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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  Check that box, wont ever buy another! - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By Soccer mom - May 19 - 9:42 pm

  I really wanted a mini-van, and pushed the issue with my husband, who tried to talk me into a number of other non- mini van options. I wanted to transport our kids and friends to their activities, and room to haul the gear as well. This van is absolutely the best for function, ease of folding, & moving seats for cargo room. I like the center middle row seat, and how it stores in the floor for quick access and install. Where this van goes wrong, is the terrible gas mileage. We average approximately 16 mpg city, and even when I have some freeway mileage, it never seems to get over 19 mpg. The front windows rattle terribly. The tires are in need of replacement at only 27,800

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  I would not recommend - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By Darla - May 19 - 6:38 pm

  I bought 2007 Odyssey in Dec 2009, I was very fond of Honda minivan and waited almost a year to get it, but my joy was not there for many days, the moment I bought it, i had the torque issues, but finally under warranty it was replaced for free, after that I started feeling judder and the ride was not smooth, I went and talked to the dealer and they said there is a software update, but that didnt help much, I still feel the judder and when I take it to the dealer, they are unable to figure it out. overall I am disappointed with my odyssey.

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  Little Blue. - 2010 Honda Insight
  By BILL IN THE PINES - May 19 - 3:44 pm

  I have only had the car for about 5 wks. She is very nimble and fun to drive.well built, great on gas.The dash layout is good and the info display keeps you informed. Once I figured out that the car is smarter then me, I just enjoy.

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  Unhappy Honda Owner - 2009 Honda Accord
  By CNASH - May 19 - 1:31 pm

  This is my 3rd Honda, 1st that Ive purchased new and the last. I loved this car when I first purchased and shortly after, I began to hate it. Believe it or not its excellent on gas. I commute back and forth to work for a week on a full tank. After six months I had to change the back brakes, which the dealership considers normal. NOT! Shortly after, I was still having issues and they replaced an axle. Five more months have passed and I replaced them again. The stirring wheel also shakes when braking. I HATE THIS CAR and would not advise this to any first time buyer or any buyer for that matter. Im currently searching for something else.

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  Just Bought One! - 2010 Honda CR-V
  By T-N-T - May 19 - 3:47 am

  Brand New Small SUV! Super easy to drive. Super spacious and extremely comfortable on long trips. Highly reliable, we should have gotten 2 of them.

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  Bad transmission - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By another victim - May 19 - 2:05 am

  We are another victim of the bad transmission design. Engine light is on. Transmission gear ratio incorrect. Very wild in driving. Wont accelerate. Called Honda. Need to pay more than 4000 dollar to get it fix. Really bad. seeking a class action. dont know where to go for this bad design.

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  Boring to drive - 2001 Honda CR-V
  By Ken - May 18 - 9:14 pm

  I have been reading the other reviews made by other people on here and wonder if they are actually driving the same SUV I am. It transmission down shifts so hard that it nearly threw off the snowy mountain road I was on. I think real time 4 wheel drive is a joke. The ride is harsh, and very uncomfortable on long rides and is very noisy. The seats are hard and uncomfortable. It is very underpowered and really so when AC is on and can barely make up the mountains where I live. it would a much better SUV for a place that gets less than 4 inches of snow and flat. I will never own another Honda, My next purchase will be a Subaru

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  Honda Quality - 2010 Honda Ridgeline
  By sam - May 18 - 8:08 pm

  Owned the 2010 Ridgeline for 30 days and 700 miles. Have owned 7 Hondas,all have been excellent vehicles.This is all the truck most people will ever need and rides like a full-size car.

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  Love Honda - 1997 Honda Civic
  By syfy - May 18 - 7:40 pm

  I think buying a honda you will never go wrong. I bought mine in 1998 and trade it in 2005 just because i wanted something bigger living in the north. I wish I would have kept my civic ex

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  Update to Second Honda - 2007 Honda Accord
  By Autobuff - May 18 - 10:51 am

  Ok I have had my car for 3 weeks and very impressed with the fuel economy. I have filled my car twice since I got my car getting 425 miles to a tank with combined driving. Avg. 30.1 mpg. It feels nice to get over 290 mile per tank like i did on my 2001 millennia. Motor is very peppy, stick is still very slick.