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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  My racing days are over... - 2001 Honda Odyssey
  By Di - October 7 - 2:00 am

  After 6 months of hints from my husband I finally took the Odyssey for a test drive. I was reluctant to be seen in a mini van after owning several Accords, Civics, CRXs and Integras. But I wanted more room for the tax deduction (aka new baby) so I kissed my youth goodbye and took it for a spin. Very impressed when compared to other minis I tested. After owning so many Honda products I guess you have to "dance with the one that brung ya". Hondas have always been reliable, never ever been left stranded for any reason.

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  Breat Van ISO Better Breaks - 2008 Honda Odyssey
  By k9chita - October 6 - 12:34 pm

  The Honda Odyssey EX-L is a great buy. I love the DVD, CD Changer, Wireless Head Phones, Heated Leather Seats, etc. The only thing i would add to this impressive vehicle in better stopping power. The breaks are adequate at best.

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  Typical Honda quality - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By jerry2 - October 5 - 10:50 pm

  I had to add a trailer hitch by the dealer (I needed it to tow my 2005 Goldwing) and I had to buy a real spare tire (I will buy a better quality of tire when I replace these Goodyears) and rear mud flaps. With that said, it is an outstanding running car. Most of the time it is in the eco mode (3 cyclinders). The visibility is outstanding (it is my wifes car). The GPS is great and so is the XM stations. I miss the automatic seat adjustments that my Acura has. Honda could add a few little items that would make their customers happier without stepping on their Acura brand

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  Great Value for the Money - 2004 Honda Element
  By aschulze2001 - October 5 - 10:00 am

  We test drove the Scion xB, Toyota Matrix, Subaru Forester and Element. The Subaru was the smoothest ride, BUT it sits low like a car and handles like a car. The storage options inside are limited. We chose the Element because we need a small city car with lots of hauling capacity for my husbands music equipment. All his equipment fits easily in the E and the E is small and easy to park. We like how you sit very high in the E and have a wide view out the windshield. Visbility is great. You can also fold up or remove the rear seats for plenty of storage. We got the EX model for the Side Air bags. Though crash tests are impressive, side crash test scores were poor without side air bags.

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  14k paid, but worth much more - 2005 Honda Civic
  By akhdz - October 5 - 10:00 am

  I purchased my 2nd Honda a month ago, and I am completley satisfied. Excellent build quality, refinement, A/C, CD player all for 14.5k. Steady 33 MPG in heavy city driving. ANYBODY who is on a budget (like me!) and can spend 14k or so on a new car, this is the only choice. With gas going to $2.00 a gallon, Honda has continued to refine an inexpensive yet stylish(for the price) car. Many of my co-workers want to know what kind of milage I get; I tell them 33-35mpg, they cant beleive it. Many of them spend more on gas a month than I do on my monthly payment.

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  AWESOME VEHICLE - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By Gary Esplin - October 5 - 9:00 am

  I liked the looks of the Ridgeline the first time I saw it. I test drove it and bought it the next day. It is the best driving vehicle I have ever owned and driven, and I have owned quite a few in my lifetime. I never get tired of driving it and having people look at it. I guess you could say that I feel "proud" when I am driving it. I feel safe in it and know that the Ridgeline will take good care of me if I am ever in an accident. With all the airbags and the superior frame design, I know this is a very safe vehicle to drive

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  Always reliable! - 2007 Honda Civic
  By Ryan - October 5 - 1:13 am

  I love this car! Granted, its not the fastest thing on the road, but it may be the most reliable. For the price, I dont believe you will find a nicer interior design. The main reasons I went with the Civic was reliability/price/fuel economy. So far it has either met or exceeded my expectations.

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  Happy - 2007 Honda Pilot
  By Rich - October 4 - 6:44 am

  I owned a jeep, and the Honda is much more reliable. I only go the the dealership for scheduled maintenance, and minor problems. I would recommend this vehicle to the person who is very busy in their life, and does not want to go to the dealership every week for problems. When you dont drive aggressive, the mileage is acceptable for the size. If you drive hard, the mileage will decrease. I would purchase another one. This is my first Honda. You really do not have to purchase any other brand!

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  Great Car, Great Experience - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Laura B - October 4 - 5:23 am

  I had this car for almost 3 years and loved it. We drove it mostly on the hwy out in the country where we live. It survived the tough Iowa winters with no problem. Never had trouble starting on the coldest days. Only things we did for it was take it in for reg. maintenance and oil changes/tire rotations. Put 80,000 miles on it w/no problems. Fell even more in love w/this car after husband landed upside down in a ditch and walked away from the accident. Very safe, reliable car with great gas mileage. We averaged 40 mpg year round, w/ mostly highway miles. Could be roomier, but is surprisingly roomy for such a small car. However, it is light and can blow around a bit in Iowas strong winds.

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  two years, still love it - 2005 Honda Element
  By robert - October 4 - 12:10 am

  Ive had my Element for two years now (33+k miles), no problems at all. of any kind. Its great for camping, and typical "family-duty" hauling. Its a lot smaller than my old Dakota, yet I find itll still carry all my stuff. the doors are odd, and are a hassle when wedged in a tight parking spot, but have a lot of advantages too.