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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  Honda lives up to its reputation - 2010 Honda Accord
  By NavVet - October 6 - 10:33 am

  What a fun car to drive. Went in to trade our 2003TL type S for a CRV. While there decided to drive the Accords too, and on a fluke drove the 6 spd man Accord Coupe. More power than the Acura, and more fun to drive. Back seat is OK in a pinch, but the kids are gone, so it wasnt really needed. Shifting and clutch and very smooth. Car is laid out right, and with the 271 hp 6 it is fun. There was a limit on available colors, seems most with the manuals came in black. Looks good, just shows the dirt.

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  Great commuter car - 1997 Honda Accord
  By Philman - October 6 - 10:00 am

  This car has been great for commuting. I drove it for several years with no problems.

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  2004 best value - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By Luis Sanchez - October 6 - 10:00 am

  My wife really loves the odyssey even do there is not much room for discounts and the fact that I paid 1000 dollars over sticker.

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  Best of the Best - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By Dominick - October 6 - 10:00 am

  This is my third Odyssey I had a 2000,2002, and now 2004.Before my first honda I owned 7 Chrysler mini vans from when they first came out until 2000.I trade in every two to three years. After owining the Odyssey I would never go back to Chrysler. I always bought Chryslers since I was a kid, but since I have been buying Hondas, the is no comparison. My oldest son has an S2000, and a civic, my youngest has an Accord. You cant do better they last for life and still run tight and smooth.

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  2002 Civic Si - 2002 Honda Civic
  By Matt J - October 6 - 10:00 am

  This baby gets some killer gas mileage and it lets you have a great time while its getting it. The sport seats are extremely comfy, although they may be too narrow for you big guys and gals. The shifter throws are short and precise and clutch can be engaged with hardly any effort. Torque is so so (it is a four banger) but it is still enough to merge and pass quickly on the highway. Steering is tight and gives decent feedback.

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  Awsome Vehicle - 2003 Honda Civic
  By whatteverrr2002 - October 6 - 10:00 am

  First new car ever and after one month, still fun to drive. Excellent worksmanship, quite, comfortable, and just a joy to fill up after 530 miles per tank. Great in the city and 4 hours on the highway. More comfortable than my 98 Honda Accord. It does not get any better than this.

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  Very Best Choice - 2004 Honda Accord
  By ehawkins - October 6 - 10:00 am

  Wife totaled our Lexus, (just a small bruise). Did about 6 weeks of research. Honda always came out on top. only about 200 miles on it, no complaints so far. I like it better than the Lexus, for about $10,000 less. The 240hp will flat move you on down the road. Takes a few days to get use to the Nav,CD and radio controls. Nav is awesome, and I really like the XM Radio. Buy it, you wont be sorry.

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  Great Small SUV - 2017 Honda CR-V
  By Frank - October 5 - 12:16 pm

  Just a terrific vehicle.

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  One fine car - 2007 Honda Civic
  By George Sutton - October 5 - 5:36 am

  I have driven my new EX for a month now, and I love it. It responds as though it can read my mind. Mine is in Galaxy Gray Metallic and I think its beautiful. Honda has done a great job with exterior styling. Its very attractive. Not only does the windshield give it a sleek look, but the windshields angle provides great protection against breakage. While driving on the interstate, a rock from a truck in front of me hit the windshield with such force it would have broken the glass of my previous cars, but not this Civic. Honda has used every space for available storage, and has filled the car with every convenience, from the security system to the laser cut keys. I just love it.

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  Great Car - 1997 Honda Civic
  By A honda owner - October 5 - 3:31 am

  I bought this car almost 20 years ago and I can honestly say it was one of the best purchases I made. It has more than 150,000 miles on it and I changed the tires, battery, brakes, timing belt and front CV joints, but other than that had no major issues. Now my son, who learned to drive with this car, drives this car to and from college over an hours drive away, but so far it is still holding up well. Update Sept 2017: The outside is looking pretty worn but this car is still running good. Just took this car in for a smog test and and with almost 190,000 miles on it this car easily passed. In fact, it passed way below the minimum requirements needed to pass.