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:

• 

  The Best Decision I Ever Made - 2004 Honda Accord
  By SPMangini - April 3 - 2:00 am

  This car is the absolute best thing to buy. This is my first new car and coming from a 96 Chevy Z26 Beretta, this is heavy. I am about 64, 280 pounds and I can sit comfortable with people behind me. Unfortunatly I couldnt afford the navi but even without it the interior styling is incredible.

• 

  I have owned a few......... - 2004 Honda Accord
  By Lee42812721 - April 3 - 2:00 am

  But this is not the quality of a Honda that I have known. The car itself is a nice looking car, otherwise, it is a nightmare. Terrible in snow, battery dies after 15 minutes, Gas mileage is approximately 12 MPG. Just an awful car. Honda, PLEASE TAKE THIS BACK!!!

• 

  My Honda - 2004 Honda Accord
  By Gaylo - April 3 - 2:00 am

  I love my Honda. This is a car that handles so easily. Our family has had several Hondas and in between we had a Toyota. This was a good car but there is such a difference in the handling. The Honda can turn on a dime. The other car had a mushy feel to it. The interior is beautiful.

• 

  First Honda, Last Honda - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Sorry for buying - April 2 - 10:13 pm

  After 16 years in a Camry I somehow purchased this Accord?? Ive had it for a year and a half - feels like a hundred. Gas mileage is not as advertised - 25 mpg at most. A lot of road and tire noise on expressway. Sound system is poor - especially on expressway. Front end scrapes on inclines. Rattles in dash. The stiff ride accentuates every bump in the road. I feel jostled around and worn out after a short 200 mile trip. The driver-side seat is not comfortable.

• 

  Good Desgin - Unresolved issues - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By 2nd time ody owner - April 2 - 8:10 pm

  I traded a 2004 Ody EX for the 2007 Ody LX because I was really taken by the new design. I know am of the impression that I could have kept my 2004 and been just as happy if not happier. Overall the 2007 model design is an improvement over the 2004 model, but the execution has a lot to be desired. I noticed an engine drone noise at 180 miles. Honda says its characteristic of vehicle harmonics.(What nonsense!) At 400 miles noticed whining buzzing noise from power steering pump. I took it in to the dealer and was told that they could not duplicate prob. Drove the vehicle myself and brought back to dealer while making noise. They finally acknowledge issue with 05-07 power steering pumps.

• 

  My 25th car, and I love it. - 1995 Honda Civic
  By AMP - April 2 - 7:58 pm

  Having owned many different types and models of cars now, I will have to say the Civic is my all time favorite. Ive parted with all my cars in the past except for my Civic and my CRX, 2 of the best cars I have ever owned. I recently sold my 97 subaru for this 95 civic and I have no regrets. Ive been in search for a Civic since my old 91 civic finally died out after 4 accidents and 258K miles. As long as you can find one that wasnt raced out, and maintained, everything will be fine. Yeah they ride just a tiny bit rough, but handle great, reliable, peppy, 38-45 mpg, and just a blast to drive. Make sure to install an alarm as these cars are hot.

• 

  Most overrated and hyped car Ive owned - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By timj - April 2 - 10:00 am

  We all love what we own, but this van is simply over rated and its mostly hype. Odyssey is simply not built as well as what I thought or remembered about Honda cars. Dont trust everything you read and go test drive other brands and then maybe you wont make the same mistake as I have.

• 

  Great vehicle. - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By Jim90068 - April 2 - 10:00 am

  Have had the Pilot for 3 weeks. Paid over sticker, unfortunately. Enjoy the drive the room, and the layout. Mileage so far, though -- 2 tanks of gas...is only 10-12 mpg in city traffic. Please tell me this will improve dramatically.

• 

  a good decision - 2002 Honda Civic
  By paathiker - April 2 - 10:00 am

  I needed to replace my 92 Maxima with a bum tranny. My wife suggested we go to our Honda dealer and see the used Hondas and take advantage of the great certified used program. We saw two 2002 Civics, one EX and one LX each with 8,500 miles. The LX drove basically the same. I am very pleased with the deal Bobby Rahal Honda gave us. After factoring in a hefty trade, I think our actual purchase price was around $13,500. I think this is a good deal for a 2002 Civic with 8,500 miles and a better warranty than a new Civic. I do miss the V6 and ride of the Maxima, but my wife says I can drive the Accord if I need that big car ride again.

• 

  Great Small SUV - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By DW - April 2 - 3:36 am

  I have been impressed with its comfort and performance. I test drove the CR-V when it came and was very disappointed, and this from a multiple Honda owner. The current CRV fixed all the flaws of the original. As with all the Hondas I have owned, it is comfortable and nicely designed. Also, with a small child it is good to have a lot of places to hold kid stuff. Time will tell if it is as reliable as other Hondas I have owned.