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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  Great car. Poor MPG! - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By Mr. MPG - July 6 - 9:46 pm

  One of the primary reasons I purchased my Odyssey was is EPA mpg ratings. It is nowhere close. I have had it for less than a month and I get about 16MPG combined.

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  1991 Honda Accord LX - 1991 Honda Accord
  By bbesser1 - July 6 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car used because I had heard that they are very reliable. The clutch went out on it at 130,000 miles and cost $950 to fix, I have had the valve cover replaced, and had a leak in the oil pan. It is a very comfortable car and once fixed have no doubt that it will be a very reliable car. It purrs when it is on the highway and I have been getting 28 mpg. Other cars in the paper in MN have been selling with 250K + on them for $2000 which speaks a lot for their durability. The body will fall off long before the engine wears out.

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  Hoosier review on Honda Odessey - 2001 Honda Odyssey
  By bbacaphd - July 6 - 10:00 am

  Just bought the vehicle and it is much more powerful than my previous minivan, a 94 Dodge Caravan 3.0. The ride seems a bit harsher than I would have expected as I drove a 2002 Honda Accord with same powerplant and transmission. The Accord was much quieter and sounded more solid. The Odessey sounded much quieter than my Caravan. Sound system is not up to par for vehicle

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  Traded 325iC - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By Chris Amberg - July 6 - 10:00 am

  Finally got married, bought an acreage, the Bimmer ragtop felt out of place in the country. BMW was the first time I strayed from Honda/Acura and although the Germans have it in the image dept., for most of us, its not a practical only car. Cost of insurance, repairs, reliability offended my sense of value. I feel intelligent having bought the CR- V - unbeatable value/quality for the $$

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  really fun to drive car - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By ms t - July 6 - 10:00 am

  i recenlty purchased the lx model, this car has a lot of standard features for the money which i love. i have been searching for a car since 9- 01. I know this car will provide me with the quality and reliablity i want, i traded in a dodge mini van which i did not feel comfortable with in the quality dept. I was seriously thinking of purchasing the chevy trailblazer i know i ended up with the better built car with a better resale value

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  BEST CAR DECISION IVE EVER MADE - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By janinels - July 6 - 10:00 am

  The CRV is fun, plenty roomy and practical for shlepping kids and their stuff to games and lessons,doing shopping and taking long trips. Its roomier and peppier than my old, larger Pathfinder. The seats are very comfortable and visibility excellent. Im getting 24- 25 mpg! The picnic table is useful for soccer games. No wind noise from moon roof or open windows. Im in love and now my husband wants a CRV.

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  All that I had hoped - 1999 Honda Accord
  By Franklin - July 6 - 10:00 am

  Car has good acceleration with smoth handling. Interior is very comfortable. No maintenance problems in 3 years+

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  It;s a Honda. - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By Pilot fan. - July 6 - 10:00 am

  I bought this Honda several weeks ago after looking at all the options. The only other SUV I considered was an Acura MDX. Too early to tell how reliable this vehicle will be but I like the interior design and materials (my dad has an Accord with 300,000 miles). Ergonometrics are excellent. Ride is great and the engine allows me to cruise as fast as I like effortlessly. It is so practical that it could be construed as boring but everything works so smoothly.

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  A great value - 2002 Honda Accord
  By TH83 - July 6 - 10:00 am

  After months of researching sedans in the low-$20k range I finally decided on the Accord EX V6. Ive never made a better decision in my life. Its the best car out there for the money(I paid $22k). It has decent power, a smooth ride, confident handling, quality interior materials, great seats, bland- but-tasteful styling and Hondas well- known reputation for reliability.

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  Just The Facts - 2009 Honda Pilot
  By Just The Facts - July 6 - 3:10 am

  Nice SUV, I love the Dark Cherry color. It has a great smooth ride and the engine is very quite. The gas mileage is okay at best. The 2009 Honda Pilot has more features than my 2005 XC90 Volvo SUV.