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 Vehicle,lots of pep,great handling - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By M C McGee - January 17 - 8:30 pm

  Smooth,sporty design with lots of room and overall performance. A real pleasure to drive on long trips! We love the versitility of this van. Engine is smooth and powerful. Automatic climate control is simple and effective The salesman had excellent knowledge of the vehicle and the whole dealership experience was friendly,efficient,and comfortable. We also got a very good deal! The Honda Touring is head and shoulders above Toyota in giving a feeling of quality.

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  2002 EXL-RES is best - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By redody - January 17 - 3:56 pm

  Great van, compared to previous gm van. Superior room, comfort, and power. Tight as a drum. Family looks forward to trips with DVD always ready to go. Road noise is the only downside. Van could use more soundproofing. Paid sticker but worth every cent. Have never said that before and never paid sticker either till now.

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  Ugly car! - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Mark - January 17 - 12:50 am

  This car looks ugly in person. It looks better on magazine. The headlights and trunk is ugly design. Had this car for 2 months and sold it. Took two hours trip to the mountain. This car has two problems. Has horrible road noise coming into the car and headlights is NOT bright enough. I dont recommend this car for the price. Nissan Altima is better car.

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  Great overall car - 2009 Honda Civic
  By JP - January 16 - 9:43 pm

  Ive had this car for almost 3 months and its been great! The car is fun to drive and averaged 41 MPG on long distance highway drives. Combined city/highway has been about 33MPG. Im really impressed with the performance and the looks of the car. Im happy with my switch from a corolla to a civic and I expect the same long life and dependability that my Toyota had.

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  Praise for 2000 CRV - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By 2000 Honda CRV - January 16 - 10:03 am

  Has get -up and -go. Fun to drive. Comfortable. Back window windshield wiper too. I love the car. My children love driving it too. Drivers seat adjustable for driver. Color is Red. Table in trunk is removable and has a bin for ice drinks under it. Neat feature for a tail gate party.

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  Solid ride for a travelling salesman - 1998 Honda Accord
  By hoktaskbasdh - January 16 - 10:00 am

  Fantastic car. I bought used 45,000 miles on it. I crank the car 4-5 times a day and really beat on it. 2 years after purchase, the car now has 105,000 miles on it and overall I dont know of any other car maker that can match its long term durability (other than toyota) 86,000 miles had a EGR clog that there was a recall on but the dealer lied to me and never told me about it/tried to make me pay.I had to fight them on it to get them to cover it under the warranty. Hondas rule! Will keep car to 150K and then sell to a family member!

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  best car ever - 2003 Honda Civic
  By yazzuu - January 16 - 10:00 am

  this car gets good gasmileage, its safe, and it is peppy.

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  Great Car!! - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Fourputt - January 16 - 10:00 am

  Saphire Blue Pearl 2003 Accord LX V6 I have been putting this car through its paces by driving some very twisty mountain roads here in Colorado, and it has performed flawlessly. Power to spare, great handling, and I love the looks I get. This is a real winner!

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  Yep, - 2003 Honda Accord
  By tec243 - January 16 - 10:00 am

  I wanted to replace my 89 Prelude 4WS. Looked at the GTI/CL/RSX/G35/Cougar. Knew the new Accord would have 6speed/nav./voice system. Waited and waited... then a fully loaded blk/blk arrived. Its not a sports car but is very quick. 6speed is a smooth, short throw. Leans a little on hard turns and the seat doesnt hold me in like the G35 but its nearly 10k more. The voice system and touch screen is awesome !! Works with anyones voice. Excellent build quality/ergonomics. Feels solid and firm. Light beams down on the shifter. Plenty of room in the back. Nice line and good paint.

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  By far the best Honda and a great value! - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Jase - January 16 - 10:00 am

  Bought this car for my wife in Dec 02, and we have been very impressed with it. Weve racked up 12,000 trouble-free miles on it so far. It is a great highway cruiser, impressively quiet (except on coarse pavement), gets excellent gas mileage (got 37 mpg going 80 mph with A/C on). It rides typically Honda-firm, which is not to say that its uncomfortable - it is quite comfortable and smooth and does its best to smooth out the nastiest secondary roads. A nice solid "thunk" when you close the doors. This car feels much more expensive than the $19,990 that I paid.