound level. To improve this car would be hard to do, unless you were talking about the flour mats, There a little small.

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  FUN FUN FUN - 2000 Honda Prelude
  By hotinhere - August 25 - 2:00 am

  Fun to drive. Utterly reliable. Handles like a dream. Complete strangers offer compliments on it. Suprisingly comfortable on long trips with two adults. Best sports car for the money.

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  Good Car, a bit Noisy - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By glassland - August 25 - 2:00 am

  Owned the EX for 18 months. Car is comfortable, reliable with no problems. Good power. Have taken the car on two 2500 mile round trip vacations.

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  The Fit is Awesome - 2007 Honda Fit
  By Chad - August 24 - 7:33 pm

  I just bought a Fit in April. It is not only the best small car Ive every owned. Its the best car Ive ever owned. The interior is roomy and does not fill like you are in a sub compact vehicle. The performance that Honda gets out of its 1.5 liter engine is amazing. I can also haul things in this vehicle that I had trouble hauling in my Chevy Impala. Thank You Honda for a great vehicle.

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  Honda worksmanship - 1990 Honda Civic
  By hondageek - August 24 - 2:00 am

  Had this car for 13 years. Never sat on the side of the road. Start up everyday in Minnesota winter. No major problems. Just purchased a new 2002 civic coupe. Another 13 years? Sure hope so...

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  Unbelievable quality - 1994 Honda Prelude
  By TxReviewer - August 23 - 2:00 am

  Very satisfied with every aspect of this car. It has 198,000 miles with no major problems. The only thing to wear out on this car has been the radiator. Fun to drive and great fuel economy.

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  New Pilot _ No Dealing - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By Vane - August 23 - 2:00 am

  Looked at Toyota Highlander and Honda Pilot. Went to four dealerships. All when questioned about dealing, they all pointed to the "Sticker" and that was that. The Honda had the additional third row seat that sold us on it. Plus we went to resale values on Chevy Trailblazer, Buick Redevous,and GMC Envoy. All were considerably less than Honda and Toyota. Also, a big selling point was that it is front wheel drive.