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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  Dream come true! - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By Maddie - September 2 - 10:00 am

  Only has 300 miles on it, but very happy Planned on buying a Sienna for several years, so delighted that I got the Honda Odyssey-- test drive did it-- Plenty of power, tight turn radius, smooth ride, excellent visibility, added leather and security system, price below msrp, sound system fine (not JBL) but good, huge storage and seating capabilities, look forward to traveling, ac more than sufficient

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  greatest car ever - 2000 Honda Accord
  By pinch - September 2 - 10:00 am

  this car kicks ass 6 ways to sunday

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  Accord Sedan LX-V6 - 2001 Honda Accord
  By ISU - September 2 - 10:00 am

  I have own this Accord for almost 3 years. Nothing went wrong only regular oil change. Just like other Accords with strong build quality and reliability (I owned 94 Accord). In my opinion, this generation V6 accord has unresponsive transmission. This may be the trade off to its mpg. However, it still make 1 of the fastest acceleration in 3.0L V6 engine class. What can I say ?

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  Honda Civic EX - 2003 Honda Civic
  By ace_canadian - September 2 - 10:00 am

  Great reliable car that handles the commute very well. Gas milage was a big reason I bought it and it has lived up to my expectations. The 5-speed is fun to drive with short tight shifts.

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  great car - 2003 Honda Civic
  By lisa Jones - September 2 - 10:00 am

  great starter car for my daughter...she loves it and so do I

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  Cant find anything wrong with it - 2003 Honda Civic
  By Carol S. - September 2 - 10:00 am

  I just love my car. All opinions are subjective according to the driver. So for my needs this car is perfect in every way. Enough power for my driving needs, very comfortable-smooth ride for a car of its size,quiet and roomy-very attractive looking. What can I say - and its very economical and the price was right. Whats not to like?

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  Great SUV for family with 2-4 kids - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By Frank - September 2 - 6:33 am

  First I was not sure if it was enough space for us but it is plenty. Have 3 kids and me the driver is 6 feet 2. Plenty of leg room. We love this truck. Suprisingly great handling for its size. Handles like a sedan. Plenty of goodies including XM radio. The sound system is a little bit boxy. If sound that you are looking for this is not the SUV for you. Very comfortable, love the side curtain air bags and the stability control. Very well thought design interior and exterior. Friends and neigbors love my truck. 4 has been bought around my way since I got ours. Nice heated leather seats with heated mirrors. Overall this is a solid SUV that also has a great engine.

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  Cool and Cheap - 2005 Honda Element
  By Dave - September 2 - 4:00 am

  Love it, looks cool, has great floor and foldable seats. and it cheap. what more do you want

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  Best Truck Ever - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By DanChip - September 2 - 12:06 am

  This is my first truck, but not my first Honda! I have had 4 CR-Vs and this is with no doubt the best vechicle I have ever owned. It has enough power, performance and with the sun roof and standard XM radio, who could ask for more, except gas mileage. I am averaging about 19 mpg, which is not bad for a truck this size. I urge any one interested to take a test drive and you will be sold!

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  Car to buy - 2006 Honda Accord
  By Gautam Gupta - September 1 - 7:30 pm

  I have researched to buy a new car for almost six months. There were few cars in the line to buy like 2006 Passat, Mazda etc, but this car over runs every one of them. For a middle class buyers this car holds the value for the longest duration and then there is HONDA to stand behind it for the quality and performance. I have till now driven @ 500 miles and have enjoyed every bit of it. Sales persons are great.