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:

• 

  Perfect - 2000 Honda Civic
  By SiRacerSC - June 19 - 2:00 am

  Too fast... Luv it.

• 

  Quality Head to Toe - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By Dannomite - June 19 - 2:00 am

  This screams top quality. From head to toe you notice the spit and polish put into this vehicle. From the higher set roof for headroom and large windows all throughout for greater visiblity, to the incredible cornering and turning. This is a mini-van replacer for sure. Do yourself a favor and test drive this vehicle, youll thank me later. :-)

• 

  I love my car!! - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By donjude - June 19 - 2:00 am

  Weve had our CR-V since July and thouroughly enjoy it! The pep it has does not feel like a 4 cylinder. No difference in performance with air conditioner/heater running. Much easier to get around town with than the 93 Taurus we had. We are sure it will handle much better than our Suburban when the snow flies. Fun to drive, great gas milage.....smooth and comfortable all the way!

• 

  Great Van - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By trotter - June 19 - 2:00 am

  Reliability is not its only virtue. I got the tow package, it toes my boat fine. Handels well and rides smoothly. I am not a fan of vans, but the Honda Odyssey one is really good vehicle that happens to be a van.

• 

  Civic SI - 2003 Honda Civic
  By thatlhgirl27 - June 19 - 2:00 am

  I love my civic si, although it was recently totalled. But it held up very well! I am extremely impressed and cannot wait to get my new si once their insurance company pays for the old one.

• 

  Good Car a Work Horse - 2013 Honda CR-V
  By David Benjamin - June 18 - 2:28 pm

  If youre looking for a sporty car look somewhere else. If youre looking for a great all around this is the car.

• 

  Again the BEST - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By D.R. - June 18 - 12:46 am

  It is a nice mini-van that handles like a car. Very quiet and comfortable, many nice features. Great performance, can easily beat some "high performance" European sedans. Good (and wide) tires). Very roomy and easy accessible rows.

• 

  Best Car Ever! - 2007 Honda Civic
  By Greg A. - June 17 - 6:33 pm

  Have had car just under 2 months. Gas mileage is consistently 30-35 mpg with mixed driving. Love the speedometer display. Very peppy 4 cylinder and great handling. This car was a great value!

• 

  Best car in the world - 1995 Honda Civic
  By 95dave - June 17 - 2:00 am

  I purchased this car from the lot and have driven it now for over 7 years. It has been the most reliable car I have ever owned. Excellent gas milage- 35 MPG and still as fast as a BMW 325. Generally speaking, this has been a VERY reliable car. If you are considering a 92-95 Civic, check the CV joint boots, if over 100K check that the timing belt and hoses have been changed as well as the water pump. Oil changes at regular intervals are very important with this car.

• 

  oddy owner - 2000 Honda Odyssey
  By Lee Jr. - June 17 - 2:00 am

  We have had 2 great years with our odyssey. Will be trading in on a new 2002 exl res this saturday. we ordered it in january.It came in today. we have an aftermarket res in this van and have loved it. Nothing but good to say. Got $22000 trade in with 36000 miles on it.