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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  Great Ride - 1995 Honda Passport
  By Gonzales - May 1 - 2:00 am

  I added to the SUV/Tinted windows,K&N Air Filter,After Market Shocks,Bug deflector towing package included.Runs Great, and all maitenance done at selling dealership, as indicated on the auto manual.

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  1996 Honda Odyssey Review - 1996 Honda Odyssey
  By angie - May 1 - 2:00 am

  We purchased this vehicle used in Dec. 2001. So far it has been very reliable and we have enjoyed owning it. However, our dealership experience has been very disappointing. They promised us one warrenty upon purchase, that honda does not offer. So they promised to replace that with another, which says our vehicle does not apply. Now (6 months later) we are having a hard time getting the dealership to get back to us in regards to what (if any) warrenty we do have. However, the Odyssey does run quite well and we are very happy with our purchase.

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  1996 Honda Odyssey Review - 1996 Honda Odyssey
  By Angie - May 1 - 2:00 am

  We purchased this vehicle used in Dec. 2001. So far it has been very reliable and we have enjoyed owning it. However, our dealership experience has been very disappointing. They promised us one warrenty upon purchase, that honda does not offer. So they promised to replace that with another, which says our vehicle does not apply. Now (6 months later) we are having a hard time getting the dealership to get back to us in regards to what (if any) warrenty we do have. However, the Odyssey does run quite well and we are very happy with our purchase.

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  CR-V is a top car - 1998 Honda CR-V
  By Honda Man - May 1 - 2:00 am

  I bought my CR-V less than a year ago, have put over 13,000 miles on it, and have had no problems at all. It has been terrific in bad weather, and the real time 4WD is great for fuel economy, since it is 2WD unless it needs the 4WD. I would recommend to anyone, no matter why they are getting a car.

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  Great for SMALL family - 2000 Honda CR-V
  By WHODEY - May 1 - 2:00 am

  I love the CR-V. Its reliable, runs well and (with the rear seats down) hauls a lot of cargo. Unfortunately, once my wife and I add a second child we will need to upgrade as it just wont carry all of our stuff when we travel long distances.

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  Bye, Bye SUV - 2005 Honda Civic
  By wayne - April 30 - 12:26 pm

  I was late to get in on the SUV craze and loved my 2004 Mazda Tribute. But 21 mpg and rising gas prices changed my mind. My payments stayed the same but my mileage more than doubled with the Civic Hybrid. I have had no maintenance problems at all, just routine service. I love the tax breaks and driving over 525 miles on a 12 gallon tank of gas. The ride is smooth and steady, and it takes a while to get used to the engine stopping when you come to a halt. Now it doesnt have the asphalt melting burnout torque, but buying gas only once every 3 weeks more than makes up for it. Yes there are times when I still miss the Tribute, but for now Im very pleased with my choice of a hybrid car.

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  Disregard negative comments! Test it for yourself. - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By Kevin - April 30 - 8:34 am

  I am seeing a lot of negative comments but if you are expecting a Mercedes GLE for under $35000 then you are dreaming. I bought Pilot LX 2016 for my wife while we own a 2011 Toyota RAV4. And after driving Pilot I sold my RAV4 to buy another Pilot LX. Reasons are : 1)Same 22.5mpg on both even though Pilot is much bigger. 2) Pilot was much smoother and quite (in RAV4 we could not have a conversation in the highway especially with people on 2nd row). 3)Much more powerful and better pickup (my RAV4 was 4 cylinder; cant comment on RAV4 2011 6 cylinder). 4) When we make trips with friends we haul them in our 2 SUVs (3rd row is good enough for 2 people under 6ft or 3 kids; contrary to other SUVs with 3rd row where your head hits the top on each bump. There is no better SUV of same size and at same price in the market today!

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  Best car Ive ever owned! - 1992 Honda Prelude
  By edl - April 30 - 2:00 am

  The title of this review says it all. 155,000 trouble free miles. Not driven hard, but not all that easy either. Still at least 95% as solid as when new. Love this car.

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  Great Car - 2001 Honda Prelude
  By ProngATO - April 30 - 2:00 am

  This is my 5th honda. Ive preveously owned a 1985 accord, 1991 civic, 1998 civic, 1998 CR-V and now this 2001 Prelude. This has been the best of all. I am extremely pleased with the performance of this car. The handling is second to none in this price range.

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  Everything I Ever Wanted in a Vehicle - 2003 Honda Element
  By kareembin - April 30 - 2:00 am

  All other things considered the vehicle is otherwise awesome. I love how peoples heads turn. Ive just never had such an experience before. Other than that I live in MN and I cant wait for summer. All the camping and mini road trips are going to be better than ever with this thing. I think I may even leave the tent at home this year. And my dreams of owning small things to pull like a small boat, a pop up camper, and a canoe can all come true now. I already spilled pop on the fron passenger seat and it beaded right off there like a champ. The thing is so incredible I know i am going to drive it till its dead, which shouldnt be for a very long time.