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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  Great car! - 2005 Honda Accord
  By scats1107 - April 11 - 6:36 pm

  Extremely happy with my purchase. There are small differences of what I expected as standard in a US model that do not appear in the Honda. The car has spirited performance and handling. The ride has a sport feel to it and I enjoy driving it on winding roads. Comfortable enough for my family of 4.

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  Odyssey Disappointment - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By links1 - April 11 - 3:33 pm

  We just bought a 2006 Honday Odyssey EX and had problems with the stabilization light, ASB and brake lights coming on. It was in the shop within minutes of driving it and had to be taken back twice within 24 hours for the same problems. Horrible start to what we thought was going to be a perfect choice!! Were worried what will be next!

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  true happiness - 2006 Honda Civic
  By anil dutt - April 11 - 5:50 am

  this is the third civic i have personally owned and am extremely thirilled to have bought this new civic..what a car. Without a doubt one of the best cars in this planet for the price and fuel efficiency and performance. Not to forget the leg room.. very spacious.. you have to get it to know what im talking about.. and if u drive a manual transmision get that.. very sporty.. have fun and enjoy.. byeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee

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  The Accord isnt a Buick - 2010 Honda Accord
  By IMFletch - April 11 - 2:50 am

  Some of these reviews are amusing. Did anyone actually test drive the Accord before buying it? This Accord is what it has always been - the sports sedan of work-a-day cars. This means it has a firm ride, quick, accurate steering, lots of road feel, a rev-happy engine and a slick shifting manual trans. Complaints about road noise, hard ride? Please. Listen, if you want a four-wheeled isolation chamber, buy a Buick. The Accord has grown up, but it still retains the qualities that have made its predecessors so beloved: a great DRIVING experience, quality, reliability and economy. My LX 5 spd is simple and fun to drive. The Accord is perfect if thats what youre looking for in a car.

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  Civic x, where x marks the spot. - 2016 Honda Civic
  By khoi - April 10 - 3:50 pm

  The civic does not have the home link option. But overall its all of tech for your buck. Love the androids auto.

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  Honda Odyssey - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By HSinTX - April 10 - 4:40 am

  This 07 Ody Touring is a great upgrade over our 01 Ody EX in design, performance and ride quality. The Ody Touring is the best package by far. The Touring has better ride quality (better comfort and less noise) than the EX-L. So far, we drove about 900 miles in a little over one month. Mileage is only 17-18 mpg for 50-50 local and highway with A/C on and some waiting at the takeout lines. Considering the weight of the van, its acceptable. Parking sensors and a TPMS that tells you the actual tire pressures are great additions.

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  Previous SUV owner - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By blackpilot - April 10 - 2:00 am

  I owned an Explorer and then a Lexus RX300. After searching for a replacement for my RX 300 I came across the Pilot. My must important criteria was handling, safety, space and relaibility. I thought that going from a Lexus to Honda would be a step down, but I was wrong! Excellent vehicle. Same as the MDX for 6k discount!

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  So Far.....So Good - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By Mo Man - April 10 - 2:00 am

  Honda CR-V was well worth the wait. It handles extremely well, especially when cornering. The ride is very smooth for a vehicle of its size. The seats are very comfortable front and back.

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  Honda At Its Best! - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By Shams - April 10 - 2:00 am

  Odyssey exceeds in every level from a Minivan expectations. Most Power(240HP) in its class! Sedan Like Ride, SUV Like Spacious. You get more than what you pay for, a well equipped EX Model comes with Dual Sliding Doors, Security, Premium Sound, ABS, Traction Control and Four Wheel Disc Brakes. Same features in any Competing Vans will cost you more But you still wont the quality. The Bottom Line - Its a HONDA!

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  I Love The Civic - 2003 Honda Civic
  By Moses Chung - April 10 - 2:00 am

  I originally purchased the vehicle because of its design. I love the exterior look of the Civic Coupe. But since Ive purchased the car, Im more satisfied with all of the features and performance that this Civic offers for its price. The car has reliable pick- up when I hit the accelerator, its interior is comfortable, and all of the dials and switches are nicely integrated into the dash. Now, dont get me wrong, the car could use some more horsepower but for the price at which the car is offered, I think its probably the best car on the road out there for its class.