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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  WS Honda - 1998 Honda Accord
  By babc - July 13 - 10:00 am

  This car has had excellent care, has leather interior,compact disc player,automatic windows, door and dual airbags. Anti lock brakes,brand new tires all around.

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  Toms review - 2000 Honda Odyssey
  By tlupfer - July 13 - 10:00 am

  This has been an excellant vehicle, very roomy, allows 6 to travel in comfort Doesnot ride like a truck!

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  Best Van, but... - 2001 Honda Odyssey
  By Desert_Hawk - July 13 - 10:00 am

  Found a used 2001 with 13000 miles (stellar condition) and was able to get a good deal on the vehicle. Love the interior space. Engine is good (transmission shifts are fair -- the 2002 tranny is better). Solid build quality and handles great, but I took a rock off the windshield the 2nd day I owned the vehicle and the windshield cracked. Took many hits in my old car and never had the the windshield crack -- dont know if it is an issue with the huge Odyssey windshield or just bad luck.

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  great suv - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By sv - July 13 - 10:00 am

  I love my CRV. I am going to buy another one this month and my husband is going to keep the one I have now. Everyone who gets in it can not believe how much room it has. I have been to Maine twice, Oklahoma and Penn. several times and have not had a problem yet.

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  ODY-REGRETS - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By ody-regret - July 13 - 10:00 am

  PURCHASED AN EXX AND HAD TO REPLACE THE DRIVERS SIDE STRUT BEFORE SALE WAS FINALIZED. I GUEST THAT SHOULD HAVE BEEN A SIGNAL. THE FRONT SEATS ARE NOT VERY COMFORTABLE AND THE DRIVERS SEAT SOUNDS LIKE IT IS NOT FASTENED WHEN MAKING A HARD TURN. VERY DISAPPOINTED THUS FAR. WHEN I HAVE TO START A LAUNDRY LIST 1 MONTH AFTER MAKING THE PURCHASE, ITS MAKES ME WONDER IF I SHOULD HAVE BOUGHT THE TOWN & COUNTRY EX.

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  Not what I expected - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By neverownedHonda - July 13 - 10:00 am

  My wife and I just finished reviewing / test driving just about everything that you would look at when comparing mid- sized SUVs before deciding on either the Pilot or the Highlander. The Highlander outhandled the Pilot by a slight margin, but where the Highlander failed miserably (driver visibility, ergonomics, seating comfort, styling (God-awefull cheap looking fake wood in the Limitted model)), the Pilot excelled. And with performance margins virtually unnoticable between the two, its an easy choice to go with the Pilots great interior vs. the Highlanders cheap Vitara-esque interior and comfort.

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  All Around Great Car - 2002 Honda Accord
  By lbxxx - July 13 - 10:00 am

  Its a terrific all around car for the money. Delivers more than it promises.

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  Not Too Shabby But Very Vanilla Car - 1997 Honda Accord
  By Woodbyrne - July 13 - 8:31 am

  Pretty decent car in terms of reliability. I now have 133k miles on it and have experienced the following problems since owning it: needed new exhaust system and radiator. These are normal wear and tear items. Engine is perfect. Problem now is that its starting to get annoying old car problems. Sun roof began to leak so I just sealed it and took out the motor. Weird rattling noise under the car. Windows were always slow but now I have to push the passenger window up when closing it or it wont move. Once in a while the car will just turn off while you are driving. Car is too old now to dump cash in. And I wont get any $$ for a trade-in. Just going to drive it until it dies.

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  Excellent Value!! - 2006 Honda Accord
  By Gordon - July 13 - 6:46 am

  Ive only had it for a few weeks, but I am very impressed with it. I am rating reliability and fuel economy of 9 only based on Hondas reputation. I havent gotten to really test the fuel economy. Sure it wont perform like a sports car, but compared to its main competitor, the 06 camry, it blows it away in terms of style, standard features, and performance/handling. This is definitely a lot more fun to drive than the camry. The engine is quiet and the cabin is well insulated for noise. Build quality is superb, the controls feel very solid and the doors make a very satisfying whack when you close them. :) The seats are comfortable and provide solid support. I paid 18,926! Excellent value!!!

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  06 Civic Seattle - 2006 Honda Civic
  By troman - July 13 - 4:40 am

  I made a point to purchase a Japanese model with a VIN that starts with a J. Paid almost full price for the 4DR EX Auto. Chosen for reputation, style, and gas mileage. It is really fun to drive and handles well. The ride is smooth and its easy to maneuver and park with great visibility. Its feels light and seems to float a little on the road but its comfortable for day trips. I was impressed at how quiet the car is while driving.