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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  AWSOME CAR!! - 2016 Honda Civic
  By Jose Hernandez - March 20 - 12:17 pm

  To be honest this is my first brand new car, And im Lovin it

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  Better than expected - 2007 Honda Civic
  By Ty - March 19 - 9:56 pm

  When I first drove the hybrid, I expected it to be less powerful than a regular Civic. I was pleasantly surprised that it feels just as powerful to drive. A lot of new features in this years model.

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  Buy it, Youll LOVE It ! - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Sean Hawes - March 19 - 6:00 am

  Nice solid car. Great road feel and fantastic gas mileage. Beautiful paint job and functional interior instrumentation. Nice smooth shifting transmission and the CD sound system is killer. Best car Ive had.

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  Expectations were shattered - 2012 Honda Accord
  By Tony - March 19 - 3:50 am

  I drove a 2002 Bonneville SE for the longest time. Then I graduated college and decided to sell ole reliable and get something with updated safety and overall technology amenities. I had heard a great deal of great things about the reliability of Hondas and the safety of the Accord. So I decided to check it out and fell in love at first drive. I have the 2012 sedan V6 EX-L. I got it certified pre-owned through a Honda dealer in Michigan (who by the way has been fantastic from start to present -- they even held the car for me when I wasnt sure if I was going to get the job I have now). Gas mileage, size, and safety were the reasons I got this car but this thing has gone above and beyond. The attention to detail of button placement, quality of materials, and even the RIDE is incredible. Im used to an air suspension from my boat of a Bonneville so its not luxury standard, but I can definitely feel some Acura refinements in this suspension and ride quality. The steering and transmission are snappy when I need them to be and it has an overall solid, controlled feel when I drive it which makes me feel even better about being on the road in it. I do a LOT of city driving and my typical combined loop is the higher end of 26 mpg(eco is incredible). My highest recorded MPG is from a trip I made from Chicago to Lansing and that was about 42.7 MPG. This is the perfect blend of sporty, SAFE, comfortable, and reliable that a recent college grad (or anyone, really) can ask for and I highly recommend. Plus its easy on the eyes. Ive had it for about four months and Ive only put 9K (bought it with 20K on odometer) on it but I plan on taking this to the 200K mark unless Im convinced to trade in for a newer Accord! Hope this helps for those who are serious about their vehicle shopping, good luck out there!

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  This is the future - 2000 Honda Insight
  By Armin - March 19 - 2:00 am

  This is the automotive future today! There is no reason why any commuter needs to lug around 5000 pounds of big iron that burns gas at frightening rates. The Insight is the answer: lower fuel consumption, find easier parking, fund to drive, tax deduction, exciting technology and you can feel good about driving it, too!

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  Responsive at its finest - 2004 Honda S2000
  By GAW - March 19 - 2:00 am

  This car is very responsive to what you ask it to do. Great power for the 4 cylinder engine. I love the basic and non-accessory interior. The S2000 is everything I expected and more.

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  Excellent Vechicle - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By KC - March 19 - 2:00 am

  For a couple refusing to go the minivan route, we found the Oddessy to be the best in class when we purchased. Very roomy, handles great, nice acceleration, like the rear climate controls and seat warmers are cool (dont tell the kids). Great resale value too. The well in the back adds extra storage the other vans dont have and allows you to roll the seat back without emptying the "trunk". Overall I would clearly recommend this van over any other.

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  My all time favorite car! - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By lorib - March 19 - 2:00 am

  I love this car! I dont have even 1 complaint!Driving with my children has never been so enjoyable.

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  Honda Odyssey - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By Yar - March 19 - 2:00 am

  Drives as if you are in an airplane. Smooth and very reliable. You can almost put it in Auto-Pilot and it just glides.

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  Lovemyhonda - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By Lynneedals - March 19 - 2:00 am

  We are very happy with our Odyssey. We have 3 children under the age of 3 so we needed more room than our SUV. We decided to go with a minivan, and are so happy we did. The Honda Odyssey is a very good vehicle. We were very impressed. It is so roomy. My husband and I are tall and have no problems moving around inside. It drives like a car. You forget youre in a minivan.