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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  Very Good Car - 1997 Honda Civic
  By punt - September 25 - 10:00 am

  This is a great car. I have run this car very hard and it keeps on going and going and going. I have had no problems at all in 5 years.

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  1997 Silver Honda Civic HX - 1997 Honda Civic
  By Nathan Geib - September 25 - 10:00 am

  I have really enjoyed my 97 Civic HX. It is super reliable and is alot of fun to drive. Love going around corners at high speeds. Really holds the road with the double wishbone suspension. Engine very smooth and rev happy even with 140000 miles on the car. Reaches 74 mph in second gear at 7200 rpm before fuel cuts out. Doesnt use a lick of oil. I am amazed how Hondas last. My parents last one had a 236000 on it when they traded it in. I am sold on Honda.

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  Great Gas Mileage... most of the time - 1998 Honda Civic
  By Citan - September 25 - 10:00 am

  Decent car, decent ride, decent handling, off the line pickup isnt that great with the automatic, but passing power is decent. Only con so far would be: any time the gas tank has fewer than 3 gallons in it, its nearly impossible to start, the dealer cant seem to find anything wrong with it, nor have they been able to duplicate the problem (always how those things go) Also, the dealership was a ripoff for trade-ins, and are a pain to work with in general.

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  my honda vs anything - 2000 Honda Civic
  By EPB00SI - September 25 - 10:00 am

  when the first sis came onto the market i told myself i was going to have one some day. the day finally came. this car is so fun do drive. the 8k redline is amazing. when the vtec changes over the car is great. everything about this car is fun. the engine does lack low end torque but it is tstill very fun to drive. i recommend this car over any other import in the price range, if you are lookin for a coupe around 16k i strongly recommend the civic si.

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  New 2002 EXL Havasu Blue Odyssey - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By Investor - September 25 - 10:00 am

  Finally, I decided to buy this Odyssey after waiting for more than 2 years because of dealer mark up over MSRP. (still paid $1,500 over MSRP). It is the best van in the market, and I am enjoyed every moment of driving it. 240 horses, and 5 speed automatic transmission are even better than previous years. However, the sound system is terrible, need some improvement on this one.

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  Miss some bells and whistles - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By DaveK - September 25 - 10:00 am

  Love the 2002 Ody, but I sure miss having a trip computer/outside temp gadge/direction feature. Dumped our 96 Town&Country and never looked back. But, the Chrysler rode better, and was much quieter. Honda should address the body stiffness issues. I have had to ArmourAll all the door seals to keep them from sqeaking from all the movement.

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  This is it - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By Demi Scott - September 25 - 10:00 am

  The best Minivan off its time and future

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  First Exposure - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By IlliW - September 25 - 10:00 am

  My wifes wants (its her van) took precedence over mine. My preference would have been a better handling VW Eurovan. So far the Odd-issy lacks character at regular driving speeds; the engine, despite its high HP and torque, seems lackluster. Ill put it through its paces to find out what it truly has to offer. On our way home from the dealership a truck on I85 shed its re-caps. A large rubber projectile ripped the front right plastic wheel kowling out. Other than that, ($110.00) including installation, there was no damage, and thank god no accident. In a week or so Ill give my updated thoughts on performance. Reliability? Time will tell.

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  Minivan - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By Spartan - September 25 - 10:00 am

  Great vehicle to travel in!

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  Surprised by Honda - 1999 Honda Accord
  By 3rdHondacar - September 25 - 10:00 am

  I loved the look of this car when it first appeared back in 1998. I finally bought a pre-owned Accord, a 1999 model, this last year in 2001. Ive gotta say, the car looks great in and out (I get compliments often from friends), BUT Ive never owned a car with so many rattles. The dash, glove box, and back shelf rattle to no end-- Ive attempted the dealer repair route and got nowhere. THEN, the car began stalling: this is an automatic. After FOUR trips to an independent repair shop, they were able to narrow down the cause. It was a lease-return with low miles, so I was not expecting to encounter problems.