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 QUALITY - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By Kathy Oscoe - March 14 - 1:26 am

  We have had this van for almost nine moths and the transmission has had to be rebuilt. The lights in the dash go out evry once in a while when you hit a bump. It rattles. Doesnt want to start when its cold. We were going to buy a Chrysler Town And Country. Wish we did.

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  NO-NONSENSE car - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By crv owner - March 13 - 8:53 pm

  Had it since 9/26/2006. When I signed the contract, they didnt even have a brochure. Honda made me pay the full MSRP :( I wanted white originally but ended up with silver. I have no major complaints. It gets you from here to there without any fuss. (gas mileage is pretty okay... engine power is good enough... what do you expect from honda cr-v anyways?) Some of the features which Im really happy with are... plays mp3 music, shows oil life %, shows gas mileage avg etc... backseat folding twice to make more room in the back.

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  Multipule Personalities - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Nlove - March 13 - 9:20 am

  This is the most well balanced vehicle on the market for Performance/Econ. Stomp on it and ride the red line this car feels like a mini formula 1 but on the other hand I drove this car from Pagosa Springs CO. to Payson AZ driving 70mph in 6th gear on 1 tank of gas and got 41 mpg yes I said 41 mpg. Honda Engineers should me awarded for this one. For the ones who dont like to ride the red line dont buy this car get the civic ex (have one of those two) the extra power isnt usable until 6800 rpms. This is a fun fun ride that Honda really did their homework on. Thanks Honda for making this Civic SI.

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  A diamond in the rough... - 2000 Honda Insight
  By Gazoo - March 13 - 2:00 am

  Of the ten or so vehicles I have owned, this is by far the best vehicle I have ever owned. Performance is great (keep in mind that it weighs =1800 lbs), its a blast to drive, phenomenal mileage (I averaged 87 mpg on a 250 mile trip once), etc. Ive spent roughly $1100 in gas over 50k miles the 2 years Ive had the Insight. I never realized how much attention this car would receive from all walks and places of life. I cannot say enough positive things about this car. Ill keep it until I die.

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  How to deal with High Gas Prices - 1996 Honda Civic
  By therock69 - March 13 - 2:00 am

  I bought the car in 8/2001. All the servicing I have had done are oil changes and changing the radiator fluid. I use the cheapest gas I can find. It gets 40+ highway miles to the gallon. How can I complain? Its probably one of the smartest purchases Ive made in a long time.

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  Active safety at reasonable price - 2016 Honda Accord
  By Harold Manasa - March 12 - 10:19 am

  For under $25k, the Honda Accord LX CVT sensing has active braking and lane mitigation. Too bad, theres no audio or active braking when backing up. Quality of interior materials is not up to VW standards, but, much more car for the money, and should be reliable. Also, the views out of the car are better than most these days.

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  Active safety at reasonable price - 2016 Honda Accord
  By Harold Manasa - March 12 - 10:19 am

  For under $25k, the Honda Accord LX CVT sensing has active braking and lane mitigation. Too bad, theres no audio or active braking when backing up. Quality of interior materials is not up to VW standards, but, much more car for the money, and should be reliable. Also, the views out of the car are better than most these days.

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  2002 Honda CR-V Ownership Is Bliss - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By Fanatic - March 12 - 10:00 am

  I drove it with two friends down to Daytona Beach, Florida, for a reptile expo/show - not an easy drive. Were were all impressed as to how well the CR-V handled, even at 95mph! It handles a lot like a car, very sporty and comfortable in any seat. I also drove it up to the Northern Georgia mountains, called Flat Top Mountain. One of the trails up to the hiking area is called a "jeep trail" (steep inclines, narrow paths, water bogs, loose wet/moldy rocks and fallen tree limbs). Believe it or not, the CR-V made it up and down this 1.65 mile jeep trail (each way) like a complete champ. I just popped into low gear and it was unstoppable.

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  Very happy with new Odyssey - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By Odyssey - Ft. Worth - March 12 - 10:00 am

  We are very happy with our new Odyssey. Just back from a trip with our almost 2 year old and parents to visit some family. 23 MPG highway, 75 mph, both ACs blowing cold (it is August in Texas you know...). Comfortable for all travelers.

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  Try the best - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By racokid - March 12 - 10:00 am

  We have had 7 vans over the years (6kids) and continue to buy them after we retired. Love them for travel. This is our second Honda van, the first was traded after 139,000 miles, because we wanted leather seats. Our old one still going strong at almost 200,000 miles with new owner. We have had all the vans, by big three, our town and country was the best until the Honda.