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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  Good but not Great - 1998 Honda Accord
  By khym - October 10 - 2:00 am

  This is my first Honda. Previously I have owned Nissans, Mazdas and Volkswagens. The car is excellent interior room, big trunk, good acceleration and overall it is a good car -- not a great car. I have been somewhat disappointed by its reliability. My previous cars were all more reliable. I have had several repairs and two recalls. Would I buy a Honda again -- probably. But I would look seriously at a Camry, a Mazda6, a Passat, a Maxima, and perhaps a 3-4 year old Lexus.

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  Odyssey EX-L - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By comer98 - October 9 - 8:56 pm

  Moved from a 2004 Odyssey to the 2007. What a substantial improvement! Had no issues with the 2004 and hope that the 2007 will be just as reliable. Interior design is great and the cabin is so much quieter. Layout is much improved over past models. My sons love the 2nd row roll-down windows and integrated sunshades. Definitely a great vehicle if you need to drive a minivan. Much more practical and economical than a similarly sized SUV.

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  Think Carefully Before Buying Touring - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By Concerned Customer - October 9 - 11:56 am

  We love Honda, and we love our Odyssey. We were excited about the extra features of the Touring model, but we wished we had not bought it: 1)The parking sensors have malfunctioned erratically, but never at a dealership. 2)The PAX tire technology is not widespread. If you get a flat (even a nail), the entire wheel must be replaced by an authorized dealer (very few are certified and have them in stock) and cost is approx. $500. Dont have a flat tire unless you are within 150 miles of an authorized dealer! 3)There is no way to manually open the power lifegate if the power malfunctions. The power liftgate is also difficult and time consuming to repair.

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  Sporty First Car - 2017 Honda Civic
  By S W - October 9 - 10:22 am

  Bought the 2017 Honda Civic as the first car for my daughter turning 16. She had max budget of 20K, but we had a little wiggle room. This car has great features in that price range and drives great. She drove the civic and accord and preferred the civic. Great gas milage and she preferred the handling of the civic. She will be paying for her own gas, so the MPG was great. The car has sporty and pretty styling and next to my 07 MB C230, is about the the same size! She is super proud of it!

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  Odyssey #3 - 2008 Honda Odyssey
  By Tags - October 9 - 9:00 am

  We just took delivery of our 3rd Odyssey and couldnt be happier. The ride is carlike, the power wonderful. We had gotten 27 mpg highway is our last Odyssey and so far this one looks to be no different. Was looking at the Pilot and as nice as it was the Odyssey was just a better value.

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  4 Wheel all Weather Motorcycle - 2004 Honda S2000
  By rhintzman - October 9 - 2:00 am

  I really love this car. It is the next best thing to a sport motorcycle. Since it straightens out windy roads it makes you look at the map for more. In this car, the quickest way between two points is the windiest. My wife and I have taken it on several road trips including a week to CA from AZ. It could use some more trunk space but if you think of it as motorcycle, its got plenty! Better than a motorcycle when the weather gets nasty and the top goes up.

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  More Fun than Expected - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By artistrs - October 9 - 2:00 am

  Wonderful design for the interior allows the driver to decide everything or let it all be automatic. Comfortable, too - like driving around in your favorite easy chair. So much passenger room means many on-the-road parties. All my passengers comment, unsolicited, on comfort, fun and feeling of being safe. I do wish it were more economical on the gas mileage.

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  Somewhat disappointed - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By M Case - October 9 - 2:00 am

  The CR-V has been an OK vehicle, but by no means great. Evidently designed to be a grocery-getter. To accelerate, it almost always has to downshift. Its the easiest vehicle that I have ever owned to slide while going around a corner. Had to replace brakes at 33,000 all 4 tires at 35,000. In retrospect I wish I had bought something bigger.

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  My Accord Experience - 2009 Honda Accord
  By Lord_darklantern - October 8 - 6:03 am

  The Car has been pretty good so far. Its not bad for a 4 cylinder. The ride is ok. You can tell they cut corners from the previous generation model. Its bigger than I would have liked it to be but I did not like the styling of the civic, and I thought it was a little smaller than I wanted. Overall not a bad car, but not Hondas best in my opinion having experience with 3 Accords before. Also the braks wear out prematurely (my back brakes wore out after 17,700 miles) only owning the car for 10 months. Buyer beware the brakes have a design flaw noted in the currant issue of Motor trend. They got only 15,000 on a set of 4 brakes and were quite shocked when they took it into the dealer.

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  silver bullet - 2003 Honda S2000
  By dadcat - October 8 - 2:00 am

  bought a new 03 with 20 miles on it,now have 550, enjoy every minute behind the wheel,or just admiring the cars looks. great trunk, golf clubs fit with top up or down,(unlike the benz), twin city driver looking forward to the rest of october and next spring, couldnt be happier.