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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  One of the real mini-vans - 1999 Honda Odyssey
  By Iamav - August 31 - 12:00 am

  Without question Honda hit a bug homerun when they designed and built the 1999 Odyssey. Having been the past owner of one of Hondas first attempts to enter the mini-van market - a 1996 Odyssey - the 1999 is hands-down a completely different car. Larger, more comfortable and possessing the powerful and smooth Vtec V-6 engine block, this vehical has really no similarilities with its earlier models. The mini-van drives like a car - a smooth one at that. Aside from being a little thirsty for fuel - especially around town and in stop and go traffic, the Odyssey performs at its best on the interstates and open highway.

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  Honda EX 1992 - 1992 Honda Accord
  By EXBOY - August 30 - 9:15 pm

  I have been driving this 1992 EX Sedan since I got it right off the truck with 4 miles on it. The car still runs like a brand new Honda.

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  Great Fun Sport Car! - 2002 Honda S2000
  By NGEPOT - August 30 - 5:58 pm

  This car is fast, sporty, gets lots of looks and positive comments and blasting around on backroads and even around town is a great deal of fun. Ride is good, handling is solid and the engine and transmission 6 speeds are an absolute joy. It runs great and handles very well indeed. S2000 is really fun to drive!

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  Great car! - 1999 Honda Accord
  By Sam - August 30 - 12:57 pm

  Love my car, have had it now for 6 years. Only improvement I would make would be to increase space in the back seat!

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  Best Value - 2007 Honda Pilot
  By Julie Kurtz - August 30 - 11:49 am

  Everyone loves a Honda Pilot. We felt so lucky to find such a clean car with less than 75,000 miles. The car is extremely reliable. There isnt a lot of creature comforts with this trim style, but if you are looking for a car that you can drive for until 200,000 or more, than a Honda Pilot is something you should consider.

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  LOVE THIS CAR - 2016 Honda Civic
  By Barbara Grube - August 30 - 6:18 am

  Love this car! Handles great, fast pickup, cute design, only problem Ive had is the touch screen went black and it was difficult to get back. Not sure how I did it. So far has not happened again.

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  A Good Buy - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Ryan - August 30 - 6:06 am

  Got this car a month after its release and originally wanted the navigation but there was a 6 month waiting list so I opted for the ex coupe. Used to get a ton of compliments on the styling which is always a good thing. The two tier dash took a while to get used to, but I really like it now. Quality of the materials are great! Coming from an IS300...this car is actually pretty fun to drive, considering its a compact 4-cyl. Engine needs more torque but has good power delivery, I think Im just used to the V6 torque. Drove this car from Seattle to LA and back and its surprisingly comfortable! This car is very economical which is what I needed. I saved $800 last year on gas compared to my IS.

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  Economy air and heating - 2016 Honda HR-V
  By Pam - August 29 - 10:29 pm

  My biggest problem with the HRV was the heating and cooling system. I drove for over an hour with the AC on max and it felt like I had a fan blowing in my face. It never got cool. If the temp is over 80 be ready to sweat. The dealership told me it was an economy car with an economy heating/cooling system. And they totally correct!! The heater would eventually heat up but the the air was never cool. I kept it on max at all times. Test it on a hot day, with the car sitting in the sun and you will have a good example of how poorly the system works. If you just need a car without air then its great, got great gas mileage. But I had to get rid of mine, burned up or froze 9 months out of the year

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  I couldnt be more pleased... - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By chuck - August 29 - 7:36 pm

  I travel the country a lot and have it in all terrain. You name it. Never off-road though. It has been completely reliable.

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  Great for the Money - 2007 Honda Accord
  By Jennie - August 29 - 8:16 am

  Fun car to drive, great on gas. I have only had the car a week but I cant get enough of driving this, it is so quiet and handles great. I would recommend this car to anyone looking at mid size sedans.