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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  Excellent - 2009 Honda Odyssey
  By happy - January 29 - 12:17 pm

  Interior comfort is unrivaled. This is my second Odyssey. First was a 2001. Drove it until wrecked this year on the highway. Wife stopped in traffic when she was plowed at 55 mph from behind. Pushed her into a semi. Car is crushed, she is fine! The updates like the rearview mirror backup camera are awesome. Considered a volvo XC90 but it doesnt remotely have the room of the odyssey. Kids can ride in comfort on long trips. Car has every airbag in the world. Auto sliding doors auto sunroof sliding door windows now go down! Now a power lift gate too! Air/heat controls for all three rows of seats. Only complaint is cupholders too far away for little ones in the second row to use

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  Love it -So happy, better than Camry!!! - 2008 Honda Accord
  By LoveIt - January 29 - 3:33 am

  After driving a 2003 Toyota Camry for 5 years happily, I was sure to I was going to replace it with another Camry. However after checking out the 09 Camry, I was disappointed with the quality of the interior and outdated dash . After seeing the Honda Accord, I was thrilled. I purchased a new 2008 Honda Accord LXP 4 door in Metal Polish Metallic color -at invoice price. LXP version includes alloyed wheels, anti theft device, chrome tail pipe + more. Dont be afraid to ask for invoice price or less- for any auto + ask for "extras". Its a buyers market!

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  One Seriously Excellent Car - 2009 Honda Accord
  By Kevin - January 29 - 12:10 am

  This is my 4th Accord. The first 3 were sedans. I decided to change things up a little by getting the coupe this time. I can only say "WOW". This is by far the best sporty car for the money on the market. Great looks, ergonomics, power, quality & value. Most people I talk to cant believe its an Accord.

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  We Love Our Ody - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By Occam49 - January 28 - 5:53 pm

  The only knock I can give this fine vehicle is the road noise. This probably from the tires. No problems except a broken A/C radiator which was hit by rock kicked up on the freeway. The dealer fixed at no charge even though it was not a equipment failure. I dont know how much VCO helps mileage but it must since it is active even while cruising at 70 mph.

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  Love my new car! - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By AGanes - January 28 - 3:00 pm

  We just recently bought this car for myself to drive with my two young children. I love driving it. It gets great gas mileage. The maintenance minder is very cool.

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  Sexy and reliable, all in one package - 2007 Honda Accord
  By Dave - January 28 - 2:17 pm

  As a family sedan, the Honda Accord is legendary - its reliable, practical, powerful. It has outstanding engineering and ergonomics, and everything is just exactly where it should be. The coupe puts it all in a sleek, sexy package that gives up very little in the compromise - in other words, its still got a usable back seat and a real trunk, unlike most sport coupes. Honda also builds some of the best and smoothest engines and manual transmissions out there, something that goes very under appreciated, mostly because of the Accord sedans family image. And the navi is intuitive and easy to use. Oh, and the gas mileage is great, especially for a V6.

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  Amazing little car - 1998 Honda Civic
  By Ed - January 27 - 11:50 pm

  I bought my Civic new in 1998 and kept it for nearly 11 years. In that time I had to make only two unscheduled repairs: first to replace the muffler and then the power window regulator. Overall its been a great car - reliable, fuel efficient, and pretty fun to drive, especially with the manual transmission.

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  2006 Honda Pilot EXL - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By dchonin - January 27 - 6:26 pm

  I have owned many vehicles in my days, and this is my absolute favorite. The ride is amazingly quite and smooth for a truck. Because the residual value is so high (61%) and the low money factor being offered by Honda (I think .00115) there are great lease deals. I looked at the new 2006 Explorer first and it cant hold a candle to the Pilot.

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  Im in love with my 2016 civic lx! - 2016 Honda Civic
  By Haylie Henderson - January 27 - 11:47 am

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  2000 honda civic - 2000 Honda Civic
  By butterfly - January 27 - 10:00 am

  this is an excellent car