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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  2004 EX Honda Odyssey w/DVD - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By cbsprings - December 28 - 1:14 am

  Great family car, comfortable, reliable, good value for the money. Great Honda quality and reputation. Enjoy the DVD entertainment system for the kids. Nice ride, has lots of pep for passing, very good handling for a van.

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  Fun, peppy, spacious - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By J. Casale - December 28 - 12:48 am

  I found what I was looking for in the CR-V: reliability, economy, multi- functional space in a sporty design. I bought a 2001 in 2003 with 58,000 miles and have never had any malfunctions. The only time Im in for service is for routine maintanence. It is used like a sedan mostly with 2-3 of us riding. Ocassionally it is loaded like a truck for camping or other trips and it always handle well, no matter what the load.

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  CRV owner - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By Renee - December 28 - 12:40 am

  I went to the dealers to purchase a Civic and left with a CRV. Once I drove it, I was sold on it. It actually drives like a car, but you sit up a bit higher. It was not difficult to get used to driving it.

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  Solid Car, Great Value - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By jimhoss88 - December 28 - 12:02 am

  I travel extensively for business and have put 20000 miles on the CRV in the first year. The CRV is a sturdy car. It cools quickly in summer and heats quickly in winter. The handling is solid. The drivers seat could use some additional lumbar support. Road noise is pronounced. Back seat is very comfortable for adults--Im 6 feet tall and have no trouble riding in the back. I wish the mileage was a little better. Ive maxed out at 24 mpg on long trips. In addition to being my primary work car, its the alternate family vehicle (our other is a 2000 Odyssey). No problem with 3 kids in tne back. Im very pleased overall with the CRV.

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  "Love This Car" - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By Carolyn Walton - December 27 - 11:53 pm

  This car was a retirement gift to myself and I love it. It performs superbly on the road, its comfortable and looks good. Very easy to handle for a female.

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  SUV Perfection - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By Datalinker - December 27 - 10:29 pm

  After owning the Ford Explorer for 8 years, I was delighted with the Honda Pilot. The contrast between the two is dramatic. On every measure of quality and enjoyment, the Pilot overwhelms the Explorer.

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  2-Honda Family - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By Best van on the road - December 27 - 8:30 pm

  Sticker was $28,230 + $490 dest + $674 DVD + $160 Doc Fee = $25,108 + tax, title & plate on 8/2/04. Invoice was $24,284 + extras We got ours after a $500 cash back with mud flaps, cargo tray and bug deflector for $25,528 + tax, title & plates. We drove 100 miles to get our deal near Detroit and was worth it. We also bought a 2004 Honda Pilot 12/26/03 from the same dealer and got it at $300 over invoice then.

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  I love it - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By Roman - December 27 - 7:06 pm

  ] had been researching and fallowing Odyssey for last 5 yars and heard nothing but good from the owners and mechanics. Finally I got my own and I love everyting about this van. After having c=Chevy Astro for 6 annoying years there will be no more GMs in my family. I had the Odyssey for almost three month already and 2600 miles. No complains yet except for the poor gas mileage but I was told it improves with more miles. If you have kids recomend to get a van with DVD player. I bought van without DVD and my wife and I suffer during the long trips.

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  New to Hondas - 2005 Honda Accord
  By Bill - December 27 - 5:06 pm

  Ive had my Honda for about 2 weeks now and its great. Nice smooth ride and tons of standard features. I originally looked at Acuras and got most of the same stuff for a better price with the Honda. The interior is comfortable and there is plenty of room in the back seat for an adult. Oddly, the fact that it is so quiet and smooth has one drawback...in the 5 speed its hard to hear the engine revs with the radio on so you better watch the tach!

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  Function is (Great) Form - 2004 Honda Element
  By VT2ME - December 27 - 12:58 am

  This really is the Swiss Army knife of automobiles. As a product designer I appreciate every detail of the Element. Some reviews have outlandish suggested improvements....6cyl, Hybrid, luxury options, etc. Take a marketing class and youll appreciate what the Element has and more importantly why it does (or doesnt for that matter) have it. Honda has hit a home run with this vehicle but not everyone knows how to spot a diamond in the rough. When I spoke of purchasing an Element some people I know said "Its hideous" and yet when they actually ride in it they immediately acknowledge its roomy, and versatile interior as well as its good power and comfortable ride. This ones a keeper.