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:

• 

  Car in Minivans Clothing - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By Ed - May 5 - 5:43 pm

  With 2 kids and their grandparents visiting about every 3 months, we needed a versatile, comfortable, safe and reliable vehicle. A crossover was not an option since we needed a vehicle that allowed us to "walk" (not contort / crawl) to the back and take care of a newborn. Test drove the Odyssey, Sienna, Quest and Entourage. Sienna-drive too trucklike and more expensive for same amenities. Hyundai drove well, but interior looked and felt cheap. Quest was not well built+expensive. Just bought this so no report on the MPG, but the overall report thus far is great! Smooth, quiet, car-like ride. Lots of room for storage and kids. Thoroughly tested everything in it B4 buying and all works great.

• 

  Another Great Honda - 2007 Honda Accord
  By RAC - May 5 - 9:06 am

  Just leased my 4th Accord. I had an 05, 01, and an 83 and also lease an 04 Civic. Loved them all, but really like this car. It looks classy and drives sporty,with excellent handling and a very comfortable and well finished interior. I dont think there is a better combination of quality, features, and price on the market. Fuel efficiency will improve once I break the car in. I miss the red gauge indicators on my 05 a little, but the gray/white ones are growing on me. The Alloy rims are an improvement, with no annoying edges like my 05s to collect break dust.

• 

  Great vehicles and service! - 2016 Honda Odyssey
  By Chris Whitely - May 5 - 5:06 am

  The Odysseys are great cars for a big family - very comfortable, safe and handle very well. Planet Honda is a great dealership to lease from, excellent customer service, good at answering questions, and responsive to customer needs.

• 

  LUV MY CIVIC EX-T - 2016 Honda Civic
  By Ligonier John - May 4 - 10:55 am

  This is a great car to drive and enjoy overall. I have the Turbo that works quickly to reach 60mph and beyond. Great looking car and interior, with a plenty of room in the truck for shopping, suitcases, or golf bag. I wish I wouldve otten power seats just because of the many different positions. Dont get me wrong, the seats are comfotable, just my own preference. The steering wheel volume control is new, but placed beside another control which I have push instead many times. I would highly recommend this Civic EX-T for those wanting dependability and great looks. This is a winner design for Honda.

• 

  Great with several minor gripes - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By GreatVan - May 4 - 7:56 am

  We got this van to replace our 1998 Dodge Caravan. We needed a van because we go camping quite often. This van worked out great so far and gets better mileage and handleing than our old van. We cant give it a perfect fun to drive score because compared to our 2001 VW Passat, this car is like a snail.

• 

  A very nice truck for someone who tows under 5000 - 2017 Honda Ridgeline
  By Raggsie - May 4 - 6:00 am

  very very comfortable vehicle. my buddies comment its like being in a Lexus. love the under bed storage for golf clubs etc... spent a lot of time on logging roads up North hunting and the ride and maneuvering very very good. great climate control and audio. leather seats are very nice on long trips. gas mileage great for a truck. headroom is great and i am 61". i think this is an ideal sportsmans vehicle - hunting, fishing, surfing, biking etc...

• 

  The best car. - 2000 Honda S2000
  By loganschert - May 4 - 2:00 am

  The Honda S2000 has to be the best all- around car. Precise handling, 0-60 5.2 sec. and 1/4 in 13.8sec. bone stock. The scream of the 9,000rpm redline keeps you on yours toes. Nothing can compete. For you S2000 needs go to s2ki

• 

  First SUV - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By manuel altonaga - May 4 - 2:00 am

  I like this Pilot on most SUV I test drive due to price and over all performance.

• 

  nice car. happy owner. - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By acp - May 4 - 2:00 am

  like the car a lot. have owned about 6 hondas now and they have all proven to be reliable and solid. like the interior styling a lot but still getting used to gear shift and backing this big thing up. 8^) being used to a 2000 accord, great outdoor vehicle. rode nicely over field and bumps. liked my salesman, didnt care for the "sales manager". agreed to the deal then said they couldnt do it but then changed their mind again as my wife and i were 2 feet from the exit. typical stupid and insulting sales tactics. no fault of Honda though.

• 

  ...Its still a minivan... - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By aceboonkk - May 4 - 2:00 am

  Okay, my wife is pregnant with our first child. In searching for the perfect family car and refusing to ever own a mini-van. Well, Im an Odyssey owner. With over 240,000 miles on my other Honda (1992 Acura Vigor) I figure I couldnt go wrong with Honda, and so far Ive been extremely pleased.