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:

• 

  SuperDuperDeluxe Minivan - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By gkkim - July 2 - 10:00 am

  Almost bought a 2004 Sienna XLE LTD AWD but ended up with a Slate Green (more like silver blue) Touring with NAV/RES. Drives/handles very well and smoothly, yet sporty. Transmission is solid authority without up/down searching and hesitation. Surprising amount of oompf for a very chubby/hefty minivan. Interior is no nonsense Honda spartan, but elegant, comfortable and super quiet. Feels/Drives with wide solid stance. PAX tires takes the bumps a bit harsher than the regular tires, but not disturbing. Cant hear the VCM and no wind noise. Rumpled leather not a favorite, but seats provide good support. Be warned-"coin box" is just an open drawer. Concerned about PAX support still.

• 

  My wife is happy...so Im happy! - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By tsmith7499 - July 2 - 10:00 am

  We were looking at the MPV and Sienna, but decided to look at the Odyssey. It is true, this is the best minivan there is! My wife loves this car. The safety, performance, and features cannot be matched. The EX model is definately worth the upgrade.

• 

  I love my Hybrid Civic - 2004 Honda Civic
  By theodyke - July 2 - 10:00 am

  I drive a lot and wanted a car that would perform well and be reliable as well as fuel efficient. I am a devotee of Honda since buying a 9 year old Accord in 1995 that a friend of mine is still driving. The Civic Hybrid fits the bill. Its fun to drive (a little slow out of the gate, but passable) and its even more fun to see it get more than 600 miles to a tank. You cant be that in these times. I will alway be a Honda satisfied customer.

• 

  AMAZING CAR! - 2005 Honda Accord
  By MJC1Esq - July 2 - 10:00 am

  Amazing automobile. Great family car. Fun to drive. An all around perfect automobile.

• 

  GR8T car! - 2005 Honda Civic
  By Fuzzer - July 2 - 2:00 am

  Went out looking for a high-mpg honda, drove this beauty away from the lot the next day. Love the Civic, the Si is just icing on the cake! :)

• 

  Learning to love my CR-V - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By Ed - July 1 - 8:40 am

  Ive put 1300 miles on it in the last 3 weeks. I enjoy being able to drive with confidence in ice and snow - the ABS, VSA, and 4WD contribute to this. Some road noise, but the stereo covers it up nicely. Wish it had a center console. Should have a cargo cover, but its not standard. A good highway cruiser with plenty of power for most situations. Surges forward pleasingly at around 4000 rpm. Often dont realize how fast Im going. Taut yet comfortable ride. Easy to roll rear seats forward and make a heckuva lot of room in back. Some body lean in corners, so I have to take them easy. I like the standard picnic table and moonroof. Cups rattle in cup holders - holders could be deeper.

• 

  A little SUV with a lot of quality! - 2006 Honda CR-V
  By pastorken - July 1 - 12:16 am

  This vehicle was an amazing surprise. Its quality was so far superior to the Ford Escape, and Mercury Mariner that I test drove that it was no contest. It has better acceleration, no squeaks or rattles like the Ford products, and more importantly with its side curtain air bags over the windows, anti-lock brakes with computer control, and traction control all built in standard, it was the safest vehicle you can buy for around $20,000. We were surprised how nimbly it drove, and tested it on empty, wet parking lot, and it maneuvered flawlessly, as we worked the anti-lock brakes to ensure they operated correctly. We are very impressed, as it is far better than Toyotas and Nissans we have owned.

• 

  I just love this car ! - 2016 Honda Accord
  By Deepak Alagesan - June 30 - 5:24 pm

  Sporty, Performance and class.

• 

  Best car Ive ever owned - 2009 Honda Accord
  By Michael in Chicago - June 30 - 1:06 pm

  I really didnt want to buy a new car; but my 95 Volvo had reached the point where the repairs it needed exceeded its book value. So... There was no major decision in my purchase; all of the research Id done came up with the same two answers: Honda or Toyota. I drove a Civic and was appalled. I drove an Accord and was astonished. It handled like a dream. The I-4 motor was powerful, smooth and quiet. The 5- speed gearbox was a joy. Looks, compared with the Camry...no contest. The dark grey metallic paint...Oooh baby! At highway speeds, it will go about 500 miles on a tank of gas. I bought two Accords that day. The 2009 Im driving now...and the 2019 Ill replace it with.

• 

  Lovin it!! - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Tony - June 29 - 7:10 pm

  I just purchased my Polished Metal EX- L yesterday. Honda did a really nice job with this Accord. Acceleration is very quick for a 4 cylinder. The steering feel and handling of the car is athletic. The interior is great. The seats are supportive and the materials are great. Exterior styling, in my opinion is very attractive. Reminds me of a cross between an Acura RL and a BMW 5 series. I showed the car to a friend of mine and he commented that it was almost like a luxury car inside. He owns a BMW.