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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  FAMILY OF 6 - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By WILLIAM - June 11 - 7:18 pm

  This is an awesome vehicle for any family. We replaced with a 2014 and love it as well. Will stay with odyssey until all 4 of my children are teens then maybe to something else. The Odyssey is a great height for children and mothers lifting car seats. We purchased Odyssey when we had our first child now we have 4 under 10 and is still the best choice for our family.

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  BEST car Ive ever had. (Ive had a few) - 1996 Honda Accord
  By Joaquin Borromeo - June 11 - 6:22 pm

  This car will literally run forever with just minimal maintenance. Paid $3500 for my 96 Honda accord, now Im graduating college I decided to sell it. Im asking $3000 for it and I am confident that I can sell it for t his price. The car now has 166k miles on it but I am sure it can run all the way up to 300K plus plus miles.

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  Looks great, drives great! - 2017 Honda Civic
  By Elizabeth Thompson - June 11 - 2:51 am

  Looks great drives great

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  Fantastic Value - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Ann T - June 10 - 9:50 pm

  I purchased this car a few days ago and couldnt be happier. It is not a pig on gas. It is a really fun car to drive. I am 61" and thought it would be a tight squeeze but it is really comfortable. I would hightly recommend this car to anyone who is looking for a fun economical vehicle!

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  HONDA CIVIC SI 209 - 2009 Honda Civic
  By AChris - June 10 - 9:56 am

  This car is real quick from 60-90. Has some road noise, but the 350 watt sound system can correct for it. This car is a real show stopper for $22K, with at 7 sec 0-60. A must test drive if you are looking at the IS 250-350 (smaller interior) or the Acura TL. The resale value makes the Si a real choice over the Subaru WRT which costs almost twice the price.

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  This Si has drive! - 2013 Honda Civic
  By Annette Vazquez - June 10 - 9:25 am

  This car has manual transmission 6 forward, and 1 reverse. What is great is that it also has cruise control for those long drives. Apart from the power of the v-tech engine (205 hp approx.) with its DOHC compared to its predecessor Civic EX SOHC, every trip is an adventure. I will truly miss it once I return it. The only feature it does not have is AWD, which may be a plus considering the snow we have been having lately in the Winter (it did handle the snow better than others with the front wheel drive, the AWD would give it that extra traction to make headway since the car itself is low). Other than that, I love it!

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  Best Van Ever - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By tilson - June 10 - 8:30 am

  I love this van! It has everything you would need or want with the two small exceptions. I would have liked it to have automatic lights on the EXL with the Entertainmet System. Also automatic locks when you put the car in reverse. However this doesnt deter me from loving this VAN! Its the BEST!

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  Secound time is great - 2018 Honda Odyssey
  By Mark Bakula - June 9 - 10:42 pm

  after 26 years of owning Town and Country I purchased a 2014 Odyssey. It was better than the Town and Country but not what I was expecting concerning the electronics especially the voice recognition feature. Well my 2018 is great. It fixes all of the issues and it is significantly quieter.

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  Cant believe its a Honda! - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Jimmy G. - June 9 - 5:36 am

  Ive been driving pure sports cars for years (last one a 350Z and the one before that a twin-turbo RX7) and when Honda showed the new coupe in January 2007, I read all about it. I knew I had to have one, especially as the car has fwd and Ive suffered through winter driving for years. Ordered my blue coupe in August and waited, waited. Finally in November the dealer traded for a car just like the one I wanted except it had a different color interior. Well, I fell in love with it and took it because I wanted it so badly. Boy, it sure didnt disappoint! This car sure isnt the run-of-the-mill Honda. My son owns a 2005 Accord Coupe with 4 cylinder and a 5-speed, and my car puts his to shame!

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  Loving My 1998 Honda Accord EX - 1998 Honda Accord
  By Mike Henley - June 9 - 2:00 am

  I bought my white 1998 Honda Accord EX (leather) about a month ago and DAMN I love it. Bought it with 76,000 miles on it but the car is friggin amazing. Its only a V-4 but it has some decent pickup for a V-4 Ill have to admit. Car rides great, smooth as ever. Trunk space is awesome, alloy wheels are hot looking, and white looks classy! Sunroof is a great feature, really love this car! My first car by the way and damn I love it. Changing the oil every 3,000 miles to make sure it lasts well past the 200,000 mile mark.