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:

• 

  Good Transition - 2009 Honda CR-V
  By TomJ - October 26 - 9:19 am

  We had VWs for 42 years. When our local dealer closed without any notice we looked for something closer but still reliable. Reviews of the CR-v mentioned a stiff ride but we always appreciated the firmness of the VWs. Reviews mentioned the lack of massive horsepower. We were used to that. We test drove one and bought the same day. The transition from auto to SUV (CUV) was seamless.

• 

  Great Machine - 2007 Honda Civic
  By greenroom1988 - October 26 - 9:13 am

  Honda has kept with their roots and made the most impressive car in its class. there are a few cars that may go faster becasue of larger engines and/or turbos. this 2.0 dohc i-vtec engine screams all the way to 8000 rpms and will smoke the competion that hasnt cheated by adding v6 or forced induction motors. The torgue is low for a performace car, but nontheless the car is zippy and the speed sneaks up on you. The 6 speed has short gears and pulls in all of them. The interior is very unique and some may not like it, but I feel right at home. Its a performance car, not meant for the average driver. Obviously I just got this car, so I cant say how the reliablitly is, but its a Honda..enough said.

• 

  best honda ive ever owned - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By tom aiello - October 25 - 5:53 pm

  the crv is just fun to drive, look good drives great. no problems what so ever

• 

  It performs as as advertised - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Kirk - October 25 - 11:43 am

  40+ MPG on trips, 30+ MPG in city, as advertised, great performance, good styling, responsive handling, and reliable.

• 

  Excellent Vehicle, Fun to Drive - 2010 Honda Accord Crosstour
  By Howard Jennings - October 25 - 10:13 am

  Totally Satisfied with the Crosstour. Honda sure hit the jackpot with this vehicle. AWD, spacious interior, all the amenities you could want and a great price. Hondas quality is here.

• 

  Wonderful car - 2008 Honda Accord
  By MP - October 25 - 4:06 am

  Last week I traded in my gas guzzling 06 Ford Explorer and was searching for something A LOT better on gas which was the 4 cyl Accord. Gas mileage is fantastic especially going from a V8 SUV to a 4 cylinder sedan (which by the way didnt think was going to have enough power and was wrong). Love the styling of the car inside and out, and I just had the windows tinted which make the car look even better. I really like the taillights and plan on putting a set of HIDs in soon to really set the care off. Definitely recommended

• 

  Awesome - 2017 Honda Accord
  By Bree Atkins - October 24 - 3:28 pm

• 

  Great used van - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By Jason - October 24 - 11:29 am

  We just bought a 2002 Odyssey with 125,000 miles. The van can carry seven in comfort. The rear seat is best for kids, because of the narrow access. The power sliding doors ease ingress and egress. It can be hard to hear what someone is saying in the 3rd row because of road noise. Tires may help. The Odyssey has very good acceleration, even in hilly San Diego. The van handles very well for a vehicle this size. I would call it a sport van if such a thing exists. These models are known for transmission problems. I installed a transmission filter and cooler, and made sure the shift solenoid screens were clear. We get around 23 on the highway and 18 around town. I recommend this van.

• 

  Luvit ! - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By Allig8r - October 24 - 9:40 am

  The Odyssey is fun drive and the fold down third seat coupled with the removable second row makes it the perfect vehicle for light hauling. It drives and rides as well as a full size sedan. WIsh I had gotten one sooner.

• 

  Not Disappointed - 2006 Honda Civic
  By chuck beddows - October 23 - 4:30 pm

  We have owned at least 14 new Hondas since 1978 and have been happy with them all. Previous to this Civic I owned an Accord EX. The Civic drives as well as the Accord. We still own an 2005 Odyssey EX and love it.