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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  So far, So good - 2018 Honda Odyssey
  By JonL - January 1 - 11:39 pm

  Traded in my 2002 Odyssey EX with 209,700 miles last week for the 2018 EX, White Diamond Pearl with Mocha interior. I loved my old one but I had an urge for new technology and comfort. So far, I love my new one!! I didnt bother looking at any other Minivan because I knew I wanted another Odyssey. I also really like the styling of this one. 2 weeks and 230 miles of ownership, and Ive gotten 3 comments from people saying my van looks nice!! The seats are super comfy and supportive, everything on the interior seems high quality and not cheap at all. Practicality is this vans strong point, cup holders and storage compartments everywhere!! I hate clutter, so I can neatly store and organize all my junk in the door compartments and under the seats. Im most impressed with how this van drives, the steering is a little stiff with good road feel, minimal oversteer. along with a buttery smooth transmission gear changes and superbly quiet cabin even at high speed! Im a huge fan of the gauge cluster...it looks modern and cool, but easy to see while not distracting my eyes from the road. My only complaint so far is cosmetic and completely subjective; the wheels. They arent cheaply made, just not a fan of the design. I am planning to upgrade to 19 inch rims. I love my new Odyssey and look forward to driving it on lots of road trips in the future!!

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  Great Job on Hondas First Attempt - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By RTB - January 1 - 1:30 am

  After having F150s in the past wasnt expecting the refinement of this vehicle. WOW. More space you could ever need, great road manners and enough power that you dont really need a V8. Everything is there for towing. All coolers in drivetrain that all you need is the hitch. Am going to enjoy this truck for a long time. Great job Honda. WOW.

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  Drive it Youll Buy It - 2005 Honda Element
  By Vishnu - December 31 - 10:10 am

  Super roomy (Im 64") and super quick to reconfigure the interior. Great 5 sp and good in midwest snow. Great A/C, Great stock stereo, Ive had stereo shops question why Id want to upgrade. Styling grows on you like a funky lovable dog (to know it is to love it). Not quick like my SRT-4 (of course) but plenty fast on the highway. Lotta business trips to KC in the 80s-90s.

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  My First Honda - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By John Carroll - December 31 - 10:10 am

  This is my first ownership experience with a Honda, and so far I love it! What appealed to us the most, other than gas mileage and reputation, was the ground clearance and seat height adjustment. Both of us have some back troubles and most sedans sit too low to the ground. You literally have to pull yourself up of those low seats. But not with the CR-V. It is easy to get in and out of. It is probably the most practical vehicle we have ever owned. I did much research on the internet and compared CR-V with many competitors. None of them matched the CR-V in quality, standard options or price. Love my Honda CR-V!

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  This is a GREAT car - 2007 Honda Civic
  By Todd - December 31 - 4:50 am

  I waited almost 4 months for my hybrid, and it was worth the wait. Ive had it for 2 months with almost 3000 miles and no complaints. I really like the gauge layout, Im not bothered by the emergency brake handle, and Ive had several cars that I cant quite see the front of from inside. I was a little concerned about poor acceleration until I passed someone my first day with the car with no problem. I wasnt sure how it would do in the Minnesota cold...no problem. This car teaches you to drive efficiently. Mileage was around 50mpg when it was warmer, but dropped in the cold. Im not sure if global warming is real, but in case it is, Im trying to do my part to pollute as little as possible

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  Skip Navigation - 2016 Honda HR-V
  By Gina S - December 31 - 4:35 am

  The navigation is not worth the additional money when a smart phone app is easier and faster to load.

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  Only one complain! - 2016 Honda Civic
  By austinK - December 31 - 4:23 am

  Low tire pressure warning keeps coming up!! Is this a future recall issue?

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  Best Produced-Best Looking-Best Driving - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By Troy M. - December 30 - 5:56 pm

  My wife and I were never Van people. But since retiring and needing more room when visiting our 6 grandchildren, we started researching the van market. And after reviewing and driving the top 5, we settled on the 2007 Honda Odyssey Touring, loaded. We travel a good bit and the voice activated nav. really comes in handy. We havent found anything negative about about our van as yet. Fun, responsive, roomy, elegant appointments and all electronics are easy to access and learn, even for us no-techs. We couldnt be more satisfied. Thanks Honda for engineering such a great machine.

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  New Honda Fit - 2007 Honda Fit
  By bluebell2 - December 29 - 11:46 pm

  We have a Fit Sport MT. We are very pleased with the Fits ride, comfort, fuel consumption, and overall performance. The car performs well in stop and go city traffic, on country roads, and on the highway. Good ventilation with windows open for driving around town is refreshing. Concerns raised in early automotive reviews havent been substantiated by our experience. The car handles hills, passing, and highway merges easily. Buying the Fit was unexpectedly stressful because of difficulty with supply, delivery dates, and color selection. This situation would be improved by ramped up delivery of the Fit to US dealers, and more reliable communication regarding inventory and availability

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  HONDA CIVIC HAS ALL NEW LOOK AND STYLE - 2016 Honda Civic
  By Michael Daniel Ferguson - December 29 - 2:50 pm

  I have had my 2016 Civic since late April of 2016 and leased it brand new! Has been my best Honda so far. Love the styling and design of the Civic. The Honda sensing package is well worth the added cost. It practaclly drives it self. Handles beautifully and the entertainment system sounds so great! I highly recommend taking a test drive you will be amazed that its a Civic.