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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  good for the money - 2003 Honda Accord
  By SoR - October 15 - 10:00 am

  so far its great, engine is great, enough power, its fun to drive, sound system is great for stock, I like integrated a/c controlls and the whole interior look. Negative sides - some rattles in the dash, headliner seems to be peeling of, looks like lack of quality control - will take it to the dealer. Also, handling would be better with different tires but overall its not bad. Too early to tell if theres anything else - 1200 miles.

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  VERY GOOD BUY!!!!!! - 2003 Honda Accord
  By ezp - October 15 - 10:00 am

  This is a very solid car for a very good price. You feel as though you are driving a more expensive car. The ride is very smooth and conroled and extremely quiet. The sound system is suprising very good and Honda ROCKS!!

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  Amazing - Luxury Van - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By Tim - October 15 - 6:56 am

  Outstanding vehicle. It actually feels more like a large European luxury sedan. Plenty of power, excellent handling, well thought out, luxurious interior. Weve owned a 99 Odyssey and a 2004 Pilot. I thought the interior on the Pilot was a big upgrade on the 99 Odyssey. Well the 05 interior on the Odyssey is amazing. Honda could have slapped an Acura badge on this thing and it would have sold. Unless you need AWD, the Odyssey is the clear choice for families. By the way, it does nicely in the snow. The overall quality of the vehicle makes me feel like Im driving a $50k+ luxury car. At less than $30k out the door for a EX-L, its a steal.

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  my sporty grey honda is fun to drive - 2015 Honda Civic
  By N. Bradshaw - October 15 - 2:00 am

  Hondas are great cars

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  Highway MPG - Fantastic - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By Another Happy Camper - October 14 - 7:55 pm

  Purchased 3 weeks ago, at 500 miles took a trip from central NC to mountains and back. First leg was from Raleigh to Asheville and down to the foothills (368 mi), MPG w/mtn driving was 29.4. From foothills back home (174 mi) we averaged 33.1. That was w/4 people/luggage, ~ 650 lbs total w/ one stop-n-go section about a mile due to an accident. The sweet spot in fuel efficiency is approx 2100 RPM, about 68 mph. Around town avge isnt quite what I hoped, about 21.5. If you use the mpg computer & the tach, you can get very good mileage with this vehicle. Also, my tires pressure was low about 5lbs, the TPM system tipped me off, when corrected before second leg, saw a noticeable increase in mpg.

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  Love my Honda - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Love my Accord - October 14 - 2:30 pm

  This is a great car - comfortable, heated seats are great, above average mileage, gets the looks.

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  Seperate yourself from the norm. - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By RTLTATE - October 14 - 11:20 am

  Ive owned them all, and if you are the average consumer with the need for light duty towing and room for five men, this is the truck for you. Not too big, not too small.

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  2016 Honda CR- V - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By hugh graham - October 14 - 5:41 am

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  Excellent Vehicle - 1995 Honda Accord
  By El-Duro - October 13 - 9:59 pm

  I bought this car when it was 2 yrs old and had it for almost ten years. Very reliable. During my first two years the only things I had to change were the muffler and the battery. Other than regular scheduled maintenance and normal wear I only had to change the radiator ,the axle and a couple of hoses. Great overall vehicle, looking forward to my new 2008 accord

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  Superb Craftsmanship - 2013 Honda Accord
  By amram - October 13 - 11:36 am

  For 2013 Honda has outdone themselves with this model, I have owned several Hondas in the past; This particular year model I just had to have. The body lines, aggressive looks,commands respect and in my opinion has even outdone Hyundai in the design department, not to mention the entry price and features that it offers.