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 and Style for less $ - 2009 Honda Accord
  By Brian in Louisiana - March 5 - 12:20 pm

  Here is the breakdown: Ive owned 6 Hondas (civic, preludes, accords). This car is more fun to drive than all those put together. I just traded in a 06 V6 Accord sedan 6 MT. Wanted something more sporty but dependable. Test drove a Lexus IS, Infiniti G37, and BMW 328i. All great in their own way. All at least 10K more than I paid for the Honda. Didnt make sense paying the extra change when the practical and fun choice was the Accord. Car has many extra features that are add-ons on the other cars. Car is black on black and it turns heads. Wasnt a big fan of the sedan design (little too big), but love the coupe. Before you buy any coupe in the 25-30K range, test drive this car!

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  Purchase of Odyssey - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By Don Wix - March 5 - 10:46 am

  We have put 9000 miles on our Odyssey since Dec 04. It is a great vehicle except it rides a little rough. We had a Ford Van before and it rode better. Otherwise we love the van. The economy is great. Turning radius is beneficial to parking.

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  Birthday Present - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By Good Husband - March 5 - 10:00 am

  My wife was leaving work and getting into a cold car in the winter and hot car in the summer. I wanted to surprise her with a remote starter. She was driving a leased 2006 Accord with 12 months left on the lease. Rather then put the starter in the Accord, I decided to go with the CR-V. The model I selected comes with climate control and seat warmers. To my delight Honda has started offering their own optional remote starter. Now when my wife leaves work on a cold night and gets into a warm vehicle, she is reminded of how smart and loving her husband is.

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  Great value for the money - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By Ajmmmr - March 5 - 6:30 am

  My wife actually bought the 2002 CRV LX model. We test drove several SUVs, from the Isuzu Rodeo to the Toyota RAV4. The Honda CRV gave us the most comfort, less noise, more power, and easy handling. At first we did not like the gear shift location, but we soon over looked the location. Overall, we feel it was the best value for the money. And with the great gas millage and the cost of gas, it makes sense to buy a fuel economy veichle.

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  The best mini van for family - 2016 Honda Odyssey
  By Charles - March 5 - 5:53 am

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  Good Car!!! - 1999 Honda Civic
  By Mac Mick - March 5 - 2:00 am

  I really love this car. Its been great for getting around the city streets in and driving it on the highway every day to work. Gas milage is good. It did very well on a long trip out of town too. I like its zippiness, I have a hard time keeping it below 80mph on the highway, (That just seems to be a comfortable speed for it; works for me!!!)

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  Family Plus-Bus - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By Joel Netz - March 5 - 2:00 am

  My wife and I have owned our Odyssey for about 3 months now and we love it. The extra room and versatility of the vehicle is exemplary. The 3.5 V6 is all the engine it needs. I cannot wait to get it out on the highway for an extended period of time. This was the perfect vehicle when we had our first child, Sam. We look forward to using it for many years to come.

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  Perfect for us. - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By ispano - March 4 - 2:48 pm

  After going to a few auto-shows and sitting in dozens of SUVs and compact SUVs, we decided on the Touring FWD in White Orchid Pearl with beige interior as our family hauler. Main reasons: low floor, 90degree opening rear door. The power-train is very peppy and gets up to speed surprisingly quick. I never find the need to use sport and always have ECON mode on. Avg 26mpg on a light load, 22mpg with the whole family and peripherals. Curiously, I am not experiencing any vibration issues others mention.

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  Buy it !!!!!! - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Vincent Scott - March 4 - 4:26 am

  Accord sedan Lx-P (cyl.) 5speed auto I went to test drive the 2008 civic EX . They didnt have it in black the salesman suggested the Accord they met my offer. I test the car and was very impressed with the looks and the 4cyl was adequate since gas mileage was very important to me.other car was Accura TL/Lincoln LS V8. I expected a little better gas mileage avg, approx 26 mpg. not bad on 70% highway driving and 30% city.1100 miles now . I would highly recommend to friends

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  Love my Civic - 2007 Honda Civic
  By gvines - March 4 - 3:06 am

  We just downsized from a SUV to the Civic EX. We started looking at vehicles about 4 months ago, giving ourselves time to make sure we were making the right decision. Because of the Honda reputation, we started there. We drove almost every car in the Civic category and kept coming back to it. We were mostly focusing on gas mileage, as I drive approximately 75 miles per day, back and forth to work. The Civic is dependable and fun to drive, I love whipping into parking spaces, and hugging corners! We also have 2 children, 9 and 5. They have plenty of leg and hip room, and love riding in our new car! The EX is nicely equipped and still affordable. We are very pleased with our decision!