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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  Cant beat the Odyssey - No matter which version - 2015 Honda Odyssey
  By rick summey - July 31 - 5:36 pm

  This is our second one- The first was a 2005. Great all around vehicle

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  black rose - 1998 Honda Prelude
  By potter - July 31 - 3:49 pm

  Pros: the car has great handling on those tight turns. The sound system is great for stock. The pick up is amazing. The fuel economy works great with my driving time. I love how you can change from auto to manual. It might seem small but Im 6,5" and I have plenty of room, and the girls love it. Cons: the back seats are small, so it sucks for my friends. The trunk space is small. The rear view mirrors have a big blind spot.

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  Best Minivan Overall - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By steelerfan786 - July 31 - 11:46 am

  This is my second review. My first was right after the purchase. I noticed that a lot of people have complained about the mileage especially on an EX- L. I own a EX and when it was new the mileage was a little disappointing. Live in Chicago Took a trip to Michigan with it. With the Van full of people and luggage doing 75mph on cruise I Got 23.2 mpg. My best in the city after first oil change was 19 mpg I was pretty impressed. I noticed that now it has 6200 miles the mileage has improved. I keep my climate control on auto, all the time and idle the van because of the cold before driving.

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  Nice Ride - 2008 Honda Ridgeline
  By RHH - July 30 - 11:43 pm

  Traded in a 2002 Silverado which I really liked. The Ridgeline fit my needs better and has proven to be an awesome vehicle for the family. It drives superb, handles better on icy/snowy roads than any vehicle Ive ever driven, and is comfortable. It tows fine, and has handled light off-road travel well. Gas mileage has been exactly as advertised and better. I routinely get 16-17 in town in the winter and 17-19 in the summer. Highway mileage has been better than expected, almost always between 21-23 mpg. Fully loaded with 4 people and 500-600 lbs of camping gear, the truck averaged 22 mpg @ 65-70 mph in varied terrain. Its a little ugly, but Id buy another today.

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  Safety is questionable - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By ex - July 30 - 9:24 pm

  My 05 Honda Pilot would come to a grinding halt without warning. The incidents occurred 3 times - 2 from taking off from a stop light and the 3rd time while driving a 55 mph. I was lucking all three cases that the individuals behind me were paying close attention.

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  1997 Type SH - 1997 Honda Prelude
  By Jerry - July 30 - 5:33 pm

  I purchased my type SH new in 1997. I just put a new clutch in at 239,500 or so miles. The interior is like new. I need to address some very minor rust on rear wheel wells and that is all. I had to extend my clutch petal by an inch or so to make the car more comfortable. Other than that I love this car. It is so comfortable and fun to drive and gets 26 MPG at very aggressive driving speeds. If you can find one that has been taken care of buy it.

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  Love My Honda - 2005 Honda Accord
  By Love My Honda - July 30 - 8:26 am

  I purchased this car new in Oct. 04, love it! Ive had it 4 years now and have had no mechanical problems other than having to replace a battery terminal, brakes twice, and working on my 2nd set of tires. No pause on acceleration, awesome zip. Ultra comfortable interior. Stereo is great. I will definitely be looking for a new Honda next year as I pass my down to the next child in line.

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  Very impressive car - 2008 Honda Accord
  By 4262 - July 30 - 7:40 am

  I came from a loaded Chevy Tahoe to the Accord. This is my second Honda and I am impressed by it. I bought it with splash guards and rear wing spoiler installed. The first 1/2 tank of gas yielded 25 mpg (city & hwy). Gas mileage is still getting better though. Hopefully Ill be able to consistently stay in the high 20s. It sure beats the 15.5mpg I was getting with my Tahoe. Build quality is excellent and everything is intuitive. Sure there are a lot of buttons at first but you learn to focus on what you want to change and it becomes easier with time. I dont even have to look at them much anymore, I just know which area to go to in order to change functions. Very happy with it!

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  great car - 2006 Honda Accord
  By chris - July 30 - 6:43 am

  We test drove the Toyota Camry no real comparison more safety features 8 airbags in the Honda 7 in the Camry Honda comes w/abs standard Camry charges as an extra w/Honda more horsepower & quicker pick up interior of the Honda design blows away the Camry. The Accord 2 separate A/C for passenger & driver the control panel is very eye pleasing with large display. The Accord much better value.

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  They keep getting better - 2007 Honda Accord
  By BOS man - July 30 - 5:56 am

  This is my 4th Accord (77, 83, 94, 07) and definitely the best. Very smooth ride and manual shift. Lots of power above 3K RPM. Tight steering and suspension tuned exactly as I like it (stiff but comfy). This car is very fun to drive, quiet, well-designed and solidly built. Back seat quite roomy even for my 6ft sons. Mileage is a little disappointing (28-29 on suburban commute with few stops--less than my 94), but that may relate to the car tempting me to drive "aggressively." I love this car!