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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  Big Guy with small car - 2004 Honda Insight
  By Bob Alford - November 15 - 2:00 am

  I really love this car. It has done everything I ask of it and more.

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  purchased in 2001 - 2004 Honda Insight
  By ponykywest - November 15 - 2:00 am

  I bought my insight in 2001 and i still love it ,I can park anywhere,with the manual transmission i can get the power i need and i fill up once a month.the only downside is i kind of miss seeing the lady at the gas station cuz she use to crack me up and in my old vehicle i saw her at least once a week

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  I love it! - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By debbie - November 15 - 12:00 am

  I love this new cr-v. Im getting pretty good mpg around 23/24. Wish that were better. I love the roominess of the interior. Has pretty good pick up a little lacking on hills but overall its great. I love the look of it. Great in snow..

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  Rodeo in Disguise - 2000 Honda Passport
  By SAFIRI - November 13 - 2:00 am

  So far, Ive loved this truck. Got a good deal on a used one from Car Max. Its size is big enough to seat 5 comfortably but not too big to fit in the garage. It is an Isuzu Rodeo so I dont understand how this could rate so poorly when the Rodeo rates better than average. Gas mileage could improve but that can also be worked out with minor upgrades to your engine oil, spark plugs and air filter (and a "Tornado"). Pick up is not apparent until you really need it and then it gets up and goes. Overall a very nice truck.

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  Disappointed in 2nd Odyssey mileage - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By Pat R. - November 11 - 2:26 pm

  Owned a 2005 Odyssey for 4+ years and traded it with 75,000 miles for the new 2005 Touring edition Odyssey in September 2004. Have been very disappointed with city gas mileage--my previous Odyssey got about 17 mpg and the 2005 was advertised to get approx. 20 mpg city and 28 highway. I average 14.5 mpg city and 22-23 highway. Needless to say am not happy and am seriously thinking of selling and buying the Toyota Sienna. I have owned 5 Hondas and have been a loyal customer but maybe its time to make a change.

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  Good Commuter Car - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Mike1900 - November 11 - 1:16 am

  Car is a great commuter car. Comfy and good steering feel. I drive 50% Highway/City. Ive owned the car for 3 months now and I have 2 complaints. Im only averaging 27.0 mpg driving normally. Trying to be as light footed as possible, I managed 29.8mpg. Driving agressively gets me 25mpg. I took it to the dealer and they insist its my driving. Nothing wrong with the alignment. The other problem is the really cheap sun visor. When I move it to the side to block the sun. It feels really cheap and when I turn left slightly faster than normal, it swings around and knocks me in the head. This has happened to me over 6 times and now I have to use my left hand to hold it when I turn

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  GREAT VAN but something is wrong with odometer - 2015 Honda Odyssey
  By kathyc - November 10 - 9:34 am

  The odometer is off. I believe the milage is inflated. I complained to Honda. They said it was correct. I traveled from lower Michigan to central Florida. At most milage should have been +1,400. The odometer was + 2,100 miles. IT IS AT LEAST 25% INFLATED. BUYER BEWARE.

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  Great car for the price - 1995 Honda Accord
  By motac23 - November 10 - 2:00 am

  I just bought this 95 with a 5-speed and I have no regrets. I did have to replace items in the car, but they are simple maintenance items, except for the timing belt. The gas gauge however was the only non-normal fix I had to repair. And be prepared to pay premium prices for parts, they are not cheap. Suggest learning diy-maintenance to avoid dealership costs of repair.

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  Happy With Long-Term Ownership - 2000 Honda Odyssey
  By cincyracer - November 10 - 2:00 am

  Overall, our Ody has been everything wed come to expect from Honda. Reliable transportation that doesnt "overwhelm" in any one area, but is above average in all.

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  Bills 99 Honda Accord Review - 1999 Honda Accord
  By Billryan1111 - November 10 - 2:00 am

  Other than a new set of tires, changing the oil and adding gasoline to the tank, this car is the most reliable Ive owned. Always starts - never fails.