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:

• 

  GREED is NOT good. Honda reliability DOA - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By labros - October 31 - 2:00 am

  My first Honda was a 1973 Civic. I had many Hondas since and I loved the company for their well engineered, reliable cars. They taught Detroit a lesson. Now unfortunately they look more like how Detroit USED to be. I bought a new ODYSSEY in 2007 and I have been many times to the dealer for replacement of batteries (every year) to total loss of power steering at low to no speeds (still no recall from Honda for a known problem on thousands of vehicles). Several quality issues have made me not want to buy a Honda anymore. Corporate GREED is NOT good for the consumer or the shareholders. HONDA you should know better!

• 

  10 years of the odyssey - 2011 Honda Odyssey
  By ody_fan - October 31 - 2:00 am

  I have been driving an Ody since 1999, the 2011 model was my 5th one. I purchased a 2011 touring elite based on the past 4 cars, assuming that it would be another set of typical Honda improvements. That is largely the case, almost everything in the car has gotten better. Unfortunately, the American design team removed the typical Japanese drive characteristics. The steering is awful. The car is all over the road especially on the highway. The steering wheel can be moved 3 inches before the car responds with a much delayed "wobble" that rolls the body. The brakes are similarly unresponsive and less precise than prior models, although hard braking is better. "Respect The Van" no more.

• 

  Worst decision i ever made - 1998 Honda Accord
  By sal - October 30 - 2:00 am

  i bought this car 1 week later the engine went out, the hood broke, the ignition switch went out, the distributor went, and the crank sensors, worst brakes ever, and lets not even begin with the transmission i highly advise anyone to not get this car

• 

  My best car ever - 1994 Honda Accord
  By reg,s honda - October 30 - 2:00 am

  I have 210,000 miles. Bought new and has given great service. Paint still good. Replaced radiator, transmission. Changed oil every 5000 miles. Still has original suspension. Air works great. Interior like new. Engine sounds and runs great. Good on tire mileage. I look forward to driving it till it quits.

• 

  Great car for the money - 2010 Honda Insight
  By Gill - October 30 - 2:00 am

  I have had this car for just over 3 months now. This is the first Honda I have bought,I usually own toyotas. I bought this car because I have a new job that I commute 60 miles a day on the highway. Honda had a $5000 rebate on the car, and my Province was giving $2000 environmental rebate. I compared the price of the Yaris and Corolla to the insight, and once I added options like A/C,P/W, cruise, AT, etc. with the rebates the insight was cheaper. The car is great to drive, the dash and gadgets are great. I drove my wifes 2005 loaded rav4 for a week, and I missed my insight big time. This car is made so the working person can afford a hybrid, and provides great fuel economy, & it delivers.

• 

  Awesome - 2011 Honda Odyssey
  By cheleng - October 30 - 2:00 am

  Got the 2011 Odyssey after trading my 2007. Lots of perks on the new one. Like the design not boxy as the previous models more of a JDM car but built in the USA. Have room for improvements but in all it is the best minivan out there.

• 

  My second Honda! - 2010 Honda CR-V
  By 3 months ago - October 30 - 2:00 am

  I like everything about this vehicle except the lack of power. It has enough power to get you to point A,B,C,and all the way to z and back. I just think it can have a V6 engine. The door speakers could be larger to make that subwoofer sound like a BOSE system.

• 

  Awesome car, couldnt be happier! - 2011 Honda CR-Z
  By Brendon - October 29 - 2:00 am

  I had been looking for a new car for the past two years, including the Speed3, Civic SI, Scion TC, WRX etc. I came across the CR-Z, test drove it and was immediately impressed. That same day my car search ended and I ordered a manual. I Added on every accessory available (the armrest is highly recommended), and 3 weeks later I had the exact car I wanted. At first I thought I would be slightly disappointed with the average performance (8.3 0-60) and average fuel economy for a hybrid, but from the minute I got into the car I have not stopped smiling and making excuses to get back on the road! And as for performance, its around 8s to 60 (feels zippier though!) and I get 34/43 mpg (above rated)

• 

  The 1 all Prius owners wish they bought - 2011 Honda CR-Z
  By GR - October 29 - 2:00 am

  Honestly there are very few low – mid range priced car makers out there any longer that smart consumers would feel confident with purchasing one of there vehicles Honda is one exception. Honda has always built quality vehicles and provided very good customer service / relations. We have purchased six new vehicles in our life-time so far and had always bought American made vehicles in the past. I have found there is no longer any such maker, Fords are made in Mexico, Chevrolets in Canada, Dodge – Chryslers in Mexico and just about anywhere but America so-long to built in America unless you buy a Harley Davidson. I had to voice this due to the fact that we painfully found out the

• 

  Best car I have owned - 2010 Honda Insight
  By frenchaln - October 29 - 2:00 am

  I have owned over 20 cars. That one is by far the best. No rattle. Very quiet. Sub compact but drives like a mid size car. Cheaper then Prius.