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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  Excellent vehicle - 2011 Honda CR-V
  By shadyoak - October 28 - 8:07 pm

  Buy the CRV

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  Seven years and counting! - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By shaymilr - October 28 - 5:10 pm

  I highly recommend this vehicle! I bought the Pilot new and have driven it now for a little over 7 years and 90k miles. Every time I get behind the wheel I catch myself thinking, "I love this car." The vehicle has been so reliable and trouble-free. I also cant get over the comfort of the seats and the great visibility while driving. My college daughter needs a car now and on one hand I think I should pass the Pilot along to her but on the other hand, how can I let it go when I love it so much?!

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  Nice SUV/Cross over combination - 2012 Honda Pilot
  By ma75 - October 27 - 3:41 pm

  Fun to drive Very good fuel MPG as compared to Previous models

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  20k review - 2010 Honda CR-V
  By halflung - October 26 - 9:57 pm

  I purchased the CRV in October of 2010 at Honda of San Marcos, Texas. I purchased from them as they treat you like family there. Averaged 25.4 MPG for the first 14K, service was needed around 7k. At the 2nd service call, recalls to update injectors and something else was done. My wife then went on a 6K trip and averaged 28.1 MPG. The tire air pressure light is somewhat of a pain when there are temperature swings, showing under inflated tires when the temperature drops. Very happy with vehicle overall.

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  Love My Odyssey - 1997 Honda Odyssey
  By nanamcal - October 26 - 9:16 pm

  I bought her used in 1999 with 30,000 miles on her. She now has 155K, after 12 years of faithful service, and due to harsh N. E winters rust is the enemy now. She survived a flood in 2005 and the engine is still as sound as ever. Ive maintained her with regular oil changes and aside from a timing belt, a new radiator and rear shocks, she has been good as gold to me. Her dynamic engine even survived a flood. Honda tough. Built in Japan. I now finally need to replace a pipe on the exhaust. These four door vans are the best, wish I could keep her another 100K! If you find one down south minus the rust grab it! I will. Best car I ever owned!

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  best truck Ive owned - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By ridgelinernm - October 21 - 11:43 am

  Ive had a 86 Toyota 4x4 P/U, 93 Toyota 4Runner, and 05 Tundra. I bought the Tundra brand new over the Ridgeline because the Ridgeline had just come out in summer of 05 and I was hesitant to jump into Hondas first truck. What a mistake! I sold the Tundra and bought an 06 Ridgeline RTL. It is so versatile and fun to drive. Great on all kinds of terrain. Excellent utility with the bed, trunk, back seat (seats flip up for TONS of space). We go up to Colorado in the winter to ski, I fit all of our gear in the trunk and under the rear seats, skis in the bed, and the 4 of us ride in comfort! I get 19mpg city and have done as good as 24mpg highway. Awesome truck!

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  The Perfect Van - 2012 Honda Odyssey
  By adixson - October 21 - 7:53 am

  Wonderful Van, looks great inside and out. Drives and handles like my Accord, mileage is very good and we can lose our kids back there. Very roomy and comfortable. Nice job Honda!

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  Love My 2005 CR-V - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By sfl_girl - October 20 - 10:33 am

  I bought this car over 6 years ago and has 100K+ miles on it. Buying it was the best decision I ever made. Its been rock solid with very few issues. No major breakdowns of any sort. Ive made several trips up and down the east coast with it and hope to make several more. Its comfortable, quiet, has ample space for everything I need. The gas mileage isnt the greatest but nowhere near bad. I love this car and shutter to think of the day it will give up the ghost. I dont think that will happen any time soon.

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  Best Car Ever - 1996 Honda Odyssey
  By smalbanian - October 17 - 7:26 am

  We just wrecked and lost the best car ever, the 1996 Honda Odyssey. We have been looking for a new car replacement for several months, but nothing compares. Todays vans are gigantic by comparison and have those stupid sliding doors. Absolutely nothing today under $60K has seats as comfortable as the FOUR captains chairs in our 96 Odyssey. Closest available today are the Mazda5 or Toyota Hylander, but for long trips, we will have to live without the luxury seating of our 96 Odyssey. Only reason we are not just finding another 96 Odyssey is that the new cars have all those airbags and other safety features. Boo hoo.

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  Wonderful Little Car - 2012 Honda Civic
  By cindy67 - October 15 - 9:28 am

  ... just bought the EXL and could not be more pleased. I was able to get car $1000 below Edmunds. Before you decide on another small car just go and drive this one. I think that you will be pleased. As far as noise, I traded in a 2003 Grand Marquis with 38,000 miles on this car and there is no more noise than the Mercury. Driving is believing.