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:

• 

  my 3rd oddssey - 2016 Honda Odyssey
  By Jeffrey Williams - June 22 - 7:13 am

• 

  Great - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Gregg - June 21 - 9:36 pm

  I have found the Honda Accord to be an awesome car. I have never owned a Honda before, but really have found it to be great. The room inside the car is outstanding. I am 6 ft 7in tall and have plenty of room. My family of 5 can comfortably ride in this car.

• 

  From Accord to Odyssey - 2008 Honda Odyssey
  By Andrew.M.Tillcock - June 21 - 7:17 pm

  Just traded in my 2008 Honda Accord EXl 4cyl . Needed more room and wanted dvd and nav so i went for the big enchilada. Boy am i happy with this van,Its everything i had heard and read and more. The leather is of high grade and the seats are so comfortable.Having DVD made our trip to Asheville NC quiet with two teenagers and a 6 year old in the back. And without nav i would not have attempted as much of the exploring i did in Asheville.I read some of the complaints on here about being given strange routes but it does give options to route by easiest,direct,hwy . I found the nav very user friendly and powerful. The new Odyssey is a technological wonder and why Honda rules minivan market!!

• 

  love this civic - 2005 Honda Civic
  By diane eisele - June 21 - 7:00 am

  Honda was my dream car after our last "American car" purchase, a Ford ranger pick up with a transmission made in France and an international array of car parts, I decided on reliability, fuel economy and ease of handling. And it is fun to drive. Exactly what I got.

• 

  Awesome car - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Steven - June 21 - 6:13 am

  I have had this car for nearly 4 months and am so happy with it. Yeah, it gets the stares and every person whos sat in it talks about the interior. I have to say that, for the money I spent, there is NO BETTER CAR than this Civic (and I considered the Mazda3 and Ford Focus). I spent months researching, test driving, and learning what I could to make an informed decision. I mean, come on... were talking a major investment. 4 months and about 4500 miles later, Im grinning.

• 

  Great Car - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Barney54 - June 20 - 10:16 pm

  I purchased this car based on past experiences with Honda. After almost 5,000 miles, I have no complaints. Gas mileage is around 22-23 in town and 29-30 on the highway. The longest trip was 500 miles and the car was a pleasure to drive the entire time. Im 62" and have plenty of room.

• 

  Great Car, this my second Accord - 2017 Honda Accord
  By Kenny Sarpong - June 20 - 6:07 pm

  This is roomy, great style and smooooth and quiet on highway. The infotainment can be clunky but all around as usual Honda delivered.

• 

  Nice Little Car - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Psychprofessor - June 20 - 5:44 pm

  Ive had the car for close to 2 years but dont drive it on the highway all that often. Also, the town I live in is really bad for gas mileage, with stop signs and traffic lights at seemingly ever corner--and lots of corners! On the highway, Ive gotten high 30s, which seems pretty good to me. In town, Im lucky to get 23 mpg. I like the seats a lot, and its one of the few cars Ive had that doesnt have any rattles. Also, Ive had no problems to complain about when I take it to be serviced.

• 

  Im lovin it! - 2006 Honda Accord
  By griff33 - June 19 - 6:20 pm

  Just purchased my 2006 accord and absolutely am in love! Originally owned a 1993 accord and sadly traded it for an SUV! BIG MISTAKE. I drive a lot and this car is a pleasure to drive and its nimble on the highways when needed. The leather seats are comfortable and the navi will be a great asset to me for business meetings.

• 

  My Little Honda Pilot - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By shallwechat - June 19 - 4:52 pm

  I never knew how good a vehicle could be until I had this one! We LOVE it! I think it gets pretty good gas mileage, 18-19 in town and 21 or so on the highway. It has just enough room for us in case we have to leave during hurricane season, myself, my hubby, my son, 2 dogs, 3 cats, 1 turtle (and a partridge in a pear tree maybe - lol). It rides smooth, shifts smooth and I have had many compliments on it! My next vehicle will definitely be another Honda pilot!