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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  Terrible Mileage - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By bflow - October 29 - 6:33 pm

  Weve had our 07 Honda Odyssey EXL-RES for about 6 months. Like everyone else says, the MPG is horrible. In the third month, dealer had to "replace the fuse box" because the wipers would only work on high, brights would not work, and car alarm would not arm - major annoyances. The exterior and interior of the van are nice. The shifting is VERY uneven and like another poster said, is very pronounced when coasting. I never thought I would miss my Grand Caravan but I do.

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  2006 EX-LR - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By lmf - October 29 - 12:00 pm

  Lovin the ride, although we traded in a 1996 Town and Country Lxi and Im missing some of the options it had i.e., more storage, easily reachable stereo controls, easier to read clock, and doors that unlock upon parking. These are all available on the touring but that had many options that we didnt need.

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  Oh, My God, I Love It! - 2010 Honda Accord Crosstour
  By Lee - October 29 - 10:00 am

  Went to the Honda dealer to see their small SUVs and fell in love with this thing. Everyone who drives it loves it. Tremendous features for the price. Have owned Lexus in the past and this is a bargain. Full to drive, sporty but very practical. Just an excellent car. Husband likes driving it better than his Lexus SC430.

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  Nice Car - 2007 Honda Civic
  By scsnyder - October 29 - 3:06 am

  Bought our 2007 LX automatic sedan in January, and have been happy with it. The car has been getting on average 27 mpg, and that is mostly rural hilly driving, with some city mixed in. I expect (and hope) it will get better with time, and once we are done with winter. I like the speedometer/fuel/temp gauge location much more than I thought I would. The engine and transmission work well together, but I wish it had a manual setting, or one more selection, such as D4. Car is well built, handles well, and has a nice feature content for the price. I do wish it had about 1 more inch of seat travel, as I am 6 1" and also bump my knee on the brake lever like some have mentioned.

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  Another Great Honda Experience - 1992 Honda Accord
  By oyrland - October 29 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car with 40,000 miles. It currently has 177,000 and I truly believe it will go at least another 50k. This car has been very reliable in Northeast winters. Still gets 26+ MPG. A truly timeless body design and overall great value car for individuals or families. Have taken great care of this car doing all maintenance and upgraded the tires/wheels to 15" which has improved ride.

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  Nice Car - 2008 Honda Accord
  By venugopal - October 28 - 3:50 pm

  Nice looking car. Averaged 24 miles to the gallon for city+highway driving. Not too happy with this. So far we have 1500 miles. Handles Beautifully. Road Noise is too high.

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  Great ... most of the time! - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By Paul Cupo - October 28 - 2:40 pm

  The quality of the vehicle is great. The ride is great! The fuel economy is great. The looks are great! The technology could be better! The touchscreen is slow to respond to touch. The name of settings is NOT always intuitive. While the vehicle tries to be incredibly smart about following distances and obstructions, it seems like things are set too conservatively - it becomes annoying and Im about to turn off some of these things. I cant use the cruise control because the following distance is so large that everyone cuts in front of me. Even the sound system - 540 Watts - just doesnt sound great. I cant even tell if all of the speakers are even working. It is a really great vehicle that just should be even better. I paid for this stuff - why doesnt it all just work better?!

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  The unkillable honda - 2001 Honda Civic
  By Chris - October 28 - 4:41 am

  I bought this car just to get me through college thinking I would get something better once I got a decent job. I have said decent job but the car is hard to give up. I have been in 2 accidents with it both I was fine after and the car was running. Its never had any major repairs aside from a radiator after one accident. Fun to drive easy to upgrade. Compared to the 2002 corolla and 2006 acura RL I drove before the Civic by far was the best vehicle

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  The unkillable honda - 2001 Honda Civic
  By Chris - October 28 - 4:41 am

  I bought this car just to get me through college thinking I would get something better once I got a decent job. I have said decent job but the car is hard to give up. I have been in 2 accidents with it both I was fine after and the car was running. Its never had any major repairs aside from a radiator after one accident. Fun to drive easy to upgrade. Compared to the 2002 corolla and 2006 acura RL I drove before the Civic by far was the best vehicle

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  My 40th Birthday Present :) - 2003 Honda S2000
  By Patricia Wingenfeld - October 28 - 2:00 am

  I love my 2003 S2000. I have to say that this was the best purchase I have ever made. I have a silver/red interior that looks just as hot as it rides. People constantly wave and stop me at red lights to share their opinions that this vehicle is spectacular. I agree with them. I utilize this car as my "Sunday Afternoon" vehicle rather than my primary mode of transport. In FL where the rains can be torential, the S2000 rides a bit low for flash flooding roadways. Also, I have found with the spoilers added on, the ride is so low to the ground that any road debris is a danger...2 times in the body shop to date. I love my S2000. You will love yours too.