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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  We want the funk - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By bdlfe - September 10 - 4:06 pm

  One of the better driving vehicles out there. Not sure why people are bashing the mileage, theyre driving 2 tons on four wheels! I get about 25 for road trips and 16-17 local driving (Ive noticed that frequent start and stops with short distances <10 miles will drop the mileage on any car) It gets about the same or better mileage than my 02 Maxima. Ride comfort could be a little better like the Sienna but I would have to sacrafice handling. Love the space in the back, way more utility than a SUV. Actually wish there was an extended version. Love the overall design and look, IMHO the best looking minivan out there.

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  Mercedes eat your heart out! - 2016 Honda Accord
  By KennyW1988 - September 10 - 3:17 pm

  I once owned a 93 Accord that my father bought from my uncle with 260,000 miles and got rid of it at 293,000 miles. Two cars later, I finally decided to get a brand new car. To make my history complete, I knew the right choice was to get an Accord. My oh my, its definitely not a 93. This car is so gorgeous and the looks match the quality of ride, touch, and materials. Under the hood, you can tell that it will be such an easy car to maintain in the long years ahead. Everything under the hood is accessible and straight to the point. Honda is consumer oriented and makes Mercedes look like a Yugo. I love my car and to make it even better I got it in orchid pearl. Too bad its a lease and can only drive 12k a year. I want to drive it all the time. For the lease, I put $2k down and my payment is $270 with maintenence for three years. I highly consider this car over Camry, Altima, and C-Class. Get one, itll be the best decision youll ever make for your everyday commute; )

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  3rd Honda - 2007 Honda Ridgeline
  By jnlv - September 10 - 3:04 pm

  Unique non-cookie cutter looks, in-bed trunk, dual-action tailgate, roomy and comfortable interior, very smooth quiet ride, nice stereo with sub- woofer. So glad I spent a bit more and bought another Honda!

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  S2000 best sports car for price - 2003 Honda S2000
  By DEB - September 10 - 2:43 pm

  The S2000 has high horsepower, beautiful style, classy, and hugs the road. Push button start, fun to drive, top always down unless it is raining or freezing cold.

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  Great SUV - 2007 Honda Pilot
  By Chris - September 10 - 2:09 pm

  This is our second Pilot. We love this vehicle model. If you are shopping for a SUV, considering this vehicle is a must. Very roomy and easy to drive. Has great versatility, be it handling a cross country family vacation to hauling stuff from the local home improvement store.

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  Good Honda! Good girl! - 1994 Honda Prelude
  By JJ - September 10 - 11:35 am

  I bought my Prelude when it was 4 years old and had 30,000 miles on it. I knew I wanted that car the first time I test drove it, and I have not regretted buying it for even one second since I signed the contract. I love that it is a sporty, fun-to-drive car that handles well, but also has a good-sized trunk and gets 30 MPG (combined highway/city) consistently. I give her regular oil changes, and have had the timing belt/water pump replaced twice (at about 83000 mi, and again at 179000 mi). From what I understand about the engine construction, it is a very bad thing to wait for the timing belt to break, as you will then have to have a valve job too. With basic repairs, she runs & runs.

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  Love this truck - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By Mike - September 10 - 10:32 am

  I normally trade trucks every year. Since purchasing this truck I dont want to trade. I love it. 20 mpg overall for a 4x4 is great.

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  Best Sports Car Of All Time! - 2007 Honda S2000
  By Sweet2K - September 10 - 3:57 am

  Owned many cars over the years, several being of the sports variety. This car smokes! The only bad point, if you could call it that, is everyone that sees you wants to race. Their mistake, this car eats everything alive.

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  AWESOME - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Jason - September 10 - 3:53 am

  This car is great. The LX has everything I would want in a car. The price may be a little more than the Corolla, but I feel the quality isnt even comparable. The ride is SMOOTH. I have the automatic and the shifts are so smooth you cant feel them sometimes. I LOVE everything about this. I have no complaints thus far

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  Great daily runner - 2006 Honda Element
  By W.Li - September 9 - 11:25 pm

  Best daily runner I have had since my first car in 1958. Quiet, strong, rattle-free, and stable at moderate speeds. Very good on long distance trips, only one my wife can actually get some sleep in on real long night drives. Getting 26mpg on a 5-speed in mixed 50-50 driving on a daily basis. Real easy to park.