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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  da best - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By midgetinakeg - December 29 - 10:00 am

  this automobile is by far my favorite one I have ever driven. ITs just so comfterable I cant even discribe it. It drives like a dteam and I just love driving it.

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  The Honda Odysey - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By westrox2005 - December 29 - 10:00 am

  everyone who loves to drive should drive a honda odysey. Unlike the toyta siena this van is fun to drive smooth and gets really good gas mileage. Also It has a tighter turning radius than the toyota. This van drives like its one of hondas or acuras top of the line cars. what am I talking about they are all top of the line cars. They are the cleanesst car company in the world and dont copy ideas like toyota ocasionaly does. They copied hondas element reacently. Overall hondas are a much better brand more dependable and will last longer and not rust after 5 years. This van is also very responsive. I was even able to beat a toyota celica off the line easily

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  Thank you Honda (SI Sedan) - 2009 Honda Civic
  By David Scott - December 29 - 9:13 am

  Our little SI sedan has proven to be a lot of car for the money. We kept our previous Honda ten years with no major repair issues. This Civic appears to be every bit as good. The little car could not be more fun to drive and the sales price was reasonable and not inflated.

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  The Honda CR-V - 2010 Honda CR-V
  By Isaias Medina - December 29 - 8:30 am

  My wife been wanted a Honda CR-V for a long time and finally we got one. We have driven the car for about 600 miles and both of us are very satisfied, no complaints so far. This car performs very well all around. The 180 HP improvement makes a big difference and yet it adds an x-tra mpg, cant ask for more from a 4 cyl. We plan to keep this car for a long time.

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  Improvements to EX-L would make it GREAT - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By jstephens1 - December 29 - 5:43 am

  Purchased in early December and took a 2,000 mile road trip averaging 23.5 mpg on the hwy. Handles extremely well

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  Great Gas Mileage - 2006 Honda CR-V
  By G Money - December 29 - 4:43 am

  Sure you could get better gas mileage with a sedan, but the CR-V gets great gas mileage for a SUV. It has lots of cargo space for a smaller SUV. It handles like a car, but you still get to feel like youre riding high and driving a bigger automobile. If you can afford it, and dont mind the lower gas mileage, then get the Pilot. But for a small SUV, the CR-V is great!

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  Honda Accord - 2006 Honda Accord
  By Rick B - December 28 - 11:56 am

  I own a 1990 Honda Accord (thats 16 years) and have 180,000+ miles on it, also purchased at Manchester. Upgrading to a 2006 was the best decision I could have made. The exterior and interior are great, the safety features (including the steel beams in the doors and the all around air bags) were all I needed to make my decision. I traded in a Olds Intrigue which was the last American car I will own.

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  Braking Issues - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By Big Daddy - December 28 - 11:10 am

  Love the Odyssey except for a few problems. Gas guzzler for one thing, but a guess a vehicle this size it is expected. I have been having some brake issues. If traveling at a high rate of speed and then brake quickly. The next few miles of slow braking causes the brakes to make a grinding sensation. Wonder if it is a caliper problem. Also, starting out of driveway in the A.M, I am getting a little hesitation and noise when putting the vehicle in drive. Overall, satisfied with this van.

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  Road Noise! - 2016 Honda HR-V
  By Z - December 28 - 7:45 am

  I really wanted to get this car. Very practical! Amazing seats that fold up! Great for the city with decent miles. I test drove this car three times. The road noise is unbearable. If you are stuck in rush hour with this car you will have serious headaches. I am not sure if its the CVT or just engine noise. The interior is very nice and i like the way it looks over the CRV. I have owned honda cars forever and this CVT/Engine noise is going to have me looking at other car makers. I am going to hold off for the 2017 to see if they fix these issues.

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  CRV EXL fun to drive.... - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By Jimmy Drew - December 28 - 6:26 am

  Traded my 2006 Toyota RAV 4 V6 for the 2008 EXL CRV. While the engine is smaller on the CRV I find it very capable. It cruises at turnpike speeds with no problem. The fit and finish of the vehicle are superior to the RAV 4. The riding comfort is much better than the RAV4 and ride is very smooth. I am extremely pleased with the rear hatch opening on the top rather than on the side and front seats seem to have more room front and back as well as side to side. This vehicle seems to exhibit a much higher class of material as well as arrangement of the dash and the radio is simply terrific. I had the JBL system in the RAV4 but the Honda radio is much better.