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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  My 2nd Civic - 2005 Honda Civic
  By dalesws6 - November 11 - 3:13 am

  I love the car. When Honda called doing a survey after I purchased it they asked what influenced me buying my car more than anything else. My answer was my last civic, it is a 1990 model with 331,000 miles on the original drive train and I still use it as my daily driver. The only complaint I have with the new car is that the driver side door pull should of been angled up more toward the window (as is the passenger side pull) as it interferes with side leg room by as much as 3 1/2 inches compared to the older civic and the lack of being able to spread your legs is quite noticeable. In my opinion if its a Honda you cant go wrong, best car I have ever owned and the only one I considered buying.

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  Awesome Car - 1993 Honda Prelude
  By SevynDaze - November 11 - 2:00 am

  Wow... thats all that really needs to be said. For one, the car is WAY ahead of its time in exterior styling...and I for one, like the interior as well. Now lets talk performance. I paired the already fire-breathing V-TEC engine with Greddy Power Extreme exhaust and AEM cold air intake. Let me tell you..the car dynos 213 HP and I only spent like $700. The first-gear torque is downright scary. And the sound is amazing...especially when the V-TEC kicks in at 4900. When the V-TEC kicks in you can hear and feel it...which makes it really fun to drive. The car has nearly 150k miles on it and I have had no problems whatsoever!

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  s2000 - 2002 Honda S2000
  By jpt - November 11 - 2:00 am

  wonderful car. solid, quick, beautiful and very sporty

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  Piece OF JUNK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! - 2000 Honda Odyssey
  By Shd Hve Bght Toyota - November 11 - 2:00 am

  Vehicle has been totally unreliable! Windows leak,sliding doors repaired 3X and still not fixed. Check engine light repeatedly comes on. Tape deck was repaired. Clock repaired. BEWARE OF DEALER SERVICE!!!!Overpriced, totally incompetent! Have been to 2 different dealers, and they are all the same. Honda Corporate in CA. not helpful either!

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  Versatile All-Around Van - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By Fayette - November 11 - 2:00 am

  I love the ability to be able to comfortably seat 7 people one trip and haul a large load home from the hardware store the next. I feel safe in this car and get reasonable gas mileage (about 20 mpg) for a car this large.

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  Good Commuter Car - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Mike1900 - November 11 - 1:16 am

  Car is a great commuter car. Comfy and good steering feel. I drive 50% Highway/City. Ive owned the car for 3 months now and I have 2 complaints. Im only averaging 27.0 mpg driving normally. Trying to be as light footed as possible, I managed 29.8mpg. Driving agressively gets me 25mpg. I took it to the dealer and they insist its my driving. Nothing wrong with the alignment. The other problem is the really cheap sun visor. When I move it to the side to block the sun. It feels really cheap and when I turn left slightly faster than normal, it swings around and knocks me in the head. This has happened to me over 6 times and now I have to use my left hand to hold it when I turn

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  Functional & efficient yet well appointed - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By WM PATE - November 10 - 6:56 pm

  Great bang for your buck with quality appointments, function & economy. Purchasing a certified used vehicle provided the added security of recasting a significant portion of both the 100k drive train and standard 36K warranty.

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  Honda Civic EX 2 door coupe - 2005 Honda Civic
  By Hellosunshine62 - November 10 - 11:10 am

  My experience with my vehicle has been outstanding! It gets great gas mileage, is so easy to drive and looks great. This is a very fun car to drive and has had perfect performance.

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  My favorite van yet - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By Anna West - November 10 - 9:36 am

  Weve had our Honda Odyssey for only four months now and I enjoy driving it everyday. Its roomy interior is great for our four young children. Ive owned a Chrysler Town & Country and a Toyota Sienna and I must say the Honda Odyssey tops them both. It drives great and looks even better. Its a very sporty minivan and the stereo is awesome. It also makes me feel very safe because of the airbags all the way around the van. And the passenger airbag automatically turns off if someone in the front seat is too small. So my kids can ride up front if need be. I recommend this van to everyone I talk to.

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  GREAT VAN but something is wrong with odometer - 2015 Honda Odyssey
  By kathyc - November 10 - 9:34 am

  The odometer is off. I believe the milage is inflated. I complained to Honda. They said it was correct. I traveled from lower Michigan to central Florida. At most milage should have been +1,400. The odometer was + 2,100 miles. IT IS AT LEAST 25% INFLATED. BUYER BEWARE.