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:

• 

  We vowed wed never get a minivan....... - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By NHMom - August 10 - 10:00 am

  This is our second Honda Odyssey, and we like this one better than the first! The built in DVD is great, especially with the wireless headphones, worth the extra $$ The six cylinder VTEC has great power and the transmission is much smoother than our first one. We vowed never to get a minivan, but this blows doors off our Jeep Grand Cherokee that we tried to stuff 2 kids and dog into.

• 

  love it - 2003 Honda Accord
  By matt H. - August 10 - 10:00 am

  This is my second Honda Accord and I love it! It dominates the other cars in its class. I like the new look - its sleeker and sportier than the older models. The power and handling is great. It has tons of features and the price I got it at was terrific.

• 

  Best Ive ever bought - 2008 Honda Ridgeline
  By Mike - August 10 - 9:59 am

  When replacing a Ford Ranger I looked into the Colorado, Dakota and Tacoma. Thought the Ridgeline was out of my price range. After not getting what I wanted in the above three, I went to the Honda dealership. Boy am I glad I did. The purchase price (cash, no trade- in) was a grand less than the Tacoma. Ive had it for 8 months now and am completely satisfied. Its still fun to drive. I take it to out-of town ASA tourneys all the time. It has plenty of interior room for the passengers and plenty of storage for the softball equipment. The ride is amazing. Its smoother than the wifes Accord. Id recommend the Ridgeline to anyone.

• 

  CR-V for life - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By Kelvin Parker - August 10 - 7:51 am

  I have owned 6 Honda CR-Vs. They are very dependable, low maintanance and the resale value is great.

• 

  My best experience ever - 2008 Honda Fit
  By damick - August 10 - 1:40 am

  This Sport Fit is just great. I have as much front driving room as I had in a Mercury Sable. Just excellent for a 2 person car. I love it cause the room in the back when the seats are folded down is awesome. This little gas saver is loaded from a base sticker. I mean everything. Stereo is the best sound I have ever heard in a car. If you want to drive in a manual mode in an automatic transmission you can control that with a touch of a steering wheel button. You can gear down fast to a stop. I have had it up against so similar cars I will not mention and this one has class to it. The Sport I speak of. use to pay $65.00 per fill up now only $38.00 for the same distance. Buy one you will enjoy.

• 

  Excellent Small SUV - 2000 Honda CR-V
  By mar83 - August 9 - 10:49 pm

  Overall, a truly excellent car. Fuel efficient for an AWD SUV, versatile, comfortable, and fun to drive. The engine, though somewhat underpowered, is still responsive and the CR-V is fun to drive, particularly with the manual transmission. I bought it in 2005 with 68,000 miles and now have 136,000 on it, and I have only had to fix one thing that wasnt standard maintenance (drivers side power window). Highly recommended for anyone who wants a reliable, safe, and fun small SUV. Have gotten about 25 mpg overall mileage-wise, which isnt bad considering the AWD.

• 

  Great Car! - 2000 Honda Civic
  By HappyOne - August 9 - 1:21 pm

  I love my civic! It is spunky and has great torque for being a 4 cyl. I always get compliments for the sharpness of the gas and the incredible feel of the brake system. Wonderful car! Only major problem was with exhaust manifold, but a great dealership replaced it for free because it was a recall on many civics (you can look up the vin to see if it qualifies).

• 

  Best I ever owned - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By ayda - August 9 - 11:35 am

  The best minivan I researched for, and if the time goes back I wouldve still picked it.

• 

  My great honda! - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By Steve - August 8 - 11:03 pm

  I have had my pilot for about 2 months now and I love it! It has plenty of space, and its pretty comfy for a honda because its my sixth one! One thing I was disappointed about was the sound system, because it sounds boxy. But Id still recommend it because i like the safety and pretty much everything else about it. Id like to say that it is a great family vehicle and great for some off roading.

• 

  First SUV- best ever - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By Chris - August 8 - 2:56 am

  I have driven many SUVs from Trailblazers to Explorers, this is the best I have come across. It drives like a car not as a major uHaul. Its stylish and its good to go.