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 Mini - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By Christa Brownt - August 21 - 4:56 pm

  Bought our 04 in 04. It was great and easy to use with an infant car seat. Plenty of room for those darn rear-facing car seats. Somewhat difficult teather location, but manageable. Love Hondas for their "child-friendliness" Tons of cup holders, pockets, room. Had no problems with engine or handling. My big complaint is the road noise. When we have the kids tunes on and try to talk over the road noise, we pretty much have to scream at each other. Cant listen to talk radio when on the highway, because I cant hear what they are saying over the road noise. It is really my one and only complaint.

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  A must for any true sports car fan - 2004 Honda S2000
  By Female S2000 Owner - August 21 - 1:40 pm

  From one who has owned this car for almost three years now, one word suffices: Whee!! I cant think of a better buy. For those with complaints about rattles, the fixes are simple: For the passenger seatbelt rattle, twist the metal part of the seatbelt around the strap so that it lies flat against the passenger seat. For the rattle the clips for the convertible top make, pull the control for the top toward you after you put the top up for the night. That locks the clips in place. They no longer rattle. If the glove compartment rattles, line it with something soft and black. The dealership did that for me for free. It looks great and there is no more rattle.

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  Immaculate car - 2006 Honda Civic
  By madbay - August 21 - 11:50 am

  Ive only had the car for about a week, but Im thoroughly impressed. The 8th generation Civic is everything I couldve imagined and more...its WAY too much "bang for your buck". I think the major improvements over the 7th gen Civic (which I was set on before hearing the "redesign" rumor in February) are the two-tier dash, backseat room/comfort, maintenance minder system, engine performance/efficiency, and the elegant yet aggressive styling. Just ask my friends--Im like an unofficial spokesman. This car is an automotive marvel.

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  nothing compares - 2005 Honda Element
  By Believe - August 21 - 4:00 am

  Bought our "E" Easter weekend. I cant remember another vehicle that was so unique. My wife traded in a 2003 Odyssey for this box of fun and I have to say that she really has fallen in love with how practical this vehicle is. Ive never seen here get excited about any car we have purchased until this one. Im not one for keeping cars very long but I think this will be a "keeper" for sometime. If you have not driven one ..you need to do so. It is one of the coolest and practical cars out there today. Just drive one.

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  Very Happy Guy - 2008 Honda Civic
  By Walt - August 20 - 11:10 pm

  Leased car two weeks ago. Superior road handling--steering is sports car responsive. Car is very quiet and very comfy on long trip. Drove over 600 miles over Memorial Day road trip. MPG for the trip was just over 39. My commute is 50 miles round trip and have been thrilled to have made the decision to lease this car. Very reasonable payments--under $275 per month. I will have to drive my old car a few days a month to stay under 15K miles per year, but that is O.K.-- gives my wife a chance to drive it occasionally. Dealer experience was very positive.

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  Best van we even leased - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By Firas Issa - August 20 - 10:06 pm

  Since day one both my wife and I loved it. We had 2 problems. The top glove compartment didnt close right, they had to add a piece of foam to get it to close. Also noise issue when on freeway, turns out the windshield seal was a little loose at one corner, all got fixed under warranty and the wipers dried up in six months(tx weather). Other than there minor issues we love the fact that it shuts off 3 cylinders when slowing down or cruising down the freeway and my kids love the dvd player. Sound quality is great. We had an 04 odyssey and we thought they couldnt top it, they did.Great van, for any mom or day.The leather is the way to go w/ kids,everything comes off right away.

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  Nice van, a few problems - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By shelly - August 20 - 7:56 pm

  I have mixed feelings about my Odyssey. I love the convenient features but I have had a few problems. We had vibrations/noise from the drivers side front area. After a second trip to the dealer it seems to be fixed. The steering column needed to be lubricated. I guess there is a "bulletin" out about this problem. Also, I had to have my rear bumper repainted because paint was peeling off! I had my front grill replaced due to a paint bubble. I hope this turns out to be a reliable vehicle after all these problems are worked out because I didnt expect this when purchasing a Honda at this price!

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  Worst road noise experienced - 2009 Honda Accord
  By singletary - August 20 - 5:50 pm

  Worst road noise experienced. Have owned 8-9 Hondas and this one is a great, great let down. The ride is bumpy and road noise levels prevent a descent conversation with the passenger. Lack of Michelin tires is also a negative. Really surprised at all the interior noise, particularly coming from a manufacturer who set the standard for fine Imported vehicles. So remorseful for purchasing this auto.

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  Bad Civic 2007 - 2007 Honda Civic
  By badcivic2007 - August 20 - 2:16 pm

  I have a 07 Honda Civ & I have had several problems.I had to have my front brake pads/rotors replaced after just over a & 10Kmi. I received a recall for the steering column & ABS Wheel Sensor. My calipers stick & Honda told me that it was not under warranty. This is a major car part that PREMATURELY wears down the brake pads. My VERY trusted mechanic informed me that he noticed a lot of problems with Hondas braking system. I will NEVER buy another one. I got all of the factory scheduled maintenance including regular oils changes. I only drive this car to school & work,9K mi/yr, & in CA so the weather has never been a factor. My car may be 1 of a few lemons, but it is DEFIANTLY a LEMON!!!!

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  Overall a good car - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By RHenry - August 20 - 2:02 pm

  I got this suv after totalling a 2004 Honda Civic. I wanted a safe car and this one has really good safety ratings. The A/C is much better than the 04 Civic. The hand brake is in a weird spot, not inconvenient, just an adjustment. I thought that I would get better gas mileage than I am getting. The paint color is the same as the 04 Civic (that dark silvery color) it hides dirt well. I get a lot of glare in the front windshield which is annoying. The seat fabric kind of stinks-I have a dog and ended up with dog hair that would get stuck in the fabric and I had to remove each hair indivually, also I somehow have a couple of stains that wont come out of the black upholstery.