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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  My 3rd Odyssey - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By skb49 - September 15 - 2:00 am

  I love my new 04...maybe should have held out for the 05 though !!!

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  2012 Honda Pilot - 2012 Honda Pilot
  By Margo Adams - September 14 - 10:11 pm

  Love this car great for kids and family trips. Love the comfort and just enjoy having this SUV. Love the back up camera so easy to use. Very last row of seats short on leg room.

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  Good Decision - 2009 Honda Fit
  By Jeff - September 14 - 6:13 pm

  My 09 Fit arrived over a week early. Ive been driving it now for just over a week and I really like it. If youre looking for a really flexible vehicle that looks great (if you like its look), gets great mileage (better than it EPA rating) has sufficient power and is a very high- quality build, then, youd better try to grab one. In the Portland area, you have to move fast to get one, though!

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  2013 CRV 100% Reliabilty - 2013 Honda CR-V
  By guerry bethell - September 14 - 4:23 am

  A pleasure to own and operate. We added after market leather and heaters for both front seats.

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  Transmission sucks - 1998 Honda Accord
  By camille - September 14 - 2:00 am

  At 62,000 miles the transmission gave out, cost $1,300 to replace with another vtec, which after 15,000 gave out again. It has no take off speed and is dangerous to drive with an unreliable transmission. It neutralized in the middle of the high- way. Gas mileage sucks, wont buy anther one.

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  Bit Disappointed - 2008 Honda Accord
  By LH - September 13 - 11:53 am

  I bought the Accord as I felt it represented the best value in its category. Unfortunately, I have gotten off to a rough start. On the first morning it would not start in my garage and had to be towed back to the dealer. Turned out the battery had a bad core. While it handles the road very nicely, I am very upset with the hesitation I have experienced. When I accelerate from a stop or very slow speed, there is a hesitation about 40%- 50% of the time. The service manager took a ride with me and said that type of effect was normal for this transmission. In 35 years of driving, I have never experienced this with a new car and have not experienced it with my wifes CRV.

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  Fantastic car - 2006 Honda Accord
  By Lawrence - September 13 - 2:03 am

  I have purchased this car a couple of weeks ago. Brakes are excellent, comfort is superb, and engine is the best ever. If I must find something not as good as its competitors, it is the styling, classic but not as sharp, and the lack of external temperature indicator.

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  Totally fun - 2001 Honda S2000
  By toydriver - September 13 - 2:00 am

  Just bought this rocket this weekend and have spent 2 days enjoying every corner and soaking up the rays with the top down. Sticks to the road like glue. I love looking at this thing. Never owned a roadster before. Didnt know what I was missing. Great build quality.

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  minivan rating - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By JoDolf - September 13 - 2:00 am

  This is my second odyssey. As you can see, I must love the honda minivans. I find them easy to drive, esp on open highway and long trips. They are very economical and comfortable. I love the body style and the interior. Honda could have done better with the speaker system. There should have been separate speakers with independent controls for the rear of the van. The sound is too loud in the back for the back passengers and can hardly be heard by passengers in the front with out blasting the rear passengers.

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  Good little car, but needs improvements - 2008 Honda Fit
  By Sam - September 12 - 9:40 pm

  I bought this car right off the delivery truck...and, at first, absolutely loved it. However, after driving it for awhile, I have found some issues with it, but, all around, and for the price, its a good little car.