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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  owner - 1997 Honda Prelude
  By gemini0229 - January 29 - 2:00 am

  best car Ive eve owned

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  Get a Pilot - 2000 Honda Passport
  By Buck2000 - January 29 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle obviously does not have the same level of craftsmanship as other members of the Honda line (its a Rodeo). While the exterior is attractive, the inside is cheap, the ride is excessively soft, and gas mileage is not good. With 4WD off the back end really wants to step around on me during acceleration. On the plus side I have not had any mechanical problems in three years and 20k miles. However, I am selling it and getting a Pilot (a true Honda).

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  Happy Honda Owner - 1996 Honda Civic
  By Honda Owner - January 29 - 2:00 am

  This is a very good car. Its reliable and fun to drive. I initially purchased the car for my daughter. She drove it for the first 20,000 miles. I took it over after two years. I have been driving the car for 80,000 miles. I have not had any problems. The car is ready for its 100,000 mile service and I look forward to the next 100,000 miles.

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  Happy Honda Owner - 1996 Honda Civic
  By honda owner - January 29 - 2:00 am

  This is a very good car. Its reliable and fun to drive. I initially purchased the car for my daughter. She drove it for the first 20,000 miles. I took it over after two years. I have been driving the car for 80,000 miles. I have not had any problems. The car is ready for its 100,000 mile service and I look forward to the next 100,000 miles.

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  Better than expected - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By Big Stamy - January 29 - 12:10 am

  Great family car. It is so functional but still alot of fun to drive. Really like the sport feel of the car. A very smooth ride. By far the best car we have purchased.

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  Best Value for the $$ - 2004 Honda Accord
  By PartsPrincess - January 28 - 9:00 pm

  We leased our black 2004 Accord V6 6 speed coupe and all I can say is WOW. I hold an F1 license (yes the race cars) and the speed in this thing is the next best thing to being on the track. Honda needs to re-evaluate the turning radius though as well as brakes and the quality of the leather. Other than that a real pleasure to drive... Just waiting for the buy out option and itll become a permanent member of our family

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  Fun Ride TOO - 2009 Honda Civic
  By Civic - January 28 - 2:06 pm

  On my first drive, I was a little concerned about the Hybrids ability to merge with traffic but very glad that I took the second drive and bought it. No problem in merging. I agree with First Honda that the Civic (Hybrid too) is a really fun and peppy ride. Also agree on the drivers seat being extremely uncomfortable. I too am 58" and have back issues anyways but there is no lumbar support on this vehicle. No problem with visibility and foot seems to remain on the pedal fine.

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  Great Looking Minivan! - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By Estela - January 28 - 2:00 am

  We bought the Odyssey after much thought and after looking at other makes. It has been a year now, and would never give it back. It rides very comfortably and handles great. I love the third row that folds flat and the second row captain seats. I am not thrilled about the power sliding doors, but have to admit they are convenient when you have your hands full and just push a button and door opens for you. Gas mileage is not impressive, but does better than previous SUV I had . Overall, I would recommend if you not only want a nice looking minivan, but one that rides very comfortably, handles great and of course you cant beat Honda reliability.

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  Honda-happy - 2003 Honda Civic
  By B. Krause - January 27 - 4:36 pm

  Overall, this has been the best car experience Ive had in over 50 years of driving. Handling, comfort, operating costs, mileage, and trunk capacity, all play in this products favor.

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  Great car - 2005 Honda Accord
  By mzsunshyne - January 27 - 6:50 am

  This is the first brand new car that i have ever owned and I am 100 percent satisfied. We drove from NJ to California and the car handled the road like it was made for it.