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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  Good but not great. - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By david12345 - November 24 - 10:00 am

  The seats are not comfortable. After awhile I realized I bought a version of the Civic with the basic Accord engine. It is more powerful than the average small suv and it is a definite improvement over the former crv, but it aint luxury. And the gas mileage is just average, about 24 mpg on the freeway or about town.

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  Good but problematic - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By paulie - November 24 - 10:00 am

  Although the Odyssey features a comfortable ride, secure and carlike handling, excellent brakes, quiet interior and a spacious and airy cabin, it gets overtaken by its low-rent feel, uncomfortable seats (at least mine are), and its problems that happen within a month. My A/C and sliding doors are already in need of repair.

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  Family Van - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By dgates - November 24 - 10:00 am

  We purchased the Honda Odyssey to have a reliable van to pick up the grandchildren. After looking at all the vans available we focused on and bought the Honda. That was the best decision we could have made. The Van rides like a dream. Quiet, fast, very good in the curves and very good traction on the road surface. Even when the roads are very wet the Odyssey can be driven at a normal speed without any hazards. The gas milage is very good and I can recommend this Van to any family of single person that is looking for this type of vehicle.

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  Hooked on Hondas - 2003 Honda Civic
  By HappyGoLucky - November 24 - 10:00 am

  Exceptional value for price of the car. Very reliable and quality build. Fourth time Honda owner and will never leave the Honda Family. Love to drive and pass by gas stations. Got the 1.9 percent financing for 60 months. That was just icing on the cake for me. Had a wonderful experience with the dealership. Always recommend Hondas to friends and family. Never knew I would own a Civic after driving Preludes for many years. Drive 25 miles one way to work each day. Very impressed with this Civic.

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  Honda Civic Hybrid 4-door CVT - 2003 Honda Civic
  By B. Krause - November 24 - 10:00 am

  Everything about this vehicle is excellent: performance, mileage, comfort, reliability. The technology is especially impressive and we are hoping that Honda will create useful SUV class vehicles with hybrid technoloies that would be applicable to our field work, which is extensive. B. Krause

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  2017 CRV - 2017 Honda CR-V
  By Gail Downey - November 24 - 7:18 am

  Great car

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  Best Sport Compact on the market - 1998 Honda Prelude
  By John_C - November 24 - 2:00 am

  I have had my 98 lude for a little over two years and is the funest stock sport compact I have ever owned. I put 12,000 miles on the car annually and not a single mechanical problem yet to date!!!! This car handles well with the stock suspension, fast as hell off the line -- especially if you take it to the red line. Styling is sleek and the ride is firm and comfortable Like the title says, best sport compact on the market not only because it looks great, is fast and fun to drive, but because it displays the reliability you would expect from a Honda!!

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  My Second one - 1995 Honda Odyssey
  By ctzxcv - November 24 - 2:00 am

  Just bought my second one. First was the Izuzu Oasis,which was the same van with Isuzu logos. (I still have the Isuzu too.) Based on the Honda Accord Chassis. Wonderful trip vehicle and enough power for us on the road. Standard 4 wheel disk brakes and dual air. Solid feeling on the road even at 80 mph. Cant think of anything negative about it. If you can find one,grab it as they are hard to find and underpriced. These things went for close to $25k new! (And worth it!)

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  Loving my car - 2005 Honda Civic
  By nick - November 23 - 5:10 pm

  I purchased civic EX speical edition. this car is rare...so the dealers try to play with the price...by saying it is rare. But, only $200 MSRP difference gets you a leather stripped steering wheel, a rear spoiler, very nice alloy wheels, and an AWESOME looking 6 disc in dash MP3 player~~~~after driving smooth Camry V6 for years. I wanted to buy this car because of the look and the fuel economy. Overall, Im very happy with this car.

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  Best decision yet! - 2008 Honda Fit
  By Louis - November 23 - 1:36 pm

  When I was shopping for my first new car, I think I drove every car in its class. I found little things wrong with every single one of them, except the Fit. I am used to driving the family van, but did not want to buy a van because of how big they are and how much fuel they consume. The Fit has all the good parts of a van with all the good parts of a car. Lots of cargo space for a car this size. Seeing it from the outside does not do it justice. If you look on the inside you will see how much room there is in this thing. I love it.