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:

• 

  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.

• 

  Kicks Competitors - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By Ed K. - December 29 - 2:00 pm

  Awesome vehicle. Much better than my relatives domestic minivans. No quality issues after 11 months. Averages 22.5 mpg on interstate trips with 6 people and luggage at 75-80 mph.

• 

  in love with it !!!! - 2003 Honda Element
  By jbohnel - December 29 - 10:00 am

  i bought the ex model in orange, and added the 8-cd changer and running boards. i love the quiet and extremely comfortable ride,the spaciousness, the visabiliy, the maneuverability, the sound system, the ease of interior cleaning and maintainence.... and the great reaction from the general public! only complaints so far - no passenger left arm rest and the fm and am radio reception is poor.

• 

  I love my Pilot - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By m edwards - December 29 - 10:00 am

  This SUV is just the right size for me; not too big and bulky. I like the way it handles around curves and corners. The vehicle is very comfortable on both long and short trips. The interior space is adequate (especially the middle seating area). And the "hooks" that are provided in the rear cargo area really keep the contents of my grocery bags from escaping.

• 

  Solid Minivan, but not yet perfect. - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By Bill1029 - December 29 - 10:00 am

  I have had this van for a few months now, after trading in a 1999 Dodge Grand Caravan for it. With the exception of a few minor complaints this van is extraordinary. It drives like a car, handles very well, and has plenty of power. The transmition shifts very smooth, nearly un-noticeable, and does an Excelent job finding the right gear for city or highway driving. Pleanty of room for my family of 5. Highly recommended.

• 

  da best - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By midgetinakeg - December 29 - 10:00 am

  this automobile is by far my favorite one I have ever driven. ITs just so comfterable I cant even discribe it. It drives like a dteam and I just love driving it.

• 

  The Honda Odysey - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By westrox2005 - December 29 - 10:00 am

  everyone who loves to drive should drive a honda odysey. Unlike the toyta siena this van is fun to drive smooth and gets really good gas mileage. Also It has a tighter turning radius than the toyota. This van drives like its one of hondas or acuras top of the line cars. what am I talking about they are all top of the line cars. They are the cleanesst car company in the world and dont copy ideas like toyota ocasionaly does. They copied hondas element reacently. Overall hondas are a much better brand more dependable and will last longer and not rust after 5 years. This van is also very responsive. I was even able to beat a toyota celica off the line easily

• 

  Thank you Honda (SI Sedan) - 2009 Honda Civic
  By David Scott - December 29 - 9:13 am

  Our little SI sedan has proven to be a lot of car for the money. We kept our previous Honda ten years with no major repair issues. This Civic appears to be every bit as good. The little car could not be more fun to drive and the sales price was reasonable and not inflated.

• 

  The Honda CR-V - 2010 Honda CR-V
  By Isaias Medina - December 29 - 8:30 am

  My wife been wanted a Honda CR-V for a long time and finally we got one. We have driven the car for about 600 miles and both of us are very satisfied, no complaints so far. This car performs very well all around. The 180 HP improvement makes a big difference and yet it adds an x-tra mpg, cant ask for more from a 4 cyl. We plan to keep this car for a long time.

• 

  Improvements to EX-L would make it GREAT - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By jstephens1 - December 29 - 5:43 am

  Purchased in early December and took a 2,000 mile road trip averaging 23.5 mpg on the hwy. Handles extremely well