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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  Best Family Car I Ever Had - 2001 Honda Odyssey
  By KSB - December 8 - 10:00 am

  I was relocated from overseas and have driven many different makes and models. When I was in the US, I rented a couple of mini-vans to try out the different feel. I also test drove the vehicles exhaustively and tormented all the various dealers with my line of questioning and competiveness of their cars. Almost every competitor named only one car they saw as being the finest, The Odyssey. The Odyssey emerged as the Supreme master. My wife, a new driver here in the States couldnt have started off with a better car as as well as knowing she could always feel safe with its 5 Star rating.

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  Mikey 00 civic vp - 2000 Honda Civic
  By Michael iraci - December 8 - 10:00 am

  I love my 2000 civic vp. Gives me everything i want. i just put gas in it and change the oil and go. never had a problem with it. honda are really good cars.

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  Not sure if I wanted a SUV - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By Matteoss - December 8 - 10:00 am

  I checked out both the 2001 and 2002 versions of the Honda CRV. I was very pleased with the modifications that were made from the previous edition. In particular, I liked the greater internal capacity, the way the seats fold up, and the style of the body.

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  Honda Van - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By arizona85715 - December 8 - 10:00 am

  We have had this van a little over a month with 800 miles and are very impressed with its quality, performance and features. It handles like a vehicle that is much smaller. We went through the internet department of the local dealer and the experience was very low key. Got free mud gaurds, internet discount off MSRP and free lifetime oil changes every 3750 miles as part of the severe driving conditions with Arizonas dry heat.

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  AWESOME VEHICLE!! - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By luvinit - December 8 - 10:00 am

  I LOVE THE UPGRADES!! I USED TO OWN A 1995 ODDYSEY AND NOW OWN A 2002 EXL W/DVD. OUR FIRST LONG DISTANCE TRIP IN THIS VEHICLE WAS ACTUALLY A JOY FOR ME TO DRIVE!! THE KIDS WERE ENTERTAINED THE ENTIRE WAY! POTTY BREAKS!! WHAT POTTY BREAKS?!! THE SHIFTING IS A SMOOTH AS CAN BE NOW AND THE INSIDE CABIN IS SO MUCH MORE QUIET! BRAVO HONDA!! I WOULD SUGGEST THE HONDA CARE WARRANTY - NO HASSLES - ABSOLUTELY NONE OVER THE LAST 10 YEARS WITH THIS WARRANTY.

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  Excellent Choice - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By HarryKim - December 8 - 10:00 am

  GOOOOOOOOD!

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  2001 Civic EX - 2001 Honda Civic
  By 30 something - December 8 - 10:00 am

  Excellent reliability so far. Nothing unexpected.

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  Excellent Car - 2001 Honda Accord
  By hondagrl - December 8 - 10:00 am

  This is my 2nd Accord, and I love it. It is reliable, good looking, and the V6 has enough pep to get up and go. I do wish that they werent so common, but with all the standard features, reliability, and great resale ... its no wonder so many people love them.

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  Love this car - 2017 Honda Accord
  By Ken Moffet - December 8 - 4:56 am

  Best value around

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  Bad Choice of buying Accord - 2009 Honda Accord
  By Shekar - December 7 - 3:53 pm

  Bought the accord 2009lx-p (auto trans) metal metallic in dec2008. I made choice of buying the accord bcos of its good exterior, interiors, ample leg room and better mileage as one expects of Japanese cars. But some of them are not up to my expectations. I got 14-16 mpg in city and 24-26 mpg since I bought this car. Even acura tl is better than this 2.4l accord as I got 20,26 mpg city/highway. The seats are very uncomfortable and I often feel back pain when I drive long. Bcos the car is too wide, the driver cannot rest left arm on the left arm rest of the door. Too much of road noise. I wish I bought Toyota Camry or acura tl. I recomm every one to buy Camry if u are not concerned with good acceleration.