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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  2005 Honda Odyssey Touring with Nav/DVD - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By rwbache - December 22 - 10:00 am

  Its still a new car but it is wonderful to drive. Great performance and unparalleled safety features including the new run flat tires. I strongly recommend this minivan.

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  One of the best van in the market - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By Odywoman - December 22 - 10:00 am

  Cannot describe how much I like the van. I have test drive soooo many vans out there, and Odyssey is the best.

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  Simple Elegance - 2005 Honda Accord
  By Dave from Baltimore - December 22 - 10:00 am

  Comfortable, elegant and stylish although younger crowd may want more flash. Easily handles highway driving and makes it enjoyable to drive 70 miles daily. Space is great, including trunk, audio controls on steering wheel are easy to use. Storage is convenient. All around a comfortable car at an excellent price for what is offered. I recommend the Accord. Luxury feeling without luxury cost.

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  Fun Car! - 1998 Honda Prelude
  By CGR - December 21 - 10:48 pm

  I just bought a 98 base Prelude because I was bored of the family sedan... and this car isnt boring! Its VTEC system with a relative lack of low-end torque is like having 2 cars - the first is the low revving economical commute happy at 2k, and it is equally happy up to 7k scaring the pants off you at how quickly you reached "too fast". It feels heavy to me, as if I shouldnt try throwing it around - but when I do I never get into trouble! There may be better cars than the Prelude, but I doubt many will give you this kind of fun for the same price.

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  Looked for a Year... - 2007 Honda Ridgeline
  By mbertaut - December 21 - 11:49 am

  If you, like me, own two gas cans, three propane bottles, and a Great Dane, BUT have to commute 40 miles a day to work and back, you want both truck and very well-built car too. Ridgeline is both, and does both very well. Last Honda I had went 200k miles over 13 years with no issues, so how could I not go Honda again? Love the truck, rides very smooth, extremely safe in bad weather, computers are smarter than I am and keep me out of trouble. Only drawback is gas mileage, Im getting 17 city, no highway test yet.

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  My first hybrid, and its a Honda! - 2009 Honda Civic
  By IPA2 - December 21 - 1:00 am

  THIS IS MY FIRST HYBRID, and its only a day old or so. I wanted to write about my first impressions and a few months from now, Ill write again. First of all the ride is smooth and solid. With the CVT, SHIFTING IS SEAMLESS, because there arent any gears, just one consistent motion. The style looks like a Civic, so dont expect people to stop and notice your new Hybrid. However, you can smile and know how your new car isnt thirsty for gas, and the stereo is top notch. The interior leather is very comfortable, and the blue luminous gauges have a futuristic look and very easy to read.We got a fantastic lease, $305/ 36 month. Only first payment down, plus they paid off our other lease, 2months.

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  My wifes Honda Civic EX - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Garry L. Mohr - December 20 - 11:26 pm

  I looked at other cars and chose the Honda Civic 4-dr EX because of its style, resale value and because my wife liked the way it looked and felt for her. I wanted her to like the Civic Si, but she wanted a four door with a automatic, what can I say, sigh.

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  Review - 2005 Honda Accord
  By Brian - December 20 - 5:23 pm

  Very nice. Much more exciting than a Camry. Smooth ride, handling not bad. very nice interior. missing some features however. alloy wheels are an improvement from 04. overall great car for the price.

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  Best minivan for the money! - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By Mike - December 20 - 3:40 pm

  I have never owned a minivan so my due diligence in purchasing this vehicle was extensive. I checked every option and every model from every manufacturer. Hands down, the Odyssey far exceeded the competition. In truth, only the Sienna was a close second. Honda should be commended for raising the bar.

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  Our second Ody for a reason - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By LHorton - December 20 - 3:36 pm

  This is the most luxurious van you could ever want to drive. It has a very smooth ride. You can feel the transmission shift, but there is no jerking whatsoever. The ride is very quiet, with very little road noise. The inside looks like a luxury sedan and is quite spacious. The lazy susan is a dream come true for parents whose children like to travel with their Gameboys and games or for those who carry expensive items like cameras who want to have a place to lock it out of the sight of the outside world. The middle console in between the middle row is a favorite of our two sons. I just cant say enough about this beautiful automobile.