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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  love my accord - 2016 Honda Accord
  By tomhill@bellsouth.net - July 18 - 2:19 am

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  My wife actually likes to drive a van!!! - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By llngoc - July 17 - 1:06 pm

  We have a MBZ ML430 but needed a much more reliable transportation so was set to get an AWD Sienna. But we decided to hold off until we can see the new Odyssey and the rest is history. My wifes car is a BMW 7 series and she actually compared the drive of the Odyssey to the Bimmer which I also agree. And the NAV is definitely the best of all three cars we own.

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  Best thing I could have bought! - 1997 Honda Accord
  By pastrypuff - July 16 - 9:27 pm

  I love this car! I got it 9 years old, but she still drives like a dream! At the 156,000 mile mark this car is still quiet and reliable. The gas mileage is still great, Ive had to only do little things to it. I would recomend this car to any one!

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  Great car so far. - 2007 Honda Civic
  By petee811 - July 16 - 5:16 pm

  I bought the car 2 days ago,I own a rsx- s as well, which is also a great car, but i needed a car with good fuel economy since i drive 140 mi. round trip to work most days. I like leather but the cloth seats are so comfortable i could fall asleep. the clutch works great and it shifts smooth as well. I am used to a short throw transmission, but the EX is fine. The drive by wire throttle system takes some getting used to, i am not used to the rpms "hanging" while i shift, but you get used to it. so far Im at 220 mi, and i still have half a tank! Im 63 and its hard for me to see the speedo because my hand is in the way, so i adjusted the steering wheel lower.

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  Best all around car ever - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By Jim - July 16 - 11:40 am

  love the high tech bells and whitsles. A fantastic traveling vehicle for one or for the whole family. Practicle and mulitpurpose for all kinds of activities.

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  Best Car for the Money - 2007 Honda Civic
  By CLARKBAR - July 16 - 1:40 am

  I traded in my 2000 Civic Si for the new 07 Civic Si with Nav. This car is perfect. The looks are great and it handles even better than the 2000 version. The navigation is really useful especially for people in a sales occupation. 10 out of 10 .. nothing less

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  This car is a tank. - 2004 Honda Civic
  By Rachel Day - July 15 - 11:52 pm

  This is the most reliable little car! I love my Honda Civic--granted it isnt the quietest ride and definitely has to gather itself before accelerating on the freeway on ramp, BUT Ive had this car for many years and now at a little over 150K miles it still is the most reliable car Ive owned! Just have to check the oil every 1500 miles and its good to keep on going. They just dont make them like this one anymore! If you need a basic, simple car this is a great choice!

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  Love my daily 70-mile round-trip commute - 2005 Honda S2000
  By Don - July 15 - 10:04 pm

  People think this car is my mid-life crisis... but they didnt spend a year in Iraq thinking about/researching the new car I was going to buy when I got home. My Suzuka Blue Metallic S2000 is a kick to drive: quick acceleration, precise handling, and I dont think I know where the top end is yet... if it has one! Even though my daily commute is 35 miles each way on I-5 from Puyallup to Olympia (WA), I dont mind a little traffic for all the days I get to put the top down, feel the sun and wind, and look out at Puget Sound, Mt. Rainier and the Olympic Mtns. I have the optional hardtop for the wet winter months: good visibility with the full rear window and reduced road noise. I love my S2000!

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  First SUV - 2009 Honda Pilot
  By newbytosuv - July 15 - 9:43 pm

  Replaced a horrible GMC Safari with the Honda Pilot. Should have done it sooner. Took pilot on a 500 mile trip to Myrtle Beach and got 22+ MPG during break in. Fit, finish, reliability on ours has been perfect (1500 miles so far). Rides quiet and smooth--sometimes I think it has shut off sitting at a light. Mileage is as advertised, although the mileage readout feature on dash can teach you to be light-footed and bump the mileage up some (AWD gets close to 16 in stop and go commute and close to 23 mpg on I-95 with its occasional slowdowns). Turning radius makes it easy to handle. Seating comfort and room is 100% better in 2009 than 2008.

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  Solid and comfotable - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By Keith - July 15 - 3:35 pm

  We are very satisfied with our Pilot. It is a solid vehicle, the gas mileage is good. We recently took 5 adults on a trip with luggage and were all comfortable.