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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  Best In Its Class - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By Darwoody - February 17 - 12:10 pm

  2005 Honda Odyssey is the way to go when buying a minivan. It drives and handles the road like a car. Its very comfortable and easy to fall in love with. A five-star rated minivan in my opinion. I could sell these vehicles all day long....and Im not a sales person.

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  grandpa mobile - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By fatherbear - February 17 - 10:00 am

  my first new car in 20 years boy am i cheap!..... I LIKE IT !!!!!!! i bought it cause they wanted $1500 to plow out my NJ driveway this winter..I GUESS EVERYBODY IS A CRITIC...these could be improved..........the column gear shift knob has [NO STOP GATE TO DRIVE] so you always put itthe wrong drive instead of just drive...the emergency brake PEDAL is to close to you pant cuff it gets cought every once in a while..other than that 15 MILES TO THE GALLON it only has 7500 miles on it.....supposed to get better

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  Is this a luxury car? - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By MissGriss - February 17 - 10:00 am

  Just happy to get rid of Subaru Imprezas after my brother and I both havings major problems with 2 of them, both under 45,000 miles. I looked at Vibes, Matrixs and RAVs, the CRV wasnt even on my list until I stopped by a dealership. I was sold on this car on the interior design and quality of the car. Compared to the others in this price range, the CRV is like a luxury car, smoothest ride, easy handling, great features on the EX and so incredibly roomy (bigger and more comfortable backseat than even a Blazer). A friend with an Escape was amazed how much roomier the CRV was than his. When groups of us go places, everyone wants me to drive now.

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  a LOT of car for the money - 2003 Honda Civic
  By GregSi - February 17 - 10:00 am

  I dont mind that this car is not popular because I got mine for $15.6K ... nearly $4K off sticker. The engine is peppy , but could benefit from an extra 20 hp or so. The rally- style shifter, although weird initially, has become intuitive now. Close gear ratios make for fun driving, but a sixth gear is needed for highway crusing (4K rpm at 75 mph). This car is a blast to toss around, but the wheel/tire combination leaves much to be desired. Suspension is a bit bouncy, but well mannered when taking corners at speed. Aftermarket suspension and wheels/tires are a must, in my opinion. Also, the tranny doesnt like 1-2 shifts after a while.

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  Hot Rod of Mini-Vans - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By S2000black - February 17 - 3:50 am

  Handles great, good power. I notice alot of 05 Odysseys cutting and weaving through traffic. I think most people get overly confident driving the Ody. It feels like a sports sedan. Been of 5 trips in 7 months. Love the Navi. My 80 year old mother and my 4 grandkids love the DVD with surround sound headphones.

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  car with a personality! - 1992 Honda Civic
  By Deep in the snow - February 17 - 2:00 am

  This car is just great. I thought it was getting old so I bought a newer Dodge to replace it. The latter had half the mileage, twice the engine size and all the extra features you can think of... I ended up selling it and keeping my Honda instead. Even at 100k miles, it is a very reliable car and its engine starts promptly at -20F, only done minor repairs. Overall, excellent car. Great looking too.

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  driving - 2001 Honda S2000
  By beno - February 17 - 2:00 am

  I agree with almost all of the descriptions of this car, except one: You can take this car on a long trip. I took it on a 1,500 mile trip this summer (the trunk fit luggage for two) and never got tired of the long drive. With the top down, wind blowing, enginge roaring, tach sweeping over 6,500, who cares that the stereo needs to be improved and the rear view is plastic.

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  good car to own - 1996 Honda Civic
  By EXrocket - February 17 - 2:00 am

  This car is great. Not only is it easy to find aftermarket parts for it, but its easy to install and makes a great difference to the car. O bought the car @ 155,000 miles and the engine is still running strong. The person who had it before me took care of it very well. All you got to do is do the usual maintenence such as oil changes and tune ups, and this car will last for a long time. This is my sixth car and by far this is the most reliable car Ive had. Simple bolt ons can be put into the car to improve performance and handling such as intake, new shocks & springs, and strut bars.

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  Satisfied Touring Pilot Purchaser. - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By Adam B - February 17 - 1:24 am

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  Honda Accord LX P - 2011 Honda Accord
  By Peter Mancusi - February 16 - 10:37 pm

  Good value for the money. Should get many years and miles out of it Car needed minor repair after 3 weeks and Dealer covered costs as well as a loaner vehicle.