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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  Love my new Honda Accord! - 2009 Honda Accord
  By CB2009 - March 21 - 5:50 pm

  I purchased my new 2009 Honda Accord LX in late December 2009 and couldnt be happier. Even the base model comes very well equipped. I was torn between the Toyota Camry and the Honda Accord and once I drove each vehicle, the Accord won hands down. The interior of the Accord is very similar to the Acura and looks great. I have the 4 cylinder and am pleasantly surprised with the acceleration and handling. Thanks to my new Accord, I dont mind getting stuck in traffic anymore!

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  Milage not what I expected - 2004 Honda Insight
  By Bodnar - March 21 - 2:00 am

  Having driven about 10000 miles both in city and from Dallas, Tx to Ocala, Fl and back I can say the milage is nowhere near the 56MPG rating. Lack of cruise control really hurts. If you are used to cruise control you will have to change the way you drive or the speed will easily creep up to 80 and above. The best milage I have achieved is 52MPG highway and 46 in town. Once the summer temperatures go up you can expect those numbers to drop 20% because of the air conditioner. Electric motor is noisy.

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  Love it!! - 2001 Honda Odyssey
  By PollenGuy - March 21 - 2:00 am

  We tested all the available mini-vans before we bought this.We love it.One day after we bought it we took out the 2nd row seats, folded down the 3rd seat and loaded up the van with furniture, our dog and our luggage. We drove 2000 miles through the Rockies with no troubles on the hills-lots of oomph.

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  Made the right dicision - 2018 Honda Ridgeline
  By Le - March 20 - 1:49 pm

  I weighted between the 2017 Tacoma and the Ridgeline. Test drive both then decided to get the Ridgeline. After driving almost 1200 miles, I feel I made the right choice. The MPG is good. On the way to work, I drive 16 freeway miles + 4 city miles, I got between 27 - 30 mpg. After almost 1200 miles, the average MPG is 23.4 with lots of city mile. The truck is very comfortable, and quiet. It is like driving the suv, not the truck. It is the truck I want, good for every day commute, and it can tow stuffs when I need it. There are some features I dont think as good as I want but overall, it is an excellent truck.

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  Awsome Ride - 1998 Honda Prelude
  By TJ Gutierrez - March 20 - 2:00 am

  I have wrecked this prelude TWICE once at 120mph and the other at 60mph and both times i came out with not even a scratch.

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  BUY THIS CAR - 1998 Honda Prelude
  By robjay06 - March 20 - 2:00 am

  I have had the most fun driving this car out of any car Ive driven. it has been a plaesure to own since day one. you definatly must go for the 5-speed manual. the H22 (engine) is extremely fast for a 4-cylinder and can keep up with most anything on the road, especially with aftermarket encouragement. some say its overpriced but those probably havent expirienced revving up to 7,000rpm before shifting while flying down a road.

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  Awesome w/ Two Major Exceptions - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By Travis - March 19 - 9:36 pm

  This van is awesome!!! Handling, interior & options for the money. There are two major exceptions. There is significant vibration from 6 cylinder to 3 cylinder and the paint job is very lacking (unacceptable). The plastic injection molded pieces (front bumper, rear bumper, spoiler) are not completely painted and you can see the plastic through the paint. In summary the paint did not take to the plastic. You can only see this on the white vans. Other than that it is a GREAT VAN!!

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  This car is a gem! - 2016 Honda HR-V
  By Bec Levy - March 19 - 4:22 pm

  This car is great but would be perfect with automatic rear hatch, better stereo system and HYBRID.

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  Minie Hummer ?? - 2003 Honda Element
  By canvasdesign - March 19 - 10:00 am

  A very practical all around vehicle. Outstanding price to value ratio.

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  Pilot is well rounded SUV - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By 3x27 - March 19 - 10:00 am

  I cant say enough about the Pilot. It meets all our needs and then some. It is an urban vehicle and a traveling vehicle. It is comfortable on long drives and nimble enough for city driving. The amenities are plentiful for cost and the quality is great. There are a few minor problems with some of the Pilots out there according to other owners (mine seems to have less than others)but for a first year model, it is the least problematic than any domestic vehicle I have owned. Honda has won me over with the Pilot.