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 Accord Sport - 2016 Honda Accord
  By Lee Phan - June 27 - 12:09 am

  Accord Sport

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  Great Car - 2000 Honda Odyssey
  By jv.wojciechowski - June 26 - 11:54 pm

  Well I purchased my 2000 Honda Odyssey brand new. I personally have never had problems with my car! No transmission problems, my cd and navigation work fine, and no repairs on the sliding doors! My wife drove this car around and never a problem, so I totally recommend this car! If you were to take a look at my Honda it still looks brand new! I liked the Honda Odyssey so much that I actually recently purchased the 08 Odyssey touring, more expensive than the 2000 but same quality. And quality doesnt come cheap!

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  Family Hauler - 2009 Honda Odyssey
  By Firerobin - June 26 - 11:12 pm

  We just recently upgraded from a Saturn Vue to the Honda Odyssey. We couldnt be happier with the upgrade. At first the wife was worried about her coolness factor and driving a minivan, but after driving it for a few weeks she is in love with the room and convenience. I like it for the features and handling. On many occasions now Ive been driving at highway speeds when a light turns red and Im worried about stopping in time an was initially surprised that I stopped with no problem and had room to spare. In the Vue, I would have had trouble stopping. The seats are comfortable, everything seems to be of good build quality.

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  Good and they know it! - 2004 Honda Accord
  By R. Jones - June 26 - 9:50 pm

  A really dependable and basically fun car to drive in the 5 speed manual transmission model. Put 11,000 miles on this car in six months of driving it. A multitude of features that speak well of Hondas attention to driver and passenger needs. Would have bought a 2005 model, but my dealer bumped the model for model price up over $3,000 above what I paid for this car.

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  Good but Not so Good - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By MarylandBob - June 26 - 7:13 pm

  Traded a Titan for this vehicle, Ridgeline much easier to handle and more fuel efficient. Seems well built and interior styling is good, exterior is groundbreaking. Drives like a car, easy to get in/out, locking trunk under bed is the best feature. Not so good-hesitation during acceleration, air leak sounds, interior moisture, windows and now floor board. Moisture causing unpleasant odor like old shoes. Dealer has new replacement windshield on order and others are reporting moisture problems with bad welds. Didnt expect this trouble paying top dollar for top-of-the line truck. Well see how all is repaired.

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  Honda Odyssey has the worst AC - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By A Hasan - June 26 - 2:09 pm

  Now I am paying 900 dollars to fix the AC whereas my car is only 4 and 1/2 years old. So I am not happy at all with Honda Odyssey.

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  ITS A NICE CAR - 2017 Honda Accord
  By DAVID Ross - June 26 - 1:23 pm

  Everything is great except the ride is too bouncy.

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  Great truck for the money - 2009 Honda Ridgeline
  By Phil - June 26 - 12:37 pm

  This is an excellent truck for the money. Base level model has all the features youd want. It drives like a large car with a comfortable ride yet has the utility of a truck. Truck capabilities more than adequate for light duty work (towing a boat, hauling yard stuff or pulling a smaller RV) yet space and driving manners perfect for a family. This is about as close as one can get to the perfect vehicle that does everything for everyone. I have only had it for about a week and put on about 500 miles yet I am delighted with it. I have owned F150s which are also excellent trucks but this is by far a better value for someone in need of a "pleasure truck" (F150 much better heavy duty work truck).

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  Honda civics will rule the world - 2005 Honda Civic
  By sandrasmith - June 26 - 12:00 pm

  This car has so much power. I love it. I used to drive a minivan and thought changing into a car that is much lower would be horrible. It ended up being fantastic and Ive never loved a car more.

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  Well built Honda - 2004 Honda Accord
  By Ken - June 26 - 6:56 am

  I have had my 2004 Honda Accord for over two years. I am very happy with it. The V6 engine is very powerful which makes it great for highway passing and merging. All this power on regular gas (unlike the Nissans). This car handles extremely well and is very nimble in city traffic. The interior quality is top notch for a car of this class. My two wishes for this car are stronger brakes and heated mirrors. The problems I have had to date are that my engine check light came on at 5000 miles due to a loose emission canister and warped brake rotors at about 35000 miles which caused some steering wheel vibration during braking at high speeds. These issues were repaired under warranty.