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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  Great Investment - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Stephanie - June 24 - 7:13 am

  We have sincerely enjoyed our Civic hybrid. It has been fully reliable and great on gas mileage, averaging around 45 mpg. Its beautiful on the inside and outside, and has plenty of leg room as well.

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  great for families and/or business - 2012 Honda Odyssey
  By Richard Koski - June 23 - 3:15 am

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  Hybrid the Best Buy - 2005 Honda Civic
  By Jackson - June 23 - 3:03 am

  An excellent drive. Slightly overated mileage estimates but not enough to be concerned about. Some inattention to excessive glue traces on front and rear glass which is not expected from Honda. Definitely a worthwhile buy with gas prices as they are and the need to go to "Green" vehicles to reduce pollution. I traded an SUV so its size took a little getting used to but worth it. A good solid ride.

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  Great Car - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By Nijo - June 23 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car new about 10 months ago after reading online reviews. Its been doing well until now.

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  I love my Honda!!! - 2004 Honda Accord
  By SAS - June 23 - 2:00 am

  My experience w/my dealership was excellent! This manual car is very easy to drive and fun! It rides very smooth - and although its only the 4cyl is has plenty of get up and go. The coupe model is also very sporty - with more room inside than the typical "sports car".

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  Couldnt Ask for Anything More - 2004 Honda Accord
  By Regina - June 23 - 2:00 am

  Awesome car!! Ordered one and couldnt wait til it got here and now Im in love. In fact I like Accords so much I kept my old one!! This one is definitely the best one yet!

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  Great car - love it! - 2012 Honda CR-V
  By David Hannon - June 22 - 11:53 pm

  CRV is a great car. Lovely finish, very comfortable. All good things to say

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  Heart Broken Honda lover - 2001 Honda Odyssey
  By Ted 2 - June 21 - 10:00 am

  Our 01 Odyssey just had its first birthday two weeks ago and have enjoyed the van thoroughly. It has been a perfect vehicle. Unfortunatly it was totaled two days ago, I plan on buying another one. Finding what you want for MSRP is tough.

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  Good van & fun to drive - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By BHurd - June 21 - 10:00 am

  Even with little discounting from the sticker, it is a good value. Many features on the LX for the money. Excellent acceleration, handles like a sedan, comfortable and convenient. One windshield washer nozzel had to be replaced and the sliding doors would stick shut if not opened for a while. The dealer took care of the problems quickly. So far, so good.

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  Got a steal of a deal - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By Eric the Desert Rat - June 21 - 10:00 am

  Similar to the Acura MDX which I drove before the Pilot came out. The Pilot is a very easy to drive SUV with just some small nit picks about it. Got mine for STICKER with no premium on it. I picked my Red one on Saturday June 8th and then drove it 272 miles back home. All the local dealers are putting a 4000-8000 premium on the cars out here.