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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  Happy! - 2007 Honda Element
  By Nikki - May 26 - 9:48 pm

  I love my Element. Its so roomy and not all cramped and confining. My husband is not a small man and in some small SUVs his head actually touches the roof and theres no leg room. He is very comfortable whether riding or driving. Weve taken several vacations in our Element too. Great gas mileage, fun to drive. I love how the back seats lay all the way flat, fold to the side or come completly out to create more cargo space. And when youre riding in the back the seats actually sit higher than the driver so you can see out & over the people in the front. My dog is a taxi for my two Boxers and they love to go for rides. Overall very very staisfied element owner!

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  THE BEST - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By Muhammad - May 26 - 5:00 pm

  WHEN COMPARED TO THE TOYOTA SIENNA THIS VAN HANDS DOWN BEATS IT. ITS FASTER, looks nicer, and is more technologically advanced. I actually considered buying a Lincoln Navigator but the fuel economy was too bad....the odyssey has 20/28 mpg, is just as spactious, and comes with more options for a lower price.....well not that low....About 40K with all the options

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  Love the interior - 2005 Honda Element
  By Christy peterson - May 26 - 11:50 am

  I have 4 pets and I love the easy clean up. I love this vehicle for its many uses and reliability. Could improve on wind noise, longer and wider visor, roll down back windows, maybe coarse rubber in rear section to keep things for sliding

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  New Car - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By Jack Lott - May 26 - 6:03 am

  Im 57 and this is the best car I have ever owned. I spent a week in snow storms and it handled perfectly. Very reliable and fun to drive.

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  Great, Just what I needed. - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By Patricia Harrell - May 26 - 2:41 am

  Car fills my needs perfectly. Attractive, comfortable, peppy, lots of cargo space.

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  Back to Honda - 2013 Honda Accord
  By suwish - May 24 - 11:10 am

  My last car was 2007 BMW 335i Coupe so I was worried about getting bored with a normal car. Not so with the Accord Sports 4D or the Coupe with paddle shifter. The 4 cyl is plenty powerful, quiet, great handling, & fantastic gas mileage. I got the Coupe LX-S which is the base model yet it came with bluetooth, auto temp control, back up camera, cruise. Missed my remote access but thats it. Back to lower maintenance cost, less gas, & feeling smart about getting good value. Got it at $22,393 with sticker at $24,990. Damn good car for the money.

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  Excellent (for a van).... - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By ldc1956 - May 24 - 8:37 am

  We bought one of the last of these built prior to model styling change. Towards the end Honda offered DVD with cloth seating (EX RES) before, DVD was only available with leather. The Odyssey was one of the few models which would allow us to fit four car seats (4 kids under 4 yrs.) while enabling access for an adult to buckle 3rd row passengers without removing 2nd row car seats and occupants. Weve taken to turning off the interior light with the dash master switch because weve run the battery down several times when we didnt know one of the kids had switched on their overhead light. Other than the transmission lubrication recall, weve gone 22K miles with no repairs, just regular maint.

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  Honda Odyssey - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By Joyce - May 24 - 6:13 am

  I am a first time Honda owner. This vehicle far surpasses all the other vehicles I have owned in my lifetime. The color is perfect, Desert Sand Metallic, the ease in driving is wonderful, as far as the cars performance I expect to have nothing but good things to say about it since I have only owned it for two days. I love the way the car handles and everything is in easy reach for the driver. Visibility is superb as is the sound system. I would heartily recommend this vehicle to any prospective buyer.

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  Excellent Van - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By hartk84 - May 24 - 5:40 am

  The craftsmanship and attention to detail is awesome. Honda and Toyota are light years ahead of anything the US automobile companies are putting out. So far no complaints I will check back in a year to let you all know how things are going.

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  Odyssey 2005 - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By Pazbien - May 23 - 10:16 pm

  Ever Since I purchased my odyssey 2005 I cant live without it. Excellent Handling, user-friendly features, smooth ride, excellent exterior design.