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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  Better than expected - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By Big Stamy - January 29 - 12:10 am

  Great family car. It is so functional but still alot of fun to drive. Really like the sport feel of the car. A very smooth ride. By far the best car we have purchased.

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  Best Value for the $$ - 2004 Honda Accord
  By PartsPrincess - January 28 - 9:00 pm

  We leased our black 2004 Accord V6 6 speed coupe and all I can say is WOW. I hold an F1 license (yes the race cars) and the speed in this thing is the next best thing to being on the track. Honda needs to re-evaluate the turning radius though as well as brakes and the quality of the leather. Other than that a real pleasure to drive... Just waiting for the buy out option and itll become a permanent member of our family

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  Fun Ride TOO - 2009 Honda Civic
  By Civic - January 28 - 2:06 pm

  On my first drive, I was a little concerned about the Hybrids ability to merge with traffic but very glad that I took the second drive and bought it. No problem in merging. I agree with First Honda that the Civic (Hybrid too) is a really fun and peppy ride. Also agree on the drivers seat being extremely uncomfortable. I too am 58" and have back issues anyways but there is no lumbar support on this vehicle. No problem with visibility and foot seems to remain on the pedal fine.

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  Great Looking Minivan! - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By Estela - January 28 - 2:00 am

  We bought the Odyssey after much thought and after looking at other makes. It has been a year now, and would never give it back. It rides very comfortably and handles great. I love the third row that folds flat and the second row captain seats. I am not thrilled about the power sliding doors, but have to admit they are convenient when you have your hands full and just push a button and door opens for you. Gas mileage is not impressive, but does better than previous SUV I had . Overall, I would recommend if you not only want a nice looking minivan, but one that rides very comfortably, handles great and of course you cant beat Honda reliability.

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  Honda-happy - 2003 Honda Civic
  By B. Krause - January 27 - 4:36 pm

  Overall, this has been the best car experience Ive had in over 50 years of driving. Handling, comfort, operating costs, mileage, and trunk capacity, all play in this products favor.

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  Great car - 2005 Honda Accord
  By mzsunshyne - January 27 - 6:50 am

  This is the first brand new car that i have ever owned and I am 100 percent satisfied. We drove from NJ to California and the car handled the road like it was made for it.

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  a great car! - 1991 Honda Accord
  By niteeagle - January 26 - 2:00 am

  We bought this car from the dealer with 7k miles. We put 200k on it in 4 years. Only problem was xmission broke at 90k miles & Honda paid for it! Since then we keep replacing brake pads & rotors. The car has been stolen, recovered, broken into 2x, & rear-ended a SUV a year ago. Insurance wanted to junk it but paid for the repairs instead. Holds its value. The car door was bent in the accident & now the window jams, so we need to replace the door so the window will work. Something in it leaks but the mech says the engine will run forever. But it looks & runs great with 350k miles. Our 3 kids have learned to drive in it. Just cant part with it.

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  Hondas are the best! - 2005 Honda Civic
  By silver164 - January 25 - 9:00 am

  The new special edition sedan is a big step above the previous models. The sound system is incredible and the addition of two extra speakers (six in total) along with a leather wrapped steering wheel gives the sedan the feel of a much more expensive automobile. My entire family has owned nothing but Hondas since 1989 and weve never been disappointed.

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  Great car!!!! - 1995 Honda Accord
  By SamuelTTTTT - January 25 - 2:00 am

  No other car has been even close to as good as this Accord!

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  Love this car! - 2004 Honda Element
  By Shelley P - January 24 - 10:00 am

  I LOVE this car! It is the best car for my needs that Ive ever owned. Its fun to drive and drives remarkably fast for the engine it has (I often commute over a 7000 foot pass and have gotten up to 94 mph on that climb. Great get- up-and-go). Im a mountain bike racer and can fit 2 bikes in the back with all my gear. It has so much room for such a small car.