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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  "Was Well Worth Waiting For " - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By neilg - November 12 - 11:43 am

  I been driving the odyssey since I got it this past August,and I was a leasing a Ford Freestar 04 SE.Comparing the two is like going out with a super model. The ride and horsepower I enjoy, and with a very bad back and hip I feel more comfort with the seating. The inside looks great compare to what I had in the freestar.My wife likes the leg room in all rows,plus the storage to put things away. Remember Honda Resale is the best out there American cars are loosing its grip (as you read the news about layoffs with GM and Ford). The internet help the those looking for the right vehicle,and compairing them between the U.S., Aisa, And Europe market.

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  Great Car! - 2008 Honda Accord
  By SHigh - November 12 - 11:03 am

  I bought the Accord 4DR EX-L V6 without nav 3 months ago and I have been very pleased! So far, I have averaged 25-27 mpg, driving around town. Havent taken a road trip yet, but am pretty sure it would be even better on the highway. The VCM is obviously working. It is very comfortable, easy to drive and park. LOADS of trunk space, too. Plenty of room for backseat passengers, as well. I have owned 3 other Accords before this one and this is my fav, by far. Only 2 things could make it better; memory seats and a smoother shifting transmission. I can really feel it shift gears and wasnt expecting that. Not horrible, just takes a little getting used to.

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  Everything is great but the paint! - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By D. MacArthur - November 12 - 2:00 am

  This is a great little SUV. We did some research prior to replacing our incredible 1989 Camry wagon, and based on safety tests, interior design and the vehicles handling, we went with the CRV. However, the one glitch is the paint job. Our Chianti red paint is chipping off the hood at an incredible rate! At 2 years of age, the hood and front fenders are in far worse shape than our 13 year old Camry. The rest of the vehicle seems to scratch very easily as well.

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  Happy with our Honda - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By Mwiz - November 12 - 2:00 am

  This is our second Honda and we love it. Honda certainly gets it right in terms of fit and finnish. Believe it or not, we chose this over a BMW. We thought for every day use this car drove just as nice so the extra expense of the BMW was nothing more extra expense. Personally Id prefer a full console to the flip-down tray. Other than that its great....quite fast too.

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  Honda CRV - Good choice for the money! - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By mattgella - November 12 - 2:00 am

  My wife and I were looking for a small SUV that had to satisfy four requirements: 1.) It had to come from a reputable manufacturer. 2.) It had to be fuel efficient. 3.) It had to be attractive. 4.) It had to be fun to drive. As soon as we took the CRV for a test drive we knew we found the vehicle we were searching for!

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  good family car - 2004 Honda Accord
  By trace - November 12 - 2:00 am

  Test drove both the V6 and 4. The 4 handeled better and had good power. Seems like it is going to be a great family car.

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  Very Happy with our Decision - 2006 Honda Civic
  By GoOilers - November 12 - 12:33 am

  I had sat in previous year models of the Civic and never felt comfortable. I was shocked when I sat in this one, its very roomy. It test drove great. Both my wife and I were very comfortable with the car. Im the more safety conscious buyer and my wife, the drive enthusiast. The car met both are needs. We put a deposit down on that one visit. We have had the car 2 months and its been great. I live in Edmonton, Canada and its been cold of late. The vehicle warms up fast and so far has handled decently on slick roads. Ive seen recently that the civic has acheived gold safety status with the Highway Safety Institute, very pleased with that as that was the 1 issue with me, safety.

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  Fun FUN FUUUN! - 2001 Honda Prelude
  By GregM - November 11 - 2:00 am

  Excellent power from VTEC engine, will easily cruise at 160 kph for extended periods. Will accelerate to 240 kph+ top speed with ease. Very stable and quiet at high speeds. Cornering ability is excellent with extremely precise steering. Beautiful styling, sleek, very distinctive while avoiding tacky swoops and flares that plague this segment. Canadian SE package includes leather seats - heated!, heated mirrors , type SH wheels, carbon fibre dash trim is very nice! Love the leather! Excellent transmission, smooth and precise shifting. Brakes are top notch and very fade resistant. To drive this car is to have a permanent smile on your face, so much FUN!

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  Outstanding rockett - 2006 Honda Civic
  By jack - November 10 - 11:00 pm

  Have nav, sat radio, ground package and fog lights. I get up at 4 in the morning if I cant sleep and just drive this car and listen to the outstanding sat radio. Fast,handles like quick silver.I like the 21.9 rake of the windscreen. I am wating for the sport muffler to be released. This is my third si, this is the hottest and best.I am 71 and fight the urge to leave everyone at the stop light. I like the long air inlet pipe that runs from the filter housing to the lower left fender area. No cold air intake needed. I just wish I could drink a beer as I show off in this pocket rocket. I traded a scion tc for this baby. The tc was fun but not like the si.

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  3 weeks so far! - 2016 Honda Odyssey
  By paul bishop - November 10 - 1:30 pm

  Love it...Meets my expectations.