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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  Great Improvement - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By Sean - May 16 - 4:30 am

  Great feel, far better than before. The interior is very luxurious, and very quiet, and a pleasure to ride in, especially on long trips.

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  Hybrid Surprise - 2005 Honda Civic
  By Joe Brady - May 15 - 5:00 pm

  I bought the Civic Hybrid to ensure that my wife could make her 100 mile (round trip) commute even if gas were to be rationed. Her other car is a Mercedes, and although she says that the Merc "fits her better," she has only driven it three times in the three months that we have had the Civic. On the rare occasions that I have been permitted to drive the Honda, I have been impressed with its fit, finish, and general willingness to do whatever I ask it to do. It is definitely a small, light car, but it is almost silent at speed, and surprisingly lively. We are averaging 45mpg to date, and make no special attempts to conserve fuel. Overall, the Civic Hybrid was a great choice.

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  s2kblack - 2004 Honda S2000
  By will malone - May 15 - 12:59 pm

  This s200 handles like a race car . I love the acceleration in all the gears and how it handles in curves and take off on the straight aways

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  2002 Odyssey purchased new - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By Dave Wilkerson - May 15 - 11:07 am

  We purchased this van new and now have 134,000 miles on it with no major problems. The body is in excellent condition with no rust and all features work well. We have been totally satisfied with this vehicle and will purchase another one.

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  Wow! - 2005 Honda S2000
  By S22K - May 15 - 9:33 am

  I just bought my S2K used with 50,000 miles on it. I have owned a lot of cars in my time, I change out about every 2 years, but this one takes the cake. The interior shows little wear, the trans and clutch are great, no leaks etc. I had a 06 GTI and a 06 MX-5 Miata before I bought the S2K. This car is in a whole other league from those. You simply think turn and it does it. The communication between the road the car and you is incredible. I looked at Boxsters as well, but the interior wear and the expense of upkeep is ridiculous on those. How can you not love the 6,000 rpm wail of this engine. I thought i would be hard to get used to but, once you get the hang of it.

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  Beware of the lemon - 2005 Honda Civic
  By Josh - May 15 - 9:06 am

  If you are thinking of buying a Honda beware, I bought a Honda thinking that it would be a great investment and that it would be worry free. Two weeks later, my A/C did not work properly. Two weeks after I had it repaired, it failed to start. I took it back to the dealership and they could not find a problem and I still have this issue. I have called Honda and they are not concerned with having a defective product. As soon as I can I will get rid of this vehicle. The myth that imports are better vehicles are just that myths. There is a lot of noise in the vehicle my 05 will rattle down the interstate, I hear a clicking everytime the windshield wipers come on, and wont start everytime

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  Nice redesign - 2012 Honda Civic
  By eddyc1 - May 15 - 1:18 am

  Took delivery of a beautiful blue EX-L last night. Love the redesign. The 5 inch information display is a very nice addition. Performance and fun to drive didnt get high marks. I mean, its a Civic and my other car is a 335I. But for what I was looking for in a commute car, it fills the bill. Hitting the ECON button does in fact make it noticeably harder to accelerate, but it should be great for best mileage and you can turn it off quickly. Seats not all that comfortable, but my wife thinks theyre fine so could just be me.

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  Noisy - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By Idaho - May 14 - 11:48 pm

  We love the car for the comfort and room. The room is awesome. But the road noise is loud. Changed tires from Michelin to Yokohama hoping for some improvement. No change. Have had to replace windshield several times. Last time they changed out the windshield twice, got new clips. Still a wide gap that causes whistling all the time. Eco Engine always sounds like it is revved and ready to take off. Dealer says it is road noise. We had the car undercoated when new. Nice protection, but does not help road noise. We will check with tire manufacture for any help and also the windshield replacement shop for a redo. Still love the car, but it sounds like the EX is a quieter model.

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  Excellent Choice - 2008 Honda Civic
  By ZTA114 - May 14 - 10:03 pm

  Just purchased the civic two weeks ago, switching from a 1997 Honda Accord EX. I always found my Accord to be very reliable and well equipped, but at first I looked at companies outside of Honda including Ford, Volvo, Toyota, Scion, and Mazda. After test-driving these other vehicles, I realized how much more quality there is in Hondas. I have enjoyed every minute of my new civic, especially the gas mileage. Being that my Accord was an older model, gas mileage was average and I can really feel the difference. Even with gas at a high, it only costs me less than $45 to fill up. Love the speedometer. It was definitely hard to get used to at first, but cant live without it now.

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  I love this car!! - 2005 Honda Element
  By Jaymi - May 14 - 3:15 pm

  I purchased a 2007 Civic brand new last year and, while I loved it, it was terrible once winter hit. I traded it in for a 2005 Element and regretted it. Now, after owning the Element for about 6 months, I wouldnt give this car up for anything. I recently had to buy another Civic because of a new job with a long commute (the gas mileage is a lot better) and I feel terrible leaving the Element in the garage while I go to work. This is truly the best car I have ever owned. The Element has an incredibly smooth ride, is easy to park, has a ton of room and is great for dog owners. I can spill things and not worry about them at all!