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 we had known - 2000 Honda Odyssey
  By Mont - June 10 - 2:00 am

  We bought the 2000 Odyssdey at the "Honda non-negotiable price" because we had driven reliable Hondas in the past. Weve been had. The breaks have been worked on every year and squeek loudly all the time. It is on its third transmission. The passenger doors have been broke twice due to the seal. The dash shakes and rattles and is very annoying. Our friends drive Honda cars at our recommendation because of past experieces but we wont be recommending anymore. Honda better not rely on its name alone and forget why people buy Hondas

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  another winner - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By vagolds - June 10 - 2:00 am

  This is my fourth honda. I will only buy a honda. I had the 1997 honda crv for five years and I do nno think I ever did anything other than changing the oil and brakes. This 2002 crv I have had for two yeas. The only probelm was a rattle in the belt that was fixed and I new brakes. i swear all hondas have brakes that go after 20,000 miles. Other than that I have not had one probem and i do not expect any for the next five years./ I will only buy hondas.

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  Honda CRV - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By Bob - June 10 - 12:23 am

  Weve owned quite a few Honda products in the past. When the newly designed CRV came out, we decided to move into a small SUV and are glad we did. The CRV is a great vehicle. It sits up higher than our previous Honda Accords, handles very well. It is surprisingly peppy for a 4 cylinder of this size. Gas mileage is running about 22 in city driving and up to 28 on highway runs. We are very pleased with our CRV and recommend it highly

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  Great Car - 2007 Honda Civic
  By JS - June 9 - 11:53 pm

  I bought this car a few days ago and am very happy. Its fun to drive, comfortable and looks great. I love that the CD player can play MP3s. I can put several hundred MP3s on one disc and be set for a while. Although the sound quality of the stereo is not the greatest, especially when listening to AM, very muffled sounding. I also like the maintenance minder system that tells you when service is due, and what service is needed. I am definitely happy I got the EX, I love the moon roof, alloy wheels and steering wheel mounted audio controls.

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  wish i never bought it - 2009 Honda Accord
  By bwb - June 9 - 2:10 pm

  i bought this honda after all the hype about the need to "get out of american made cars". i had a buick lacrosse that i loved but the gas mileage was beginning to get to me. gas was $4.00 per gallon at the time. i was actually looking for a small suv but my husband talked me out of that. i hate driving this car. rough ride, unbelievable road noise (my dealership told me to turn the radio up! hah!). the seats are the worse!! leather--but the most uncomfortable i have ever owned. long trips are miserable. have taken 2 now and the passenger seat is horrible. my girlfriend sat in the back seat--said it was ok but sure was noisy. i truly wish i had never bought this car.

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  Great car!! - 1990 Honda Accord
  By Jessfly57 - June 9 - 2:00 am

  This car was an excellent choice for me. Being 14 years old it was very reliable and I will always drive a Honda. I have had 8 so far and will continue driving them for the reliability of the car. Thanks!!

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  S2000 - 2004 Honda S2000
  By Laurelwood Lou - June 9 - 2:00 am

  This will be a classic sports car. The low-end torque has been greatly improved and the Honda quality is evident. It is great fun to drive. The 6-speed transmission shifts flawlessly.

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  great fun - 2004 Honda S2000
  By skinu - June 9 - 2:00 am

  this is the best car ive ever owned and ive bought over 34 vehicles including corvette camaro firebird prelude and bmw

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  Great Car - 2001 Honda Prelude
  By Bobo1 - June 9 - 2:00 am

  This car is amazing and after 50K miles, absolutely no problems! Everything is still in perfect condition and feels like Im driving a new car. Please bring back the lude with a 6speed shifter and more HP.

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  MY TOP CHOICE IS ALWAYS A HONDA - 1995 Honda Accord
  By DIZZYLUV1012 - June 9 - 2:00 am

  I BOUGHT THIS CAR 5 YEARS AGO. IT ALREADY HAD 86,000 MILES ON IT. I HAVE DRIVEN THE CAR HARD AND HAS YET TO GIVE ME ANY PROBLEMS. I WOULD RECOMMEND THIS CAR TO ANYBODY. IT IS A GREAT DAILY DRIVE AND LOVES THE HIGHWAY.