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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  Wish I had bought one earlier. - 2005 Honda Civic
  By John - June 22 - 4:10 pm

  I had an 03 Explorer and was getting between 17 to 22 MPG. Well no sooner did I get the hybrid that my bill went from $60 bucks per refill to $30 or less depending on the cost of gas. I love the 05 HCH, it is fun, fuel-efficient and all around good car. I would improve the HP but its not to bad overall. Honda has done a great job at listening to its customers and I hope they continue to do so. Sadly the American companies once again lost the battle.

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  WATER LEAK IN TRUNK AREA - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By GISELA - June 22 - 3:53 pm

  When it rains the water entering and builds up between inside panel and exterior body parts and leak in trunk area when open. Can press the rear pillars and water will drip out and be wet,

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  Over the average - 2004 Honda Civic
  By Tito Ferny - June 22 - 11:33 am

  in the present market of models of this segment, this car has the best of each thing. A really good car

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  More Torque! - 2004 Honda S2000
  By Zathras - June 22 - 2:00 am

  I test drove an S2000 yesterday after having driven a couple of 350Zs. Overall the S2000 feels like a much better quality car, but the 350Z as an intoxicating torque that pushes you back no matter what gear you are in. In the S2000 youd have to drop a gear or two and nail the rpms to get the same feeling. Honda should put a 3.0 liter inline six in the S2000. Nothing could touch it then.

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  Disappointed - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By rgallup1 - June 22 - 2:00 am

  I love aspects of my CRV but it has had many problems for a new car. Ive always been faithful to Hondas but Im thinking of trading this one in for a Jeep.

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  LOVE MY ODYSSEY!!! - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By BEACHWOMAN - June 22 - 2:00 am

  BOUGHT 2003 ODYSSEY LAST JUNE AFTER CHECKING AND TEST DRIVING SEVERAL MINIVANS. GREAT VEHICLE, VERY ROOMY, VERY DEPENDABLE, VERY WELL MADE AND VERY EASY TO MANEUVER. COULDNT HAVE BOUGHT ANY BETTER JUST LOVE MY ODYSSEY!!!

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  Wrecked Si - 2000 Honda Civic
  By New_Lude - June 21 - 12:43 pm

  I bought this car as the last new Si for sale in Texas. It was a great car with a wonderfull engine. Unfortunately I totaled it about 2 months ago. It was a great car.

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  Best ever - 2005 Honda Accord
  By dan greenberg - June 21 - 7:26 am

  This is a great car, there is nothing not to like, great power, great fuel economy. Honda gets better and better each year

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  EX-L RES/NAV So far so good. - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By fordz1 - June 21 - 4:16 am

  My wife and I have only had the van for two weeks, and will update the review once I put a few thousand miles on it. It is a joy to drive and the kids enjoy the DVD system.

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  Great car, except gas mileage - 1996 Honda Accord
  By Snowman2109 - June 21 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car when it had 132500. Overall, its a pretty nice car, never failed me in times. Can be expensive to fix but if you have the right connections, you can get it fixed for the right price. In the year i owned it, i replaced the cv boot-90 for parts and 90 for work, timing belt changed for the first time changed at 135000 and didnt even snap, impressive. Window just driver side motor just broke, 110 with part. Gas mileage is my biggest concern. During the winter i got 16mpg, and summer i got 20, might not be so bad for a normal car but pretty bad for a 130hp 4 banger. Also winter driving was horrible with no traction