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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  A Grand Slam!! - 2017 Honda Ridgeline
  By Michael - May 24 - 4:00 am

  At 66 years old I was looking for some comfort,utility room, and some driving fun....got it with our "E". My wife and I live in Minnesota and took delivery in February after about 6 weeks of waiting. The heated seats and steering wheel are wonderful and very good control and feel in snow and ice. I have been pleasantly surprised now in the summer months when opening the sun roof and rear window at the nice ventilation and fresh air flow through the cabin. Recently did a 700 mile road trip much of which used the Ecco mode and averaged 28.5 MPG. The trips to the home and garden stores are much more pleasant now when hauling lumber and bags of mulch....hauling grandkids in back is much easier now as well. Much has been written about the information system...pro and con...Im enjoying getting out the manual...going on line and educating myself on the system....I do enjoy the large screen and the in bed speakers are fun for an old 60s rocker. I suspect Honda will address some of the grumbles that have been mentioned in these posts...yes the rear doors could open wider and yes some knobs on the radio would be nice as well but this old guy and his bride of 37 years are very pleased with our "E"

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  2nd honda & I LOVE IT - 2005 Honda Accord
  By Shana - May 24 - 3:23 am

  I love this car ~ i had a 94 accord before this one and i needed to get another one ~ ive had no problems with the car since i got it ~ great to drive ~ looks great to!

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  Grand Odyssey Touring! - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By T & S Hill - May 23 - 11:53 pm

  Purchasing the Odyssey was the best thing since sliced bread! Its sporty, stylish, lots of space, and well worth the price. The Odyssey Touring makes sitting in traffic fun!

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  Great Little Van - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By B17Joker - May 23 - 9:00 pm

  Great look, ride, performance. Former Dodge minivan owner, Interior very nice, comfortable seats, good sound system. Road feel is solid, stable. Bought this one in Colorado and immediately drove it to Louisiana. I look forward to a pleasant ownership experience.

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  Its a Honda - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By Los Angeles - May 23 - 1:19 pm

  This is my second CRV and for me it really works. I own property and always have construction material in it. Easy to get around in and fun to drive.

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  Pilot - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By Nordhagen - May 23 - 10:00 am

  Really enjoy this car. Feel very safe and comfortable in the car, typical Honda reliability.

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  We love our CRV! - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By Jessica T - May 23 - 10:00 am

  This car is easy to drive and has a lot of space for a small family.

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  I LOVE MY 2004 CIVIC EX COUPE - 2004 Honda Civic
  By BEBYLUV143 - May 23 - 10:00 am

  I LOVE THE HONDA CIVICS BECUASE THEY ARE GOOD CARS, AFFORDABLE, AND SPORTY. WHICH EQUALS TO A LOT OF FUN. I LOVE DRIVING IT AND GETTING THE LOOKS I GET, SOMETIMES I EVEN COMPLIMENTS ABOUT MY CIVIC. I OWNED A 96 CIVIC BEFORE THIS ONE AND THEY ARE DEPENDABLE AND CUTE!

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  My first car - 2004 Honda Accord
  By msareh - May 23 - 10:00 am

  I chose the Honda Accord as my first car after having the experience of many other makes and model cars. It gives the feeling of a luxury car without the luxury price. And I got a great deal on the leather interior and moon roof features. The ride is smooth and the controls are at your finger tip. There is room enough fro our infant son plus a couple of friends. With an infant it was also important that we got a car with a great safety rating. All in all we got a great bang for our buck.

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  Best Car Ive ever driven - 2004 Honda Accord
  By kellum12 - May 23 - 10:00 am

  By far Honda Accord is the best car out there! Reliability, durability and comfort all come into one with this extrordinary car! An excellent choice to purchase when shopping for a new vehicle. Beware of the dealerships that dont want to come down in price on them. For my particular 04 Accord EX w/ leather and Navigation, the dealer recieves a $1000 rebate to them. Make sure and get that money applied to YOUR purchase!