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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  A New Benchmark... - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By INACA - February 2 - 9:13 pm

  Outstanding performance, never considered a mini-van until now, it has the style and power to be more than a family car. I will consider this over many SUV. The safety features are extra- ordinary; 6 airbags, ABS, Stability Assistance, Pedestrian protection, Unibody.... they just didnt stop in satey at all. Interior, without question the Navi- System in the market (yes!, better than Lexus, BMW and other top contenders. Great materials and space improvement (how is that no wheelbase change but interior increased by 2 long and 1 wide inches). Reliabilty, well.... we all know how Hondas are. Odyssey... the best mini-van is back.

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  CT will evolve into a real winner - 2010 Honda Accord Crosstour
  By crowmass - February 2 - 7:46 pm

  We just leased our CT-Navi after driving a Pilot(s) for the past six years. Our kids are no longer car- pool age, and we wanted to downsize. More importantly, we wanted to stay with Honda products. The CT-Navi is a tremendous car and value. The ride is terrific. Beware on highway as 70 mph feels like your only doing 55 mph! Highway mileage is very good @ 27 per gal. Regarding all the reviews I read about the car being beaten with an "ugly stick", I just dont get it. Admittedly, it is a different design but it works! I parked next to an Audi A-6 yesterday, and the Audi owner was very impressed! Finally, and most importantly for me, I am very tall (67"). The car is very comfortable to drive.

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  Storage, storage, storage!! - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By dog show enthusiast - February 2 - 11:43 am

  We bought our Honda after looking at the top three rated this year - Toyota, Honda, Kia. The Toyota didnt have as much bang for the buck as the Honda, not as many creature comforts. The Kia has terrible depreciation, so would have to have a big-time Gap Insurance, and is cheap looking. The Odyssey has been great. Weve taken it to 3 dogs shows, tons of room for crates, grooming supplies, luggage with room to spare. Comfortable ride and GREAT mileage! It gets much better mileage than my little Malibu,and theres hardly any road noise! Weve owned the big Dodge custom vans, a Ford Aerostar etc., so were not newcomers to the van market.

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  Awesome - 2017 Honda Ridgeline
  By John Mullaney - February 2 - 9:00 am

  Just what I wanted small truck plenty cargo space . Like the new look and design . Ride is very comfortable ride like a car great in snow. Black Edition has all the bells and whistles. Only had to add was the running boards and back cover .

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  Perfect - 2006 Honda Civic
  By JESSICA - February 2 - 4:33 am

  I think this veh is top notch. Honda has really upgraded the civic from ones before and it is now the right mix of luxury and economy.

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  ok? - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Carl - February 1 - 5:16 pm

  I love that Honda decided to get with the times and update the look of the 08 Accord but its obvious that they didnt do enough research in to what consumers really want and need in a 25- 30k car. I had the 07 Camry XLE and like my accord more.

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  Best car to make it really fast - 2002 Honda Civic
  By Dudas - February 1 - 1:56 pm

  i bought civic because it never brakes and it is really fun to put thing into it when you put rims and exhaust or any other extras car looks like 20 thousand vehicle and always when you want to sel it you wont lose much money its just the best

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  Pilot rating - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By Michael Johnson - February 1 - 10:13 am

  This is a great car, it has a cup holder and places to put your cell phone everywhere you look. Drives just like a car.

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  Love it! - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By imsold - February 1 - 8:30 am

  Just bought this a couple weeks ago, but we absolutely love it. Good interior room, plenty of power, very comfortable and very quiet. Too many good features to list. The fit and finish is very good. The more I drive it the more I like it.

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  Getting to Know & Love my Accord - 2016 Honda Accord
  By Ime Akpan - January 31 - 6:58 pm

  I like what I bought and loving the pleasant surprising features I am still coming across. I will know and tell more after the 1st 1000 miles and highway driving....about 860 miles to go.