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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  A really wonderful car - 2000 Honda Civic
  By NoMoneyCollegeBoy - August 31 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car for Hondas well- known reliability, the 4-door practicality, and the gas mileage. And so far, it has more than lived up to all of my expectations. I really love this car. I have the 5-speed trans, and I average about 29 mpg in the city (even with a little bit of a lead foot). The car has just turned over 38000 miles, and the only squeak on the whole car is in the rear-suspension when I back out of my driveway. Its so much better than any other american- made car I have owned. I will forever recommend Honda/Toyota/Nissan cars to anybody.

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  I love it, excellent van - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By Bruno - August 31 - 10:00 am

  Excellent driving, the leather interior is pretty decent. Very good visiability from inside the vehicle. Lots of fun with its 240HP engine.

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  HIP VEHICLE BELIEVE IT OR NOT - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By PHIL - August 31 - 10:00 am

  A VERY POWERFUL ENGINE AND SMOOTH ON THE ROAD. A LITTLE ROUGH IN THE CITY; BUT FEELS TIGHT. CAPTAIN SECOND ROW SEATS KEEP MY TWO KIDS APART. SOMETHING I DIDNT REALIZE WOULD BE AN ASSET.( NO PICKING ON EACH OTHER).

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  The dealer can fix your doors... - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By alpha_animal - August 31 - 10:00 am

  The doors on this van are a known problem, but Honda had a fix for over a year now. If your dealer cant fix them, best find another dealer or complain to Honda. No need to suffer. Once problem with doors resolved, love this and would buy another (or maybe a Honda Pilot).

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  Good Value for the money...... - 2001 Honda Accord
  By Ken M. II - August 31 - 10:00 am

  I think this is an excellent car for the money. However, I keep having issues where I need to get the throttle body cleaned every 30,000 miles or so. If I dont do this then the car will hesitate when I press the gas (this is very aggervating). The engine is okay, but the 4 cylinder could use a little more pep.

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  Great little car - 2002 Honda Civic
  By r8412 - August 31 - 10:00 am

  Super little car, fun to drive. Gets great gas milage and handles outstanding.

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  2006 Civic Si - Impressed - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Macydog - August 31 - 9:33 am

  Best car I have ever owned let alone driven. Interior style, look and quality is that of a $35K car. 6 speed shifts like butter, clutch is perfect. Car launches like a rocket and when you hit 6,000 RPMs hold on tight because it will scream right up to 8,000 in every gear. Raced some 2006 3.5 Liter Altimas from rolling at 40 and I could barely see them in my rear view mirror at 110 mph. Honda has built a dream.

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  2005 Quality Issues - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By D. Hall - August 31 - 3:46 am

  Fell in love with the 2005 Odyssey over the Sienna and others but the quality is lacking in many regards. The car has visited the service center multiple times. Wind noise, whistle from passenger side. Transmission sounds like it is going out. Windows already been serviced as they got stuck. Front center console stays in the down position, too noisy when extended. Hood is misaligned and told to take to get fixed. I have offered this vehicle for test drives to new customers, Honda refused because they know this vehicle wouldnt sell. 30,610 overpaid for this vehicle. Watch out!!

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  still will stick with honda - 2010 Honda CR-V
  By williams - August 30 - 7:25 pm

  I have had my car for over six years . it has 262000 miles on it so therefore it has proved its reliability .The problems have been the excessive use of oil of which there was a recall but I was already over the mileage, I had to replace the air conditioner last summer , I have problems with the doors not locking properly , the cloth seats are light and therefore maintain dirt easily and of course , the seat belt recall . Overall , I have been satisfied with the performance of the car and intend to drive it at least another year . I hope that they corrected some of the problems in the next models .

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  Disappointed in GA - 2005 Honda Accord
  By Doug - August 30 - 7:52 am

  05 Accord Hybrid is not all that it was cracked up to be. I bought it for the advertised mileage of mid 30s. I got that only a couple of times. Averaged about 24-25 mpg. Save your $$$ when purchasing a car. Buy a regular Accord or other mid size sedan. Youll save a lot more with the difference between the ridiculous price of the hybrid vs. the price of a regular car.