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:

• 

  Gotta Getchaself One! - 2016 Honda HR-V
  By Les - February 11 - 5:10 am

  We LOVE ours. The only thing I would change is the visibility of the headlights without high beams.

• 

  One of the best cars ever - 1991 Honda Prelude
  By Marcus - February 10 - 1:53 pm

  I have had a lot of cars in my driving lifetime (16 years) and this is the 3rd prelude I have owned. It was my favorite car in high school, so when I saw an opportunity to purchase this one I sold my motorcycle immediately to get the $4000 asking price. I have not been disappointed in the 2 years that I have owned it. From the appearance, it looks as though it was stored in a garage. The only thing that I would change it the trans (it is an auto) but with the sport selection it drives very well. Has great acceleration!

• 

  I love it - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By No - February 10 - 6:13 am

  The car has an excellant ride. Comfortable no matter where you sit. It handles very well in all weather conditions.

• 

  Dependable - 2002 Honda Accord
  By todd thompson - February 9 - 9:53 pm

  Solid car

• 

  Its a FIT - 2007 Honda Fit
  By Brooke - February 9 - 8:56 pm

  Good car, drives nice and fits anywhere. very convenient. Needs passenger mirror and armrest but other than that has been a good car. I have only had it for 8 months. I have put lots of miles on it and has gotten good gas mileage.

• 

  Good Value - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Fred Kovalyak - February 9 - 8:04 pm

  Just Broke in

• 

  Great little car! - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Brian S. - February 9 - 10:00 am

  Awesome little car, glad I went with the EX for the extra features. Getting right at 30 mpg city, with 42 mpg highway being my best to date. The build quality seems very good (J-Vin, assembled in Japan). I bought the car the first day they were available. I still expect a few first year jitters, but so far so good.

• 

  Good for Family Life - Bad for Drivers - 2011 Honda Odyssey
  By William Blake - February 9 - 6:29 am

  Bought this land yacht back new back in 2011 for a family of four, two young kids. This was my first minivan and I dont regret getting a minivan vs. a SUV - the ease of entry with the sliding doors has been worth it. The capacious rear cargo area has been an asset on road trips and runs to Home Depot. The Rear Entertainment system has also paid for itself in terms of subduing our little guys on long trips. Really, cruising on the highway with a bunch of people and stuff is what this thing was built for. It has also been reliable overall. Only replaced the brakes and dealer did so under warranty. In terms of driving, I am disappointed with the steering feel. It is so loose and imprecise, probably from being overly boosted, that it is not an easy vehicle to control, especially on the curvy undulating two lane highways we have in Tennessee. It does not inspire confidence in those situations - Im not saying it should drive like a sports car but it makes me feel out of control even when driving the speed limit. I had heard the Odyssey was the "drivers minivan," but maybe that is just an oxymoron. My car is a Mazda 3, so that perhaps that has ruined my perception. The other issue is that the van is just very loud on the highway - wind and road noise are excessive. All in all, a good purchase for our family, but showing its age in terms of safety tech, and lacking in the driving dynamics available in some 3-row SUVs these days - MDX, CX-9, for example.

• 

  Golden* - 1999 Honda Odyssey
  By BobP - February 9 - 2:15 am

  This is the best of the best if you gotta have a mini van. Looks, Comfort, and a little power under the hood when you need it. Its not the mustang I would have if I had my way, but if you gotta have a mini van its GOLDEN.

• 

  ourfirstimport - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By ourfirstimport - February 8 - 8:36 pm

  This is our first import purchase, and have only had this vehicle for two weeks. In this time of astronomical gas prices, we took a gamble in purchasing an SUV-type vehicle. We were hoping for better gas mileage like many other reviewers, but barely 20 mpg is all we get so far with this 4-cylinder rather under-powered cross-over. Handles well, but ride is rough. Hoping the Honda reputation stands true for our new CR-V as we keep our vehicles for the long haul.