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! - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By Kulpecz - March 21 - 10:00 am

  Great ride, comfprtable, fun

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  Overrated - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By berndt - March 21 - 10:00 am

  We purchased our 2001 EX Odyssey in Lompoc, CA. After 5 months of driving, the rear sliding doors began to act up. They would not close completely which caused the alarm to go off. We took it back to the dealer and did adjustments. This continued to happen several times and the dealer said I need to clean off the connections when this happens again. When you pay $28,000 for something you expect it to work properly. We are at the point now to have them remove the automatic sliding door feature and install manual doors.I contacted Honda Customer Service and they really did not have any suggestions to fix the matter.

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  Thrilled or Not - Still Best Van - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By pd24 - March 21 - 10:00 am

  Was looking for room for my family of 5 and quality to last. Owned 2 Hondas prior. Hey folks, dont blame Honda for the build quality - except for allowing it to be built in the US! Had an ABSOLUTELY trouble-free Civic and still have a CR-V - BOTH built in Japan. DESPITE the US build and occasional American creeks, we still love it.

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  Good All-Around Van - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By Totrod - March 21 - 10:00 am

  Ive driven every mini-van offered in the U.S. (something like 16 of them) and this was the best overall. High horsepower coupled with standard features that are packages everywhere else and that great 3rd row magic seat scored high with me. Im hoping that it will prove the Honda hype about reliability. One thing thats nice to know is that practically every car, truck, or van on the planet depreciates faster than this one.

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  Civic LX Sedan - 2001 Honda Civic
  By neoneo22 - March 21 - 10:00 am

  The only two bad things about the civic are the back seat comfort and the wind noise. The back seat has plenty of room, but having to carpool 50 miles a day, I get plenty of comments about there not being enough support back there.

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  Reliable.. what? - 2001 Honda Civic
  By m24 - March 21 - 10:00 am

  I have a lot of friends that have older Civics and just love them to death. So, I thought I would be safe by purchasing a newer model. Man, was I wrong. I have never seen a car that had as many problems.. Honda does have problems, maybe not as much as you hear about Fords, but atleast Ford tells everyone something is wrong and tries/Attempts to fix it! I only need to have the civic in the shop 2 more times and it will be lemon lawed, I cant wait to get rid of it. I think Ill stick with an older Honda, or better yet, get a Ford or GM. I might be living life on the edge with it, but atleast I can get Ford or GM to admit to problems and fix them.

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  Top of the Mountain - 2002 Honda Civic
  By Panic - March 21 - 10:00 am

  A-OK! Once again Honda Motor brings us the best buy on the road! Civic has been a historical model since its induction over 30 years ago! Kudos to Honda Motor Co.

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  Great car, great value - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By bpeterson27 - March 21 - 9:50 am

  We have put on 3000 miles during the past month. 4WD engages seamlessly. Fuel economy in city is 23, at 65 mph is 21, 70 mph is 20 - disappointing only in that Honda estimates are typically spot-on. 26 isnt going to happen. Plenty of power, room, fair visibility. Fog lights, rear deflector, front mud flaps excellent add-ons. Rear wiper is intermittent- only and not adequate in wet climate. Big blind spots left and right rear. Removed center rear headrest, but no place other than well provided to store it. Driver seat hard on back on long highway hauls. Noise level was surprisingly high.

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  Excellent van - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By Mili - March 20 - 8:20 pm

  We bought this van in March of 2004 and had driven from Central Texas to Seattle, WA four times and twice to Orlando, Fl during that time. The minivan just had its 82,500 mile checkup. The only thing I had to replace was the break pads. Strong while climbing/driving through steep mountains at level of 10K to 12K feet high. Great fuel economy for its size and weight. In interstate can give up to 31 mpg (Wyoming & Utah), 20 mpg in the city and 20-25 mpg when you mix interstate & city traffic. I will definitely buy another Odyssey whenever is time for an upgrade. Previous minivan was a nightmare (Chrysler Voyager).

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  Fun & Frugal - 2007 Honda Fit
  By MachOneJett - March 20 - 8:13 pm

  This car is excellent for what it is, a fuel miser car. On a trip from WI to KY I averaged 41 mpg. There is almost 40k miles on the car and expect to put over 150k more.