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:

• 

  Luxury in a honda.... - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By Michael Goldstein - June 20 - 3:23 am

  This minivan or should i say luxury vehicle is unbelievable.... My wife and kids love it.... It handles like a sports car and a luxury vehicle all in one... I still cant believe its a minivan... Honda did an incredible job with this vehicle... I highly recommend it to any family in the market for a new minivan....

• 

  Unbelievable value - 2018 Honda Ridgeline
  By Kyle - June 20 - 2:21 am

  This truck has great features that other large competitors do not offer. First the lower trunk storage in the truck bed is great for groceries or putting dirty work boots in. You can spray it out and pull the drain plug tonlet it drain out. Tailgate folds down like normal and also swings like a door making it super easy to access lower storage and anything that is in the truck bed.

• 

  I love this car! - 2007 Honda Accord
  By Sonia - June 20 - 12:53 am

  First week with new Honda EX - no regrets. Car is very smooth, quiet, roomy. Dark Graphite color looks great on it, grey interior matches with metal trims - very elegant. Fuel economy after first week not bad at all. On first tank gas 70% hwy 30% city my averege is around 32 mpg! Love it!

• 

  well built reliable vehicle - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By tony webb - June 19 - 12:03 pm

  having tested Lexus, Toyota, Volkswagen, Subaru, & Volvo, this little Honda, dollar for dollar seems a wonderful buy, took it for a ride in the Poconos- it performed very well. no its not a corvette but it runs on regular gas and is comfortable for the family and it seems well built, with thoughtful extras, not electronic junk that might not last for 100k miles. the rear seat configurations have been well thought out with plenty of room in the back

• 

  Luv my Pilot - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By Pilotlover - June 18 - 10:00 am

  This is the best vehicle Ive bought. I have owned 3 other Hondas with no problems and this one is better than ever.

• 

  non offroad suv - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By eiphantm - June 18 - 10:00 am

  This is my secound suv the first being a Subaru Foresster. Both were bought not for off roading but for safety in driving during in our NH winters. Both suv had and has all wheel drive so we do not have to but it 4 wheel drive.I purchase the honda this time because of first, hondas reputation, I thought it was sportier than the foresster and also roomier than the subaru. Also for the money the Honda was a better value. I purchased the EX model and I am extremly pleased with all of its features and performances.

• 

  Honda Odyssey - The Best! - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By G. Barton - June 18 - 10:00 am

  I owned a Plymouth Voyager and have driven a Ford Windstar. Neither compares to the quality and ride of the Odyssey. Its solid and tight. The ride is great! The features are top notch! I never thought I would buy a "foreign" car, but in comparison to the American models, its Honda the clear winner! you wont be disappointed!

• 

  Odyssey Excels - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By Dillpepah - June 18 - 10:00 am

  This vehicle is a joy to drive. It hugs the road when driving around corners, off exit ramps, etc., turns practically on a dime, handles very well. The power is apparent as it easily speeds up in the pass zone. Ride is very smooth. I love the ease in configuring the interior. The center captains chairs are simply removed and the rear seat folds right into the floor. The twin side doors are powered to slide open with your remote key fob and are a real help, the entertainment system is phenomenal. This is a very nice vehicle, very functional, very fun to drive.

• 

  Ill never own anything but a HONDA - 2003 Honda Civic
  By carolyn413 - June 18 - 10:00 am

  I have owned 2 Civics and now I own a Accord. Hondas are very reliable and fun to drive. I have NEVER had to use the "warrenty", which is really nice.

• 

  great little suv - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By Janet Dill - June 18 - 8:06 am

  So far loving my new car. Did not get the leather upgrade and no navigation, the downside is does not have Sirius Radio without that package. Handles nice and so far not sorry for the purchase after only 10 days!