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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  surprised - 2016 Honda Odyssey
  By Pat Nolan - August 3 - 10:12 am

  Since my last odyssey a 2007 EXL a lot of changes were made. The ride is great, noise level is better, safety features are nice but take a little getting use to. One thing I wish Honda would look into is folding outside mirrors. Home owners with limited garage space this feature would be nice to have. I could go on about the car but I think Honda has a home run with this vehicle!!!

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  Honda Lover - 2008 Honda Fit
  By Thomas - August 3 - 9:53 am

  Since 1991 I have only driven Honda cars. I have never had any major repairs. This Fit measures up and surpasses my expectations. It is an incredible small car. I get 32 mpg in or out of traffic, virtually no road noise and the performance is equal to anything else I have driven.

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  Hot car, Great Ride - 2002 Honda Accord
  By Linda in Denver - August 3 - 12:38 am

  I love this car, bought it with 30K miles on it in 2005, now at 75K, three years later. This car has not given me ANY problems at all. I have it serviced regularly. Ive gone through one set of tires and one battery. It is fun to drive, love the V-6 power. It looks brand new after a good car wash and I get compliments on it all the time. This is the best body style Honda has ever had. I will be sad to see the day I have to put the old girl down.

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  Great Car - 2010 Honda Accord
  By William - August 2 - 4:10 pm

  After 18 months with a Civic, I had to do something. This car exceeds all of my expectations, less one. My other car is a 1999 AMG C-43, owned from new, so my standards are high.

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  Fit is Fit for me - 2008 Honda Fit
  By Joe Fleming - August 2 - 3:28 pm

  This is the best fuel economy car that Honda has to offer besides the hybrid. I love everything about this car, i loved the economy and performance so much i traded in my 2007 ridgeline for the fit. I will never get rid of this car it will be passed down to my daughter for her first car and will purchase another Honda. All in all this was the best move Honda had made, well done.

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  Honda Accord EXL - 2009 Honda Accord
  By boilermaker - August 2 - 2:13 pm

  This is our third Honda Accord. We had a 1993 LX and a 1999 EXL. This 2008 Honda is the best yet! The overall interior space is big enough for 4 passengers, and the EXL Leather Interior has the same build quality as our $55,000 Lexus. The 4 cylinder is peppy, and never seems under-powered. You could spend a lot more for a car; but why?

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  Too Much Fun - 2008 Honda Fit
  By Too Much Fun - August 2 - 10:40 am

  Comments after 5 weeks. GOOD - 32 to 35mpg with the AC running 100 deg Arizona, Paddle shifters on steering wheel lots of fun, Good sound system, Inside space and seat position options awesome, Good AC in hot weather, Good handling with tight steering. NOT SO GOOD - Road noise, rides a little rough, 10.8 gal tank at 300 miles need to head for a gas station. SUMMARY - Due to my long commute I downsized from a Explorer SUV and Im extremely happy....GT

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  Lovin my Ridgeline - 2007 Honda Ridgeline
  By Bruce - August 2 - 10:04 am

  The Ridgeline is just a great all around vehicle, the engine is silky smooth with good power, a few more ponies would be good though. It has tons of storage inside and the in bed trunk is very cleaver. This is by far the best vehicle I have ever owned, fit and finish is perfect also. I have heard rumors of Honda building a diesel for this truck, can`t wait to drive one. Love this truck.

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  1 month and 1,000 miles later - 2008 Honda Odyssey
  By SPDFAN - August 1 - 10:28 pm

  It has been a month and 1,000 miles since we got our Odyssey. I am very impressed with the van and I am very happy with the buy. The van drives very smooth and plenty of power and good agility. It is also very roomy and comfortable. We have 2 car seats and the interior room is great for our family. The sound system and the DVD player works great. The Navi and DVD are easy to use. I first thought there might be too many features to learn. But it only took me a short time to be very comfortable with all of the controls and features. The gas mileage is good for a vehicle this size, thanks to the cylinder deactivation. I get 18 to 23 combined both freeway and city.

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  66,000 Miles and Still Love It - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By Paceguy - August 1 - 9:31 pm

  We bought our Odyssey over three years ago and still like it as much as we did on day one. Its my wifes daily driver and with the nav. and DVD etc. the guys and gals she works with have her drive to lunch whenever they go out (even give her unsolicited gas money) because they like playing with the gadgets and its really comfortable. With three kids ranging from 14 to 7, the long summer driving trips weve taken over the years have been a pleasure. We both like driving it and reliability has been typical Honda excellence. Just got back from a 2400 mile round trip summer vacation where we rolled over 66k--again, nothing but super review from us!