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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  More for the money - 2009 Honda Pilot
  By james - March 29 - 3:34 pm

  We originally stayed away from this vehicle due to the so called expert reviews. Sorry boys but you have missed the mark. We went looking for months and at the end of the day the new Pilot is the choice for those with any common since. The Tahoe is supposedly a full size yet the Pilot with all three seats up can hold something in the rear. "like a cooler!!!!!" The Tahoe, with all the seats up, you could not get a full size cooler in the back. Take a hint Detroit.

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  Car - 2008 Honda Odyssey
  By dictory - March 29 - 12:43 pm

  We bought this car in 2008 and it is wonderful. It runs great. The navigation system is great and it has zagat 2007 restaurant ratings. When I drove it, it was smooth, not bumpy. The gear shifter is at the dashboard, unlike the Dodge caravan, which is on the steering wheel. The rear-seat entertainment system is good and it features two wireless headphones. It is spacious and the seats are comfortable. Overall, I love the Odyssey!

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  Love it! - 2009 Honda Civic
  By Lindsey - March 29 - 12:26 pm

  This is my third Civic and I absolutely love it! Hondas are simply reliable and low maintenance. Everyone comments on both the exterior and interior! I find it to drive very smoothly and havent found it to be loud. Ive been in my friends Cobalt, talk about loud and obnoxious! I have had the car for a little over six months now and Ive had no problems. I commute a pretty far distance and have also taken a long road trip. The gas mileage is great as well. I do mostly highway driving and average about 35 mpg. Its so fun to drive!

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  Long live the si - 2003 Honda Civic
  By si lover - March 29 - 10:47 am

  This car has been great! Ive driven it for a few years now and Im ready to buy a new one. The handling is great on cornering with the right tires. Acceleration isnt amazing, but hey its a 4 banger. The only complaint is the cost to repair. Nobody has parts and most people dont even know what kind of car it is. If youre a young kid and you want something with low maintenance and fun to drive this is it. Or if you live in a city its so easy to park. Great little car! Owning this car has made my wife and I Honda enthusiasts.

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  Its not my fathers Olds - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By Jim - March 29 - 2:16 am

  Great minivan. The RES is A+. We have a Dodge Grand Caravan as well and this vehicle is far superior. Test drove a pilot as well. This Van was more flexible for getting people in and out of it than the pilot. The leather interior is very nice and the heated seats are great! The car has a very tight turning radius compared to our Dodge. The interior controls are laid out nicely. The steering wheel radio controls are a bonus. Opted not to get the touring model because of the required run-flat tires. (Costly to replace) Did not have a need for the navi so I opted not to get it. Me and my wife now fight to drive this vehicle. The stereo system is weak and the speakers are lame!

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  Great car - Hondas last forever - 1997 Honda Accord
  By Accord Fan - March 28 - 7:54 pm

  Great all around car: good handling, comfortable for me at 62", quiet, no squeaks or rattles in a 12 year old car with 145k miles!, good mpg especially with the 5 spd, parts are cheap and plentiful - new kits for all front joints / tie rod ends for $100 on eBay.

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  2009 LX - Not bad - 2009 Honda Odyssey
  By ale - March 28 - 8:27 am

  We just bought the LX and have been driving it for a few days. The car is easy to handle and the ride is pretty smooth. I know it is an base model but for safety reasons, with children in mind, I wish Honda would just make all their models with electronic doors. I would have loved to purchase the EX but could not afford the price. Also would prefer the review mirrors to be a bit larger as their is a blind spot area that is hard to catch. Second, design the radio closer to the driver so youre not having to reach so far over to work the radio - some people are short. Finally, I think a tray, similar to the one in the front should also be placed between the second row seats.

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  6 speed M fun to drive - 2017 Honda Civic
  By Johan Knaven - March 28 - 6:13 am

  Comfortable, turbo w stick has lots of get up and go. Entertainment system ill thought out...could use a few hard buttons and knobs.

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  6 speed M fun to drive - 2017 Honda Civic
  By Johan Knaven - March 28 - 6:13 am

  Comfortable, turbo w stick has lots of get up and go. Entertainment system ill thought out...could use a few hard buttons and knobs.

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  6 speed M fun to drive - 2017 Honda Civic
  By Johan Knaven - March 28 - 6:13 am

  Comfortable, turbo w stick has lots of get up and go. Entertainment system ill thought out...could use a few hard buttons and knobs.