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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  Terrific Car - 2003 Honda Accord
  By gibber - May 1 - 2:00 am

  Bought through Cars Direct, at 200 below invoice. I really like sticks, unfortunately the 6 does come with one (for the sedan). Excellent car for the money, surprisingly powerful, good mileage(~27-28 mpg over 4000 miles), very roomy and comfortable. Easy to drive, all controls extremely well designed. Very smooth 4 cyl-very easy to be in 4th or even 3rd gear on the highway and not notice it. Lots of interior places for stuff. Interior is very attractive(mine has the leather). Exterior really grows on you, only blemish the rear end.

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  Odyssey EX-L - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By roanoke - May 1 - 1:30 am

  Honda Odyssey rides better than my 05 Dodge Grand Caravan. Engine is smooth, fuel economy is great. Small amount of road noise, not serious. Overall very satisfied.

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  2009 Honda EXL - 4cyl - 190HP - 2009 Honda Accord
  By Honda-Man - April 30 - 7:26 pm

  This is the first car in 30 years for my wife as we have always had vans and suvs. The 4 cyl - 190 HP is very responsive and the first 337 miles we got 27.7 mpg with 65/35 hwy/local driving. No doubt that this car will get 30+ cruising at 65 on the hwy. The steering is very responsive and the leather seats are supportive and comfortable, no problems with the headrests. Lots of std features. Great deals now on the 2009s. Our dealer bought outright our 2007 Honda Pilot EXL with 13 months on the lease and we got the Accord with no money down and very low lease payments.

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  Great vehicle - 2009 Honda CR-V
  By Victoria - April 30 - 7:43 am

  I love my new CR-V! Its very comfortable to drive. My steering wheel was not stiff at all. I 100% recommend this vehicle to anyone. The backseats are SUPER roomy and the drive makes me not want to get out of my car *****

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  A golden oldie - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By Larry Braverman - April 30 - 2:55 am

  1 owner with less than 57000 miles and all records since lnfancy.Traded vehicle march of 2017 still in good running condition

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  Comfort and Style! - 2000 Honda Odyssey
  By Bella - April 30 - 2:00 am

  The Odyessy is a roomy and comfortable ride. Our whole family can be comfortable and have plenty of room for luggage on a trip unlike the SUVs.

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  Great around-town Car - 1997 Honda Civic
  By jacobwallace - April 30 - 2:00 am

  Ive had this car since it was brand new, and I still love it! Ive never had a major problem with it - totally reliable, although Honda had to replace the alternator, moonroof motor, and one headlight at various times early in life (ALL done under warranty, and on routine visits, not after any serious failures). Honda service is wonderful, if pricey - if having your car start every morning is worth your money, Honda is the way to go.

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  Piloting the Pilot - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By Gene Qualls - April 29 - 12:40 pm

  The Honda Pilot is awesome. The third row seat is the best in the class for comfort and room. We have the Touring version so it only comes with the push button shifter. It works okay but the regular gear shift would have been easier to use. The only other minor complaint is that the engine stops every time that you stop and it is very annoying. You have to remember to turn it off every time you start the vehicle. If you could set that one time and not have to remember to do it every time that would be great. It enhances the mileage but it feels like it has a miss. Oh well, I just have to remember to reset it every time.

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  Civics For Life - 1995 Honda Civic
  By Gilbert - April 29 - 10:00 am

  This is my go to work vehicle and I plan on holding on to this bad boy for as long as I can. I enjoy the low maintenance and my wife calls it a "babe magnet", but I tell her that its not the car that attracts the babes. ha.

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  2002 CRV - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By Sequerra - April 29 - 10:00 am

  Very impressed with the vehicle. Having owned three Explorers and one Trooper, was looking to the Ford Escape. Checked out the CRV when the Ford dealer could not come through on a 4WD unit in Texas. I am so happy he did not. The CRV has standard ABS (option on Ford). Drives much better than the truck like feel of the Escape, and much better mileage than the Jeep Liberty. My kids think the rear seat has more room than the 2000 Explorer I retired.