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 family car - 2004 Honda Accord
  By trace - November 12 - 2:00 am

  Test drove both the V6 and 4. The 4 handeled better and had good power. Seems like it is going to be a great family car.

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  Very Happy with our Decision - 2006 Honda Civic
  By GoOilers - November 12 - 12:33 am

  I had sat in previous year models of the Civic and never felt comfortable. I was shocked when I sat in this one, its very roomy. It test drove great. Both my wife and I were very comfortable with the car. Im the more safety conscious buyer and my wife, the drive enthusiast. The car met both are needs. We put a deposit down on that one visit. We have had the car 2 months and its been great. I live in Edmonton, Canada and its been cold of late. The vehicle warms up fast and so far has handled decently on slick roads. Ive seen recently that the civic has acheived gold safety status with the Highway Safety Institute, very pleased with that as that was the 1 issue with me, safety.

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  no more honda - 2008 Honda Accord
  By jacek - November 11 - 10:36 am

  Not as good as was the 2000 Accord. After 9,000 miles noise in the engine. Keyless entry not working. Dont like Honda no more no more no more

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  1997 Honda Odyssey - 1997 Honda Odyssey
  By ppatterson - November 11 - 2:00 am

  Purchased in 2000 because new ones were not available. Were sold on Honda products. Undoutbedly, our next vehicle will be a new Odyssey or Pilot. The only problems have been a door actuator and broken engine mount. Have not had any other problems at all with this vehicle. Averaging about 22 mpg on long trips. We typically travel from Atlanta to Indiana or Ohio twice a year with our 2 children. Room is good, power is kind of on the low side.

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  Fun FUN FUUUN! - 2001 Honda Prelude
  By GregM - November 11 - 2:00 am

  Excellent power from VTEC engine, will easily cruise at 160 kph for extended periods. Will accelerate to 240 kph+ top speed with ease. Very stable and quiet at high speeds. Cornering ability is excellent with extremely precise steering. Beautiful styling, sleek, very distinctive while avoiding tacky swoops and flares that plague this segment. Canadian SE package includes leather seats - heated!, heated mirrors , type SH wheels, carbon fibre dash trim is very nice! Love the leather! Excellent transmission, smooth and precise shifting. Brakes are top notch and very fade resistant. To drive this car is to have a permanent smile on your face, so much FUN!

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  Outstanding rockett - 2006 Honda Civic
  By jack - November 10 - 11:00 pm

  Have nav, sat radio, ground package and fog lights. I get up at 4 in the morning if I cant sleep and just drive this car and listen to the outstanding sat radio. Fast,handles like quick silver.I like the 21.9 rake of the windscreen. I am wating for the sport muffler to be released. This is my third si, this is the hottest and best.I am 71 and fight the urge to leave everyone at the stop light. I like the long air inlet pipe that runs from the filter housing to the lower left fender area. No cold air intake needed. I just wish I could drink a beer as I show off in this pocket rocket. I traded a scion tc for this baby. The tc was fun but not like the si.

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  3 weeks so far! - 2016 Honda Odyssey
  By paul bishop - November 10 - 1:30 pm

  Love it...Meets my expectations.

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  Awsome Car - 2005 Honda Accord
  By Ghassan - November 10 - 1:26 pm

  This car is great, if anyone is thinking of buying a great car thats reliable and reasonble priced, you should think about buying a Honda Accord because its know for its great reliability and also it wont depreciate its value like domestic cars and for a 2.4 Liter 4 Cylinders that produce 160 HPs and 161 pound/FT. torque its very fast and fun to drive.

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  versatility and roomy - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By anthony - November 10 - 12:23 pm

  Roomier interior. Fun to drive. Quality engine. Tough trunk bed. Excellent interior design.

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  2008 Honda Accord 4 cyl Automatic EXL - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Mario Gutierrez - November 10 - 10:23 am

  I traded in my 2006 Volkswagen 2.0 turbo Passat for my new 2008 Honda Accord. I fell in love with all the goodies. Leather, Satellite radio, sun roof, and the 17 alloy wheels. For the money it was a bargain..I got the car for $24,900. Which is about 5 thousand less for a comparable new Passat. The cabin of the Honda is roomy for two adults and three kids. The seats are comfortable, and there is ample leg room in the front and rear. I also dig the lumbar support on the drivers seat. The ride quality is smooth and quiet. And there are no rattles or noises even on rough roads. The car has a certain European look especially when viewed from the side and rear.It looks like a 5 series.