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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  Best New Car Ive Ever Owned - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By Lorraine - April 12 - 6:56 am

  Was going to buy a Honda Odyssey but with fuel prices they way they are I decided to go with the CR-V. Love the Green. Great family vehicle took the kids on a road trip and we had plenty of room, kids love the 6cd changer. Ive been getting 26-28 mpg around town. Hope to own this vehicle for a very long time.

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  Accord EX Fantastic - 2016 Honda Accord
  By David - April 12 - 4:19 am

  I searched for 5 months before buying the Accord EX and I am so happy I ended up with the Accord EX. Everything about this car is great so far however I was expecting a little bit more out of the miles per gallon. Its not what I thought it would be but over all I would rate this car a 9 out of 10. Courtesy Palm Harbor was a fantastic place to buy from, they dont hound you or lay a line of B.S. on you. I made them an offer which no other dealer would even consider and they accepted it. I strongly suggest making the extra trip to Palm Harbor if you are interested in a Honda because they will treat you right. Just make them an offer but make sure it is reasonable and they will tell you yes or no. Thats the way car buying should be without the B.S. coming into play. This was a stress free deal that I made with Palm Harbor Honda. Buying from anywhere else is going to be a nightmare at best. Trust me, I know because I contacted over 2 dozen Honda dealerships throughout Florida over the 5 months I was shopping. Most dealerships would rather rob you first and sell you a car second. Just my opinion.

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  Great car! - 2005 Honda Accord
  By scats1107 - April 11 - 6:36 pm

  Extremely happy with my purchase. There are small differences of what I expected as standard in a US model that do not appear in the Honda. The car has spirited performance and handling. The ride has a sport feel to it and I enjoy driving it on winding roads. Comfortable enough for my family of 4.

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  true happiness - 2006 Honda Civic
  By anil dutt - April 11 - 5:50 am

  this is the third civic i have personally owned and am extremely thirilled to have bought this new civic..what a car. Without a doubt one of the best cars in this planet for the price and fuel efficiency and performance. Not to forget the leg room.. very spacious.. you have to get it to know what im talking about.. and if u drive a manual transmision get that.. very sporty.. have fun and enjoy.. byeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee

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  Civic x, where x marks the spot. - 2016 Honda Civic
  By khoi - April 10 - 3:50 pm

  The civic does not have the home link option. But overall its all of tech for your buck. Love the androids auto.

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  Honda Odyssey - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By HSinTX - April 10 - 4:40 am

  This 07 Ody Touring is a great upgrade over our 01 Ody EX in design, performance and ride quality. The Ody Touring is the best package by far. The Touring has better ride quality (better comfort and less noise) than the EX-L. So far, we drove about 900 miles in a little over one month. Mileage is only 17-18 mpg for 50-50 local and highway with A/C on and some waiting at the takeout lines. Considering the weight of the van, its acceptable. Parking sensors and a TPMS that tells you the actual tire pressures are great additions.

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  Previous SUV owner - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By blackpilot - April 10 - 2:00 am

  I owned an Explorer and then a Lexus RX300. After searching for a replacement for my RX 300 I came across the Pilot. My must important criteria was handling, safety, space and relaibility. I thought that going from a Lexus to Honda would be a step down, but I was wrong! Excellent vehicle. Same as the MDX for 6k discount!

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  So Far.....So Good - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By Mo Man - April 10 - 2:00 am

  Honda CR-V was well worth the wait. It handles extremely well, especially when cornering. The ride is very smooth for a vehicle of its size. The seats are very comfortable front and back.

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  Honda At Its Best! - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By Shams - April 10 - 2:00 am

  Odyssey exceeds in every level from a Minivan expectations. Most Power(240HP) in its class! Sedan Like Ride, SUV Like Spacious. You get more than what you pay for, a well equipped EX Model comes with Dual Sliding Doors, Security, Premium Sound, ABS, Traction Control and Four Wheel Disc Brakes. Same features in any Competing Vans will cost you more But you still wont the quality. The Bottom Line - Its a HONDA!

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  I Love The Civic - 2003 Honda Civic
  By Moses Chung - April 10 - 2:00 am

  I originally purchased the vehicle because of its design. I love the exterior look of the Civic Coupe. But since Ive purchased the car, Im more satisfied with all of the features and performance that this Civic offers for its price. The car has reliable pick- up when I hit the accelerator, its interior is comfortable, and all of the dials and switches are nicely integrated into the dash. Now, dont get me wrong, the car could use some more horsepower but for the price at which the car is offered, I think its probably the best car on the road out there for its class.