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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  2016 Honda Odyssey EX-L w/navigation - 2016 Honda Odyssey
  By Joe Butcher - August 27 - 11:34 am

  Research the vehicle value. Test drive, but dont purchase on the spot. Challenge the lowest price with an even lower price and send your offer to the dealership. Rule #1: Best prices will be found at high volume dealers. Dealerships with low inventory have to make their profit off the customer, not incentives from the manufacturer. Dont believe the old line: You are asking me to sell my vehicle for less than I paid for it...how can I stay in business without a profit? Case in point: Every dealership I called was quoting $37,000+ drive out (list $38,900) and two said $35,700 was the lowest drive out price possible. One dealership, Honda of Conyers, knocked off over $7K the list price and sold me the van for $34,934 drive out with 1.9% financing for 4 years. The reason for them to deal was they received the van from another high volume dealership and it had sat on their lot for 60 days or more. According to Donald Trump (Art of the deal), any deal you cant walk away from is a deal your are too emotionally involved with to get a good deal (paraphrased). Case in point: I originally negotiated a purchase with a Honda dealership for $36,000 drive out and was sitting at the finance managers desk with $1500 cash and a certified cashiers check for $8500. The finance manager and subsequent sales manager told me their dealership had a "policy" against taking cashiers checks and told me I would have to cash the check and bring them the cash. I told them if they wouldnt take the check I was walking out...and they refused to waive their policy, and I walked. Praise God, because 5 days later Honda of Conyers agreed to sell me the same van for $1066 less and would have taken my cashiers check (but I had subsequently cashed it in preparation for a cleaner deal). Also, Internet sites like Edmunds and TruCar have their favorite dealerships, and dont actually give you access to all the possibilities. Most will only provide 1 or 2 dealership prices, not necessarily the lowest. In fact, Honda of Conyers was not mentioned by either site and they were the lowest. Good luck and be that educated consumer!

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  140,000 miles and going - 2006 Honda CR-V
  By takethisandthat - August 27 - 11:33 am

  I have no mechanical problems at all with this car. The gas mileage is 26 on the hwy which should be better. The seats are very hard, had to buy a gel seat to sit on. It handles OK but in the wind it gets moved around some. Also, it is loud from road noise. My black paint is like cheap nail polish. But I am sure I will drive this over 200,000 and have no problems.

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  My First Car - 2007 Honda Civic
  By Sam - August 27 - 9:33 am

  My dad just got me the Honda Civic EX as my first car. I was on the bubble between this and the mazda 6. I couldnt be happier with our choice. its fun to drive, my friends love it. I get great fuel mileage which is great because my school is far... For only a 140 hp engine it drives so smoothly and with great handling.

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  Good choice! - 2009 Honda Odyssey
  By teresa - August 27 - 8:28 am

  Had a 2006 odyssey lease. Love the new EXL with auto tailgate. Researched many models and bought the best! Got a very fair price and good dealer experience. Also great for traveling, holds everything for a months vacation. Also like our color choice which is dark cherry. Very pleased with our purchase.

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  Last Honda we will buy! - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By Robert G - August 26 - 8:03 pm

  We have had 2 Pilots, Accord, Element, and 3 CRVs. More problems with this one than all the rest put together. This stupid transmission "CVT" sucks! The vibrations! We have had the computer reprogramed three times and although better I would never pull the trigger and buy it. Several times since the week it was new it has, when backing out of the garage, shook hard, engine revs and then settles down. The other day it did that and died. Although all over the web dealer says it was fine and did not duplicate when in for service. Honda needs to quit running so many adds on TV and get back to building good cars. Seems to be run by marking and bean counters these days.

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  Not just willing, eager - 2008 Honda S2000
  By dynosaur0 - August 26 - 5:24 pm

  Ive owned many cars over forty years: Sunbeam Alpine, Alfa Romeo Spyder, MGB and BMW 2002, back when. With a family, later, I was lucky with more practical, fun cars: VW GTI and BMW M3. Last year, I bought my S2000 in rich, pearlescent Rio Yellow. My wife was worried about the yellow. After she saw it, she said it was a perfect color for the shape and character of the car. This is the most eager, engaging car Ive ever driven. It doesnt isolate you from the road or insulate you from the experience of covering ground. This is the most reliable open-top sports car made. Its instantaneous responses to driver input make it the best performance value available.

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  Great little car - 2009 Honda Fit
  By hybrid fan - August 26 - 1:22 pm

  Im not an aggressive driver so I havent used the paddle shifters and theyre kind of a nuisance because they get in the way when Im turning the wheel fully around. The front scoop looks cool but is pretty low and a family member has already caught it on a curb and popped it out so now I tend to be extra careful driving over bumps, dips, etc.

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  car review - 2010 Honda Accord
  By Gail Karslo - August 26 - 11:16 am

  The car ride is exceptional. Our salesperson convinced us it was a terrific ride and he was correct and we truly enjoy the overall experience.

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  I love My CR-V - 2010 Honda CR-V
  By Bellbrook - August 26 - 9:00 am

  This car drives like a nice sedan. You dont feeling you are driving an SUV. I have shopped around for more than a year for small SUV. I considered Toyota RAV4, However the CRV-10 is a clear winner. Smooth ride refine interior, in short Honda is quality. I owned a pilot, civic and accord, I wanted to change to other cars. I came back to Honda. Honda is quality and dealer was professional, I owned a civic for 11 year and selling it now for a decent money. If you want SUV with a smooth ride and peace of mind go CRV and you will be a winner.

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  I am a very satisfied Honda owner - 2002 Honda Accord
  By ryankiel - August 26 - 5:25 am

  It was my dream to by a reliable car, although I never thought I could afford a Honda. Well, I had the opportunity to buy my Honda four years ago when it had 25000 miles on it. Now it has 75000 miles on it, and I still have not had any problems. It runs like a top. My goal is to reach 300,000 miles, and it seems very likely that that will happen. I have been very careful to maintain it. Although some Accords have had transmission problems, I hope with mine it will never happen. It seems that with Hondas, usually if they are maintained, they will run for a long time.