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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  lovin my hybrid - 2006 Honda Civic
  By AllieB - October 22 - 5:50 pm

  I love my 2006 Honda Civic Hybrid! I am thrilled with the gas mileage and I get the reliability of Honda, plus Ive gone "green"! This car is fun to drive, zipping around town, or scooting out into traffic- it is a pleasure. On trips and highway travel, the economy, performance and spacious interior are great. The two-tier dash gives it a bigger car "feel" and makes everything easy to see. The seats are comfortable and the cloth fabric has the feel of suede-very nice! The backseat and trunk are quite roomy and climate control is more than adequate. The sound system is fantastic and I have XM Radio to boot! It is fun to drive, comfortable to be in and great to look at, a sharp little car!

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  Good - 2016 Honda Odyssey
  By David Chan - October 22 - 10:10 am

  Good

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  Love this Crosstour - 2010 Honda Accord Crosstour
  By LC - October 22 - 10:00 am

  Very nice looking crossover, it smooth to drive it a great looking automobile inside is great roomy Im a big guy 69" and 250 lb and I fit, well price is right love it love it love it

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  Honda Odyssey II - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By Daniels - October 21 - 9:33 pm

  I recently purchased the 2006 Oydessey for two reasons. I owned a 2000 Honda Odyssey and I absolutely loved it!! I did a lot of traveling and had close to 100000 miles on it and it was still running great! The second reason I bought one again is the service department at Treadwell. They are really the best. I have owned several cars and the Odyssey mini van has been the best even beating out a Lexus! Having two small children, the minivan is convenient and my kids love it. I have the dvd player and every luxury in a car you could ask for. Right now, I wouldnt have any other car or minivan if you gave it to me. I love my Honda Oydyssey!

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  Great SUT - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By TI - October 21 - 1:26 am

  Ive now had the vehicle a month. So far driving the Ridgline has been a pleasure; its comfortable, roomy and rides like my old 525i. Wind noise is minimal for a large vehicle and the mileage has been better than expected. I average 20-21 mpg with 80-20% highway to city driving. I cant wait to see what it will be when its broken in.

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  Be careful! - 2006 Honda Accord
  By G - October 20 - 11:20 pm

  Bought my accord in early January 06. Love the ride, navi, heated seats, etc. Love this car. BUT - found my car missing within 3 weeks of purchase. Car was stolen, driven around by hoodlum for 3 weeks and totaled w/ more than 18k in body damage. Be careful! I may have an anti-theft, gas shut off switch built into my next car.

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  JG LOVES HYBRID - 2006 Honda Civic
  By JG - October 20 - 1:56 pm

  I did most of my research via the web and by the time I walked into the showrooms my decision was narrowed down to the Toyota Prius and the Honda Civic hybrid. Honestly, they are both great products. I felt I could not lose with either one. However, when I reviewed all of the features, cost, availability, etc. I felt like the Civic was the best choice for myself. I have had the car for a week, and am extremely pleased with it. I am currently getting between 37 and 40 MPG. I expect to do better once the engine is properly broken in, the weather warms up (I am in the Chicago area), and I switch over to a good synthetic oil. Overall, this is an excellent car. Highly recommended.

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  Love My Honda Civic - 2007 Honda Civic
  By Carolina Montoya - October 20 - 3:20 am

  I love driving my car, I love how fast it accelerates as soon as I press the gas. I also love the shape and style of my red 2007 honda civic. The audio features are incredible too. The safety features are also incredible it has side airbags on all the doors. It makes me feel extremely safe.

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  Happy CRV Owner - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By Mike Kane - October 20 - 2:28 am

  Shop online to get the best out the door price

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  Glad to be back! - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By H.Markm - October 19 - 11:53 pm

  Had an Accord and switched to RAV4, what a mistake.all kinds of trouble. Traded after a year of arguing with Toyota over the electronics communication with the engine. Downsized to a 4cyl with Honda but so happy with the mileage and the solid feel. Sorry I went to anything else but a Honda. Never again.