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:

• 

  Great ride, powerful engine - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By Sox04 - March 12 - 12:23 am

  After extensive research, we decided to purchase the Odyssey, and so far we have not been disappointed. We purchased the base model LX mainly because of the price, but also because the standard options (air, cruise, CD player, etc...) fully meet our needs. The Odyssey has a smooth V6 engine with plenty of acceleration when needed. The interior is well laid-out and the seats are very comfortable. When our 3 month old and two large dogs are loaded into the Odyssey, we still have plenty of room for our stroller, luggage, and additional passengers. We are planning on making some long trips in the Odyssey this summer, and you cant beat Hondas reputation for safety and reliability.

• 

  Element lover - 2006 Honda Element
  By Hiker - March 11 - 9:53 pm

  I bought it against all my friends advice based on its looks. Now, 2 of the most vocal friends are going to buy one. I live in Minnesota and the Element AWD tracks on slippery roads beautifully! I have had 4WD cars and trucks for a long time and this one beats them all. I have a white German Shepherd Dog, who sheds on everything, and cleaning the Element is so easy with no hair getting permanently stuck on any fabics, and of course, flooring. I climbs sandy hills, muddy slopes, and is really fun to drive on dry pavement. I am so happy I bought it. I get more impressed with it all the time.

• 

  Misty Grrrreeen - 2016 Honda HR-V
  By al na - March 11 - 6:00 pm

  Its a beautiful crossover. I owned FIT prior to this.

• 

  Thanks edmonds - 2017 Honda Odyssey
  By Ken weinstein - March 11 - 2:41 pm

  I got a better deal because I went on your site

• 

  Ya got to get one - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By ken32851 - March 11 - 5:20 am

  I enjoy the truck a lot. It is loaded and rides great. I dont know I am crusing at 65 MPH on the highway. My only mistake, I wish I got the Navigation system, but couldnt swing the extra cost. For the first truck out - Overall, Id give it a 9 - then again - youd prob like it more - I am picky - LOL. You got to get one - it is fun truck and rides and handles great. I own my truck for 6 months and have 11,000 miles on it with NO problems.

• 

  It Fits Me!! - 2007 Honda Fit
  By Grasshopper - March 10 - 9:53 pm

  So far I have only had my FIT about 24 hours but it has been long enough for me to give it an A+. It handles very well for a subcompact and the gas mileage is great. I am the first in my region to own one of these new Hondas and everyone stares at you when you drive by. Over all it is more that what I expected this car to be. With the Honda name added to it, you cannot buy a better car.

• 

  From Car Crash to Crosstour! - 2010 Honda Accord Crosstour
  By cargrl313 - March 10 - 4:33 pm

  ABSOLUTELY ADORE my black on black fully loaded EX-L. Shes my baby, I named her Stormy because shes a beast. On 11-15-10 my 2009 Acura TSX was totaled in a horrible car crash. I made it out alive thanks to the framing of my Acura, seeing it was manufactured by Honda and the ZDX was not in my budget the Crosstour was at the top of my list. I love that theres so much head & leg room, my dogs love the room back in the hatch area. This car has absolutely everything I was looking for. The Crosstour is a head turner for sure! Ive had it since Black Friday and couldnt be more impressed, the more I drive it the more I love it!

• 

  The economical pocket rocket - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Jakeo - March 10 - 4:10 am

  The value and performance of the Si are 2nd to none. Handing is perhaps best of any front-wheel drive car due to perfectly-tuned suspension and limited-slip differential. I get 34 MPG highway with 200 hp! Of course, this drops if you drive in the 6K-8K RPM VTEC mode, but I still get 28-30 MPG in mixed driving. Seats are nice, with good side bolstering for cornering, and comes with 8 airbags, a killer 350 watt, 7 speaker system with a sub. I cross shopped the VW GTI, but I know that car will lose its value must faster than a Honda and everything will go wrong.

• 

  WOW what a car - 2005 Honda Accord
  By Carlos - March 10 - 3:16 am

  Ive been a Toyota Guy my whole life and I must say, this Accord blows my Toyota Camery Solara away. The wheel feel as well as the interior are far superior. I couldnt be happier with my purchase

• 

  Honda cant be stopppppped!!!! - 1997 Honda Civic
  By Joe/ HondaHottness - March 10 - 2:00 am

  My civic is the first car i bought, the aftermarket for this car is crazy. There is so much to do with this car. The vtec is great to i wish a had the cash for the SiR though. My car gets good gas mileage, (better than any american performance car).