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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  First impression - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By dave - March 4 - 11:40 pm

  Quick notes: (1) How can this car be without day time running lights? (2) Some of the interior feels cheap. (3) The passenger side armrest is an ergonomically AWFUL and skeletally unfriendly design (you will need muscle relaxers on a long ride). (4) This car guzzles gas. Driving just a mere 14 miles cost me a quater of a tank. You can practically see the fuel gauge move. (5) The second row middle seat is a poor design and the storage entry below seems not thoughtfully designed. The hand sized opening is ridiculous in view of the cavernous storage area. You cannot possibly reach items that are not within a few inches from the opening, but there is no way to keep items close to the opening.

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  Bad Honda...bad, bad Honda... - 2010 Honda Accord Crosstour
  By crapcrosstour - March 4 - 4:54 pm

  I traded an 05 Yukon SLT for this farce of a fuel saver when the Crosstour first came out. I thought with gas prices rising, it would be a good move. NOT~This car gets worse mileage (both in city and hwy) than either of my 2 prior Yukies. Honda kept passing the mileage off as the car "needing to be broken in"...seriously? How much breaking in? I have had this car for almost 3 years (46K mi) and it is worse now than before. The car still looks great and the interior has held up nicely, except for the plastic pieces, not built to last. So far, Ive replaced brakes, tires, lights, etc.

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  Perfect for us. - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By ispano - March 4 - 2:48 pm

  After going to a few auto-shows and sitting in dozens of SUVs and compact SUVs, we decided on the Touring FWD in White Orchid Pearl with beige interior as our family hauler. Main reasons: low floor, 90degree opening rear door. The power-train is very peppy and gets up to speed surprisingly quick. I never find the need to use sport and always have ECON mode on. Avg 26mpg on a light load, 22mpg with the whole family and peripherals. Curiously, I am not experiencing any vibration issues others mention.

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  Buy it !!!!!! - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Vincent Scott - March 4 - 4:26 am

  Accord sedan Lx-P (cyl.) 5speed auto I went to test drive the 2008 civic EX . They didnt have it in black the salesman suggested the Accord they met my offer. I test the car and was very impressed with the looks and the 4cyl was adequate since gas mileage was very important to me.other car was Accura TL/Lincoln LS V8. I expected a little better gas mileage avg, approx 26 mpg. not bad on 70% highway driving and 30% city.1100 miles now . I would highly recommend to friends

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  Love my Civic - 2007 Honda Civic
  By gvines - March 4 - 3:06 am

  We just downsized from a SUV to the Civic EX. We started looking at vehicles about 4 months ago, giving ourselves time to make sure we were making the right decision. Because of the Honda reputation, we started there. We drove almost every car in the Civic category and kept coming back to it. We were mostly focusing on gas mileage, as I drive approximately 75 miles per day, back and forth to work. The Civic is dependable and fun to drive, I love whipping into parking spaces, and hugging corners! We also have 2 children, 9 and 5. They have plenty of leg and hip room, and love riding in our new car! The EX is nicely equipped and still affordable. We are very pleased with our decision!

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  Civic - 1991 Honda Civic
  By ? - March 4 - 2:00 am

  This is a great car to drive, powerfull to for a 1396cc engine, because of the DOHC and twin carberater.good amount of tourqe to

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  1993 Honda Civic Si - 1993 Honda Civic
  By HansC - March 4 - 2:00 am

  Hi, This is a great car. If in good condition it would be a great bet as a used car. I did have a problem with the distributor bearing. The car needed a new distributor . Other than that it has been a classic Civic with all the reliability.

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  Love It - 2008 Honda Civic
  By R.Bostic - March 3 - 8:23 pm

  My parents helped me with this car for a graduation present and I love it. Its fun to drive, great on gas and is very stylish inside. Ive gotten nothing but compliments on it and I love it. I would highly recommend it to anyone who is looking for a reliable coupe.

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  2005 Honda Odyssey is awesome - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By Jacknlisa7 - March 3 - 10:00 am

  After test driving a Toyota Sienna and intending to buy it the next day, we decided to see and quickly eliminate a 2005 Odyssey from our options. Lucky for us we decided to have a quick look because it fit our needs much better and even came with a price tag of nearly $5,000 less than its rival. The Honda engine in the EX-L is extremely clean burning and fuel efficient. While the Sienna is a nice vehicle, the Odyssey gives owners much more bang for their buck.

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  Grrrreat! - 2004 Honda Civic
  By mb7756 - March 3 - 10:00 am

  Fun to drive! Onlly gripes: Too much body lean during cornering, RPMs too high at 70 mph (5-speed - @ 3500 RPM).