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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  Exhilarating roadster: hell on wheels - 2004 Honda S2000
  By rick98sportster - August 4 - 2:00 am

  Absolutely stunning ride. Beautiful in Berlina Black. The 04s adjustments to peak torque and redline make the car more versitile without diminishing performance. The engine screams when you want it to. . .and the handling is superlative. Very liveable, even on a daily commute of 22 miles. I do benefit from reverse traffic, so not stuck in bumper to bumper. Acceleration is amazing and as I pile up the miles I am getting used to drawing the max out of an engine that loves to rev so high. Compared to my previous roadsters, i.e., 72 MGB and 68 Austin-Healy Sprite, this car is light years ahead in every respect.

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  2004 Honda Odyseyy EXL-DVD - 2000 Honda Odyssey
  By 2004 EXL Ody owner - August 4 - 2:00 am

  Cold weather:60mph,no airconditioning,flat road,30mpg. Summer, flat road with airconditioning, 26mpg. 75 mph in the summer 24mpg. Summer city driving 18mpg Comfort: Long trips not acceptable. example:the brake pedal is in the way of your left leg, uncomfortable on an extended trip. The seats widths are too small by approximately 2" The right seat does not have power or adequate adjustment. The ride is HARD, after the 2nd day of driving, visions of an army truck.Interior finish is utilitarian. Staples are used to hold down the carpet over the spare! Body dents easily. BAD road noise! Easy access/egress Would not buy again.

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  Best Accord Ever? - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Zowie - August 3 - 10:20 pm

  Been relying on Hondas for 13 years. Was not going to buy another, as I am almost 50 and wanted something that was bigger and would give me a cushier ride. Read about how this one is bigger than ever, had to test ride it. Nice ride, great handling, best brakes I have ever used. Paid a little under 20k. Have 7,500 miles and no complaints. Drive for both jobs, mostly highway, activate cruise control, sit back and enjoy the ride

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  Love this car - 2016 Honda Fit
  By Dennis Money - August 3 - 7:41 pm

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  2007 Honda Civic LX - 2007 Honda Civic
  By Lonnie - August 3 - 7:23 pm

  I love this car! New car design in and out is great. Fuel economy is just as good as my motorcycle. Solid build quality. I lift weights and I am not a small person yet at 248 lbs I have plenty of width room inside this car. 5 star crash rating. Resale value will increase in the next few years due to elevated gas prices. Thanks Honda.

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  best of over 20 trucks I have owned - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By Anthony - August 3 - 10:40 am

  comfortable, great handling, well suited to the type of loads I carry 99.9% of the time, super sound system, well laid out, and without any doubt, the single most comfortable vehicle of any kind that I have driven on long trips. Nothing macho here...just a great truck for all the uses most of us really have for a truck. Highly recommend. The looks actually start to grow on you after awhile.

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  S2000 - Awsome - 2004 Honda S2000
  By solution123 - August 3 - 2:00 am

  A very fast car with the feal of an F1 automobile with Japanese Quality.

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  TIght turns and hot curves - 2004 Honda S2000
  By gatorguy37 - August 3 - 2:00 am

  The car has been a dream to own and drive. Its fast, tight in turns, a real pleasure to drive and surpisingly comfortable on long trips. The trunk is big enough to fit the clubs AND enough luggage for a long weekend. If you dont want to golf, then you can have enough room to bring your girlfriend AND her stuff.

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  what a great deal! - 2000 Honda Civic
  By J the hustler - August 3 - 2:00 am

  this is by far the most fun to drive car i have ever owned and i have had many different cars in my life. the handling is amazing and the power that you get out of a little 1.6 liter engine is unbelievable. plenty of affordable mods for this car available. i plan to keep this car as long as i can.

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  Review at 18750 miles Honda Civic - 2008 Honda Civic
  By Umi - August 2 - 4:50 am

  I wrote several reviews and will try to keep updating how is my Honda doing. Ok As of today, no mechanical failure. Have a plan to change the brakes at 20K miles. MPG improved from 22 to 24.5 mpg in just in city driving. Tires are fine and have a plan to drive 20K miles with the same tires as I purchased with at 10 miles. Some people complained about tires, I would say that the tires are fine. Also, the brakes will go out on the basis of your driving style. If you are aggressive driver and like to brake so often, I think no one brake will stay alive for a long time. As of today I spent $350. $120 cost me for 3 oil/oil filter change. Plus I spent $230 for air filter change on 18500 miles.