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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  2 years, 43,000 miles and no problems. - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By FlashRed - April 18 - 8:30 am

  We bought our Odyssey to replace our 01 RAV4. With 2 kids, it was tops on our list. Looked at the other vans, but they did not compare. Ive seen some reviews with people having issues with their 05, but we have had only one, and that was a CD getting stuck in the CD player. Other than that its been perfect. We are averaging 22 miles per gallon. So Im not sure what some on here are expecting from a 244hp 4400lb vehicle. We have absolutely no complaints about the economy of our van. We just love our van.

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  Odyssey make ownership fun again - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By Curtis Yokubaitis - April 17 - 6:55 pm

  After two years, I still tell my wife every time we drive it how much I love this van! Handles like FWD sports car, power and acceleration of a sports truck, and simply beautiful. After two 6,000 mile trips across country, I can proudly say that this is the best car Ive ever owned, or even traveled in! DVD - awesome seating - awesome windows, storage, luggage rack, even the spare tire - awesome. We drive this car 10 miles daily, and 50 more miles each weekend. Gas mileage is so much better than SUV, but just as much room. Remember the old days when people wanted to throw the kids in the car and go for a long drive? We do this every weekend now, and we look for excuses to stay out.

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  Very nice! - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By Homey - April 17 - 6:13 pm

  I am a certified enemy of the mini-van and am embarrassed that I like this vehicle so much.

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  Great Car for the money - 2007 Honda Pilot
  By CE Shepherd - April 17 - 1:28 pm

  I have the green interior, it shows some spots. Other than this small item. Love the truck / SUV.

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  My New CR-V - 2017 Honda CR-V
  By maria c - April 17 - 7:07 am

  Love everything about it...no complaints...great mpg

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  Better than hoped for. - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By Whit - April 17 - 7:06 am

  We take two fishing trips to Canada each summer.18 foot boat loaded with gear.Back seat full, bed full including 4cu ft freezer. Drives great, only notice load braking and uphill.

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  My Honda - 1991 Honda Accord
  By tnfhonda - April 17 - 12:05 am

  I have owned my 91 Accord for two years now, and it is pushing 200,000 miles. Its a pretty good car. Im learning how to maintain it and Im adding new things to it all the time. On long highway trips I can hold this car steady at 90mph easily. I can even hang with BMWs! Its a great car.

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  Second Times a Charm - 1996 Honda Accord
  By myhond - April 16 - 5:02 pm

  This is actually my second Accord.I love the way this car performs and handles. All the controls are in the right place and the interior is in impeccable condition for a pre-owned vehicle. Gas mileage is great. Although it still doesnt have the same performance as my 2000 which I loved, it still comes in a very close second. The VTEC moves out when you mash on it effortlessly even with the automatic. And the ABS stops on a dime. After keeping it a for a few more years, Im gonna get yet another Accord.

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  Stylish and sporty - 2016 Honda Accord
  By TjKing - April 16 - 12:42 pm

  Purchased 2016 Accird, great safety features, great looks without the thousands of dollars spent on imports like BMW or Mercedes. For the money best sedan out there. Honda has stepped up their game and come out with another great Accird

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  2003 Honda Element - 2003 Honda Element
  By Frank U - April 16 - 10:00 am

  We have only had this one for about 5 months, but I can not say enough about the vehicle. We have bought about 10 cars in our lives, and this purchase was simple, and enjoyable. An absolute first for me. Quick, comfortable, and fun to drive, Honda has done itself proud.