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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  The best small SUV for the money - 2001 Honda CR-V
  By MG1 - December 4 - 2:00 am

  In 2001, the CRV, in my opinion, was the best overall car-based SUV, for the money. Rav4 was my first choice, but it is tiny inside compared to CRV and very expensive with the same options that CRV comes standard. A bit underpowered, but it is one of the most reliable vehicles ever made. I have 51000 miles and I only changed the oil and filter. It would not climb any rocks, but it has a great carlike ride, as opposed to Nissan Extera and the other truck based SUVs.

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  Excellent buy for your money - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By Azhar Choudhry - December 4 - 2:00 am

  I just bought the Honda Odyssey 2004. For this price I think it is the best mini van that you can get. The fuel economy is better then the most. It is reliable. Power sliding doors are standard feature in EX model. I will recommend it over Toyota Sienna. The drive is very smooth and confortable. But if you leave every thing out, it is still a HONDA.

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  1st Honda - 2016 Honda Accord
  By david griscom - December 3 - 11:49 am

  This is our 1st Honda after years of Toyotas because the grills on the new Toyotas are so ugly we could not bring ourselves to buy one. Still too new to answer some of the questions but looks great and rides great. Some of the technology is not so easy to figure out and there is a lot of it. The navigation system appears to be outdated already as some construction completed in the last 2 years was not recognized. No USB port in the back seat is inconvenient and the cup holders are too deep for small cups. Not nearly as many little places to store things as our Toyotas had but the trunk is bigger.

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  I have never been happier - 2004 Honda Accord
  By Sharon - December 3 - 6:13 am

  I have never thought I could love a car as much as I do. This car has everything I need, and even more. I love the style of the car, the shape makes it so sporty, yet it has so much room in it. I believe after this car I will become a Honda car owner for life!!!

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  03 S2000 Owner - 2003 Honda S2000
  By SlvrStoneS2k - December 3 - 2:00 am

  This car has surpased all of my expectations. Honda has done a terrific job with this car, it is what everyone says it is and more.

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  Honda Truth - 1999 Honda CR-V
  By corliss djan - December 3 - 2:00 am

  The painful experience with my Honda was the lease, not the vehicle. Its a nice looking vehicle, can be fun to drive. Has been fairly Reliable which I expected.

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  Outstanding - 1997 Honda Civic
  By j8h9 - December 3 - 2:00 am

  Im writing this review if only to get through my mourning of the loss of my 1997 Honda Civic EX... I was hit and the car was totaled and Im thinking of suing for emotional distress. Gawd I loved that car.

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  Lots of problems, some under warranty, some not - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Jim Jones - December 2 - 10:00 am

  The paint started peeling after a few years. Recall notice not given until out of warranty. Had to pay $800 to repaint the hood and trunk. Every Honda Civic Ive owned 1996 (224k trade-in), 2004 (190k died), 2006 (still running) had the passenger side window motor fail. However, the automatic transmission is good. Exhaust problem fixed by Honda but it failed again and was a few days over that warranty. On the 2004 Civic the transmission failed and had to be replaced by Honda after only 2k miles, so Im sensitive about that. Ill try an Accord in a few years after I get to 250K or the car wears out.

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  THE BEST MINIVAN EVER - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By Yulie - December 2 - 10:00 am

  My husband and I owned a 2002 Toyota Camry and we loved the car. When we first got it we only had 2 kids and it was comfortable. We now have 3 and the youngest is only 8 months old. Oh oh time for a bigger vehicle. We loved our car but we have to move on. When it came to deciding on what type of vehicle the Honda Odyssey was our choice. We couldnt of chosen better it is a great vehicle. I miss my camry but this is a great mini van and the kids love the fact that it is very comfortable and so do we.

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  AWESOME VEHICLE - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By chacho72 - December 2 - 10:00 am

  My brother own one and I never drove it. When I got mine, I was so impressed that I will not buy any other van than the Odyssey. The drive is so smooth that sometimes I have trouble hearing whether the engine is on or not. The safety features are awesome.