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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  One Hot Papa in a Minivan - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By wynner - July 23 - 12:46 pm

  This van has updated styling, plenty of practical, nifty features. Buyers - compare the practicality of the Pilot vs the Ody and youll see - from easier access to better power, unless you NEED AWD go for the van. Its a sign that good cars CAN be built in America with proper planning / engineering. Power everything is great, ease of driving excellent, comfort excellent!

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  Screamer with Honda reliability - 2006 Honda S2000
  By 30309 - July 23 - 1:48 am

  This is my second Honda S2000, I owned a 2003 and sold the car for a BMW M3 and I missed owning my S2000 so much that I purchased a 2006. I do wish the redline was 9000 rpm, but that is my only complaint about this amazing car. The car still will get a second look from people, wondering if it is an expensive German or Italian car. Thank you Honda for making a FANTASTIC car :)

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  great car - 1994 Honda Accord
  By liltigg - July 22 - 10:00 am

  the honda accord is a great car and fun to drive, mine is 10 years old and i have had no problems with it.

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  My review - 1999 Honda Accord
  By canddmeyer - July 22 - 10:00 am

  Fantastic. Two minor complaints otherwise its perfect. When Honda makes a full-sive SUV or pickup as good as the Accord, domestics are in more trouble. Will definitely buy another (wife insists).

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  Quality Ride - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By Hollywood - July 22 - 10:00 am

  It is great to have a quality vehicle in our family.Before purchasing our Odessy, we were riding in a four door Ford Explorer. On long trips it was difficult for my wife to get to our 4 months old twins when they were crying. Now that we have our van it is easier to walk between the seat to care for our children. We do not even have to get out the vehicle. The Odessy is a vehicle that can grow with our family for a long while.

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  This car is SWEET!!! - 2003 Honda Civic
  By djlbuddy - July 22 - 10:00 am

  My 95 Honda Civic DX was totaled. I decided the Honda Civic was still the best bang for my buck. The engine is so smooth, I cant tell its running when Im waiting for my order at Sonic. I have taken it through some paces at speed, and while it isnt a Ferrari, It handled well and I am confident in its abilities. Passing or using the fast lane in Houston is no problem, because the engine has great power in the upper gears (3-5). The seats are reeeaaally comfortable. There isnt much road noise, and the stereo works just fine. All in all, I have overwhelmingly positive comments.

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  Great Car...but whats with the radio. - 2003 Honda Civic
  By SameeJudge - July 22 - 10:00 am

  We bought the EX, top of the line. Its a great car. But you would think they would put in an audio system that you could tune without taking your eyes off the rode. The buttons are so small I am contantly hitting two at a time. And dont even think of trying to play some old tapes, only comes with a CD. Again, with the EX you think Honda would of had a CD/Tape combo.

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  Great Family Car for the price - 2016 Honda HR-V
  By Gabriel - July 22 - 1:52 am

  I am very pleased with the Honda HR-V. My gf and I bought ours in June of 2015. were now in December and we have 13k miles. The Hrv is hers of course, but i wouldnt mind driving it everyday myself. The seats are more comfortable than the Mercedes Benz she had (a 2007 c230 Sport) even though we got the LX i am happy with the features that come with it. The Bluetooth works great, the microphone sounds ok on the other end. We dont have kids but it comes in handy when we need to bring our families around. I will say the back seat is a little too bumpy of a ride. it feels like the shocks are a little too stiff. But the front cabin is great. Cabin noise is very low and the stereo is good. This is the first car with CVT that weve experienced and it takes time to get used to. The shift points are unnoticeable and its noisy when you step on it for getting up on the highway. It is by no means a race car or fast. It shares the engine with a Civic non-SI so, maintenance will never be a problem since i used to own a 2008 civic with the same engine. My old civic had 113k miles and it had no problems and i had it slammed on the floor with no issues. Were averaging 30.0mpg and we have made a game with the color ring on the gauge cluster to see if we can keep the ring dark green. I like the fact that its smaller and more stylish on the exterior than the CRV and we dont regret buying an HRV, we just regret not waiting for an EX to become available. I would give this car a 5 star. Bigger than a fit smaller than a CRV with the engine of a Civic. Excellent value for the price

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  Definitely a Repeat Buyers Car - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Patrick - July 22 - 1:13 am

  This is the third Honda Civic Ive owned. With each body style, the cars design and comfort are improved upon. The handling and performance seem to be even better than prior incarnations of this car as well. The mileage is a major selling point as well.

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  So far its everything I needed. - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By P-Bear - July 21 - 3:03 am

  Growing up with pick-up trucks on our farm, I have first hand knowledge of what the traditional truck is supposed to handle. The problem is, I dont haul cattle, horses, or feed anymore and the concrete highways here are a bit smoother than the West Texas farm land I grew up on. That being said, my Ridgeline is a multi-purpose vehicle that handles everything that my family needs at this time. Reliability, seating, room, pick-up a yard or two of soil for our yard, haul hardware for the house, etc, etc. And the driving experience is just remarkable. I understand what the traditional truck is supposed to do and they do it extremely well, but for what I need, this "truck" nails it!