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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  Love to drive my Odyssey! - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By Tom - August 27 - 8:23 pm

  Have had my new Odyssey for a bit now and found it is one of the best vehicles I have EVER driven in. It drives like a luxury sedan!

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  Best Minivan in the Market - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By Vu - August 27 - 3:50 pm

  This is the best minivan you can buy. Minivans used to be all about practical and boring. Get an Odyssey with leather and youll feel like youre driving an Acura MDX rather than a hulking people mover.

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  I love my accord! - 2006 Honda Accord
  By David - August 27 - 6:03 am

  This is a great car. Fun to drive, responds whenever you ask it to, and its luxurious, too. It also gets great gas mileage, from about 25 in the city to 40 on the highway, to 35 on the highway going at 85 miles an hour with the AC on. I love being seen in it, and the H-badge is proof that its never gonna break down. Best 22 grand I ever spent!

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  Great, Fun Vehicle - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By WMZ - August 26 - 7:40 pm

  This was one of best vehicles we owned. We have 3 children and the rear dvd comes very handy for long trips. We will buy another Pilot any day. It is fun to drive and to travel. I could not find another SUV that compares to the quality and comfort of the Pilot.

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  Little red rocket. - 2017 Honda Fit
  By Frankie N. - August 26 - 1:05 pm

  This car has been great so far. Good gas mileage, and plenty of power. Compared to the 2012 Fit which I love also "still have it" the 2017 gets a little better gas mileage, more power, and feel as if it is a little heavier car. the 2017 doesnt have the room of the 2012 but enough for me. My wife loves the Bluetooth that works with her cell phone, the backup camera, and lane watch camera. Over all Im well pleased and my wife also which is a plus for me.

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  A beauty in every respect!! - 2003 Honda Accord
  By H.S. from VA - August 26 - 5:53 am

  I have owned 5 Hondas in my lifetime and this one is clearly the best- period. I am absolutely pleased with how comfortable it rides and how it looks. I have added a rear spoiler, fog lights, sunroof visor and gold emblem package (w/more upgrades yet to come). I have had many compliments about the attractiveness of the car. Additionally, I have had no problems (mechanically speaking or otherwise) with this car whatsoever. Honda has done its homework and this car is clearly a winner in every respect.

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  Love this car - 2004 Honda Element
  By Kenny - August 25 - 1:46 pm

  Ive always looked at this car and wanted it when I saw it. So I test drove it and it was very roomy, very comfortable, and very good performance. Ive had this car for close to a year now and I have no problems at all with this car. Gas mileage is very good considering its size and four cylinder motor. Everyone I see I have them look inside it and they love it. They say its full of room and I even let my boss man drive it and he said it has a lot of guts. That was coming from a guy who loves chevy. Ive come to love Hondas. Theyre awesome cars that definitely put the driver in mind for the long haul. And for that I thank the people at Honda for making such a great car.

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  04 Pilot EX - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By CC880 - August 25 - 10:00 am

  This is a very impressive SUV built by Honda. The gas mileage on the other hand isnt. Do wish there was a larger gas tank. and that the towing package should be included with as a standard option.

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  better than expected - 2004 Honda Civic
  By beagle fan - August 25 - 10:00 am

  I have had this car 6 weeks and have been nothing short of impressed. After the initial break-in period of about 2000 miles and getting used to the feel of it . The power is more than adequet and fuel economy is 43 -44 mostly distance driving . The handeling is most impressive as well as comfort and ease of reading gagues . Give this car a drive and you too will see its value . Looking forward to see whats next .

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  The Word Is Value - 2004 Honda Accord
  By WW - August 25 - 10:00 am

  Ask yourself what you want out of a car -- comfort, styling, performance, features, reliability, quality. The word is "value." Simply put, the Honda Accord offers more value than anything on the market today. Its smart money. This car drives like a rocket, looks great in the driveway, and costs virtually nothing to operate. I have never been happier with a purchase. For the money, its the best thing going. Think hard about your money, and then drive an Accord -- preferably in EX trim, with leather/sunroof/6- disc/XM/etc. Ask yourself, is there any greater value? The answer is the Accord.