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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  Fit for life... - 2007 Honda Fit
  By todd_salazar - May 24 - 7:23 am

  Terrific little car with wonderful features for the money. I would recommend this car for anyone that wants a reliable, fun, versatile and reasonably priced car.

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  Drive Green Without Sacrificing - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Natalie - May 24 - 3:20 am

  The only concern I had before buying my Hybrid was the horsepower. But needless to say I have no complaints, I am able to get on the freeway & keep up with traffic with no problem. Since Ive only had my Civic for a few weeks & have only filled up once my mileage was 38.6 mpg. I think once I break the car in that will go up. I constantly catch other drivers staring at the car, perhaps with jealousy!!

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  nice car with no power - 1997 Honda Odyssey
  By JackS - May 24 - 2:00 am

  Had the car for over six years before I ran into a deer and traded it in. Very reliable!! No maintenance problems over 118K miles. Flip down seats were great. Big problem....the four cylinder engine will not accelerate to save your life. Get a later model that has a V6. I was almost killed on the highway because of this

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  200K and still kicking - 1991 Honda Accord
  By shoonman - May 24 - 2:00 am

  This car has been great ever since I got it at 75K miles. It drives the same as the day I bought it. New radiator and AC with regular oil changes have kept this car in great shape. The paint seal is going on the hood and yes the antenna needs regular lubrication to keep it retracting (silicone works well). What do you expect from a 12 year old? Go Honda!

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  Why would ANYONE give this a bad review! - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By loonieyvonne - May 23 - 11:16 pm

  We researched before we bought our 1st new car, for about a month! We went through EVERY review and were petrified by the bad reviews that every car seemed to have. We finally bit the bullet and bought the 06 Honda Odyssey! WE LOVE IT! Its by far the nicest of the minivans out there, and its interior room is VERY spacious! We have no real complaints, just suggestions really. This van actually drives like a car, and is very easy to manuver *i used to drive a little ford contour, so this is much larger*

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  Honda Navi needs to be reevaulated - 2016 Honda Odyssey
  By fred schweinert - May 23 - 5:45 pm

  The Navi on the 2016 is very difficult to "navigate" when driving. They took away all the touch screen apps and in our opinion it is a safety tragedy waiting to happen. The voice recognition is terrible and we find ourselves using our cell phone navigation after investing thousands of dollars for what we where trying to avoid....using the cell phone!

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  Almost 3 years, still beats the Corolla! - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Kevin - May 23 - 3:46 pm

  My parents bought the 06 Civic for my sister in 05. From my driving experience, the car handles way better than my 07 Camry. What catches my attention the most is the low fuel consumption. My sister now lives in San Diego and she gets some pretty darn good MPGs when driving back to LA (averaging 35 MPG highway). The Civic may not be the speedy type (hence if you do want speed, check out the sporty Si), but getting from point A to a far away point B, it gets the job done saving you lots of money while you laugh at all the other gas guzzling SUVs.

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  Toyota & Subaru: BEWARE-CR-V is #1 - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By Wally - May 23 - 12:46 pm

  This is truly an awesome vehicle to own in its price class. Loaded with safety and standard features including leather 6 CD, heated seats and mirrors. The look and ride is smooth and fun to drive.

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  Car needs more power - 2010 Honda CR-V
  By butch2u - May 23 - 7:26 am

  This is my third CR-V: 2007, 2008, and now a 2010. It is a very well built car; gives a very smooth ride and I have never had any problems with them. This is the best selling small SUV in the U.S. but what this car needs is a v-6 engine. Honda should give the public the option to choose a v-6. I hope to see this option in 2011.

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  Sweet Car - 1996 Honda Prelude
  By Nixon351 - May 23 - 2:00 am

  Im 16 years old and to have the 96SI as my first car has been a blast, Stock the car has amazing tourqe for a 4cylinder and it has NO problem going from a redlight to 60MPH. Interior is well done with the electronic dash and in your face tweeters. Back seat is a lil on the small side and to sit in the back requires serious help from the peeps in the front. Dont stop me tho. my cars pushing 7 years old and it hardly shows it, Stock rims on the Ludes could have been a little better tho, the stock Alloys are hideous. but nothing $1700s worth of rims and tires wont fix..... the car is the one of the best looking cars from 96 fo sho.