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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  So far so good... - 2009 Honda Odyssey
  By Christy - August 7 - 11:02 pm

  Well, I never thought Id say it, but I love my new minivan! Ive only had it a week, but I dont know how I got along without it before. The power sliding doors and tailgate are awesome. It is so easy to get my kids in and out of the car now. The carseats are easy to configure and install in this vehicle. My babys infant seat fits perfectly behind my seat, even with seat back to accommodate my longer legs length. So far, my only complaint is that there is only one 12V outlet in the front of the van, so I cant charge my Garmin and cell phone at the same time. My previous ride was a 2006 Pilot and I had three outlets within arms length. Despite this, Im still lovin my new Ody!

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  My blue Honda Prelude - 2001 Honda Prelude
  By kevinfly777 - August 7 - 4:08 pm

  Parents bought me this to go to UCSD. Great car, fantastic handling (through the corners). Although I was disappointed about the interior, but its not too bad for a Japanese sports car. Very reliable, passed smog and everything... a very fast car and sometimes with the blue color it attracts a lot of attention. I love this car.

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  Fun to drive - 2009 Honda CR-V
  By penny - August 7 - 3:37 pm

  I never knew what they mean by fun to drive until I drove my new 2009 CRV EX AWD in Green Tea! I also own a Civic, while a great car with great mileage, its getting to be too small to be convenient for my family and my dog. Being the first SUV, I was afraid it might be too big to get use to if I switch, but I was surprised to find that CRV drives not much different than my Civic, except much roomier, plenty of space for your legs, head, arms and stuff! Front console is great with useful displays, and the design is very sharp and attractive. Now I look forward drive/riding in my new CRV in the morning to work. Oh I am still trying to improve the mileage by using cruise control. Its decent.

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  Enjoy the driveability - 2006 Honda Civic
  By David Caldwell - August 7 - 2:50 pm

  Love the new Civic so far. Only one problem, the SRS restraint warning light stays on about 1 out of every 5 trips. Took it to dealer and diagnostic codes were not downloaded on tester yet, so I am not sure why this happens intermitently. Probably just a false warning light. We will see.

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  2004 Honda Accord - 2004 Honda Accord
  By Marsh - August 7 - 6:10 am

  The Accord is not only reliable but a competent, well equipped car for everyday commuting and travel and for the occasional sporty run. Handling could be better on aggressive manuevers but still is surprisingly adequate.

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  Fantastic - 2008 Honda Fit
  By Tom - August 7 - 4:56 am

  I own my own shop and my son who is 14 wanted to "do up " a Honda, so we bought a used Civic with 190,000 miles and added bolt ons.The performance increase was outstanding and gas mileage did not suffer thus I decided to buy a new Honda due to gas prices. I never heard of the Fit but my son did some research. Well we bought the Fit and I must say that around town im getting 34mpg, the vehicle is worth every penny and the comfort level is superb. This vehicle is worth thousands more so get yours while they are still resonable.I rate it 10 out of 10

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  Great Vehicle - 1997 Honda Odyssey
  By Racer X - August 6 - 10:00 pm

  Bought this van used from a private owner, has some high miles on it, but after hearing it, driving it, and drove it hard, to see how it responded to my testing, Im pretty impressed on the solid sound and ride the Honda drove. Ive owned a 1994 Honda wagon and I really liked the car, it was solid and had no what so ever any problems on the engine or drive train, it had hi miles on it and now that we have grand kids and need that extra room and have a the best a van can have on mpg of 24 city/29 hwy. Mixed 27. Kid you not, why, clean your injectors, set your spark plug cap to engine specs, tire pressure, and a good tuneup on the valve tappets and timing, you can achieve this kind of performance.

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  Awsome Truck - 2009 Honda Ridgeline
  By L - August 6 - 9:28 pm

  The truck is great. Im not trying to bad mouth anyone, but Im not too sure as to what another writer was stating in reference to the looks of the 09 versus to earlier models. The only changes are cosmetics, i.e. new grill, colors, and other minor changes. The truck is awesome. It has the same payload as the small F-150. Again not to knock Ford, but I dont need a truck that size. The Honda carries my sportbike. You will need a trailer or a bigger truck such as a Ford or Chevy to to carry a bigger bike due to the length not the weight. I live in a townhouse not on a ranch, and the Ridgline does everything I need. The truck drivers like a large Accord.

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  SUV to Truck - 2009 Honda Ridgeline
  By Lefty - August 6 - 8:41 pm

  I have been a SUV owner for the last 12 years, wanted a truck but never wanted to give up the space of an SUV. This has been the perfect cross over to a truck. Fun to drive, solid vehicle. Would highly recommend. I get 17 MPG.

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  Great van but discovered few odd things - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By Andrew - August 6 - 7:56 pm

  So far so good, no problems yet but then its still new. The VCM cuts in and out without ever you noticing it. Lots of power and gas mileage has been decent so far, averaging 24mpg in the city. I like the climate control system but the AC has this musky smell when using it in fresh air mode. Also, my daughter discovered a few odd things. 1. While sitting in the back row she noticed that the bottom of the cup holders and the storage box on the passenger side were warm. 2. With the middle row windows opened 1/2 way it sounded like a helicopter was right over you, actually hurts the ears driving at 35mph+. 3. The bottom 1/3 of the huge tailights dont light up when you turn them on.