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:

• 

  1 year later... - 2005 Honda Accord
  By 04_accord_owner - May 29 - 3:43 pm

  I set myself a reminder to write a 1- year review of my 2004 Accord...and here I am. Ive put 18,000 miles on it and have enjoyed all of them. I wanted an historically reliable car that I wouldnt have to think about for 10 years and I feel confident I made the right choice. I would recommend it to anyone.

• 

  Very Good, Few Complaints - 2005 Honda Civic
  By the_jayman - May 29 - 3:23 pm

  My family for some reason has always been a Ford/ GM/Chrysler family, but my wifes family converted me to Honda. They truly are a superior car. In March 2005, we purchased a Civic LX-G (only available in Canada). It has been wonderful. My wife and I are 6 feet tall, and we can still fit rear-facing child seats behind each of our seats. It is very roomy for the kind of car it is. It is a little gutless, but for city driving it cannot be beat. Low monthly payments and low depreciation make this car an unbeatable value. There are a couple of slight rattles, one in the passenger side door and the other somewhere in the trunk. Beyond that, it continues to perform marvelously

• 

  2006 Honda Odyssey - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By Stephanie - May 29 - 12:56 am

  This is the third Honda Odyssey weve had and by far the best!! It drives like a luxury car. My kids love the bigger DVD w/ surround sound and built in sun visors in the second row.

• 

  Great small SUV. I love it. - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By Francis Lyew Kong - May 28 - 11:14 pm

  Im a senior and traded in an old Acura TLS for the CRV. Its the perfect height for seniors to get in and out of. Fuel economy is really great especially when running in ECON mode. Its the perfect size for me.

• 

  Ask your car - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By techno fan - May 28 - 7:30 pm

  I have a great admiration for Hondas of all kinds. I believe them to be very reliable, and know from personal experiance that Honda will stand behind their products, if they do find a reason to recall them. I also am a Navigation system fan, especially ones that not only show, but also tell you via voice when and where to turn, so that one can keep his eyes mostly on the road ahead! This one blows my mind, it not only tells you when to turn, but will accept voice commands, and can read information to you, or even control the climate system or radio, cd changer, or the rear entainment systems DVD or radio/CD system. In the near future expect much more voice control of ones car..WOW!

• 

  No comparisons - 2006 Honda Civic
  By David - May 28 - 6:10 pm

  Hondas new Civic blows away its competition. Ive been researching and test driving cars for a year and new withing 3 seconds of getting into the car that it was for me. Its just a SOLID car all around. Comfortable, reliable, safe, spacious, good gas mileage, good looking, will keep its value. I dont know why Id ever need a nicer car even though I will be richer in the future.

• 

  If you can fit in it, buy it! - 2006 Honda S2000
  By Sebastian R Stanciu - May 28 - 5:43 pm

  I traded a mustang GT covertible for this s2000. Amazing car. I have had it for 3 days and love it. The fit is snug, I am 6 foot tall and 220 lbs. I am used to sitting back more. The drive is amazing. So much power. I love the engine. No regrets, just uncomfortable on longer rides. I dont know what 0-60 is but its very fast. Tight handling, super looks, fast top, great interior. If youre a bigger person, may be uncomfortable. Good air conditioning even in 100 degree weather. Fast, fast, fast!!!!!

• 

  Execllent first Honda - 2006 Honda Accord
  By Ab - May 28 - 4:40 pm

  We really enjoy the car, ride, power, economy, leather heated seat. Quality of sound system. Storage is first rate as is the surprising trunk space.

• 

  Fun to Drive and Innovative - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By InAZ - May 28 - 11:53 am

  This is the best driving truck on the market. I chose the Ridgeline for its drivability, safety, versatile cargo hauling, interior room and respectable gas mileage. The handling on curving mountain roads is secure and fun. The interior feels much larger than a Toyota Tacoma and almost as large as a Chevy Avalanche. There are lots of places to store items in the cab and under the rear seat. You will find the in-bed trunk so useful that you will never want to own another truck without one (itÂ’s great for groceries). If your towing needs are under 5,000 lbs and you have moderate off road needs, this truck is for you. I get about 15-16 mpg in town and 18- 20 on the road.

• 

  Great Room - 2004 Honda Element
  By lt2694 - May 28 - 10:00 am

  Im a big guy, 66", 240 lbs, this vehicle has more room in it for me than the F150 supercrew I had. It a kick to drive, gets good gas mileage, and provides plenty of room to haul things. The hardest thing to get use to is everyone looks at it funny and ask lots of questions. I know it was intended for the younger crowd, but this 50s guy sure enjoys it.