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/C Fan motor - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By Ed K - May 1 - 5:02 pm

  Since I bought this odyssey I have experienced problems with the fan motor roaring like a bearing going bad. Turns out to be leaves getting into the fan motor. Honda cleaned it out the first time for free. Said not to park near trees (really). The second and third time I had to fight with them to repair with no charge. I wrote Honda and expained that this has to be a design flaw but they obviously do not agree. They refuse to put their answer in writing. This problem happens regularly every three to four months. Since I have owned over 12 new vehicles without this type of problem I strongly feel this is a design problem. I like the new touring 2006 models but I am hesitent to buy.

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  My Honda - 2004 Honda Civic
  By R.Sibble - May 1 - 2:01 pm

  I have enjoyed my Honda. The fuel economy has been very good. I always would like to see it do better than 35- 45/gal. It drives nice and looks cute on the road. I see a lot of them around. I am looking to trade it in for the latest Honda Civic Hybrid. I love them!

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  I Love This Car! - 2005 Honda Civic
  By Dean - May 1 - 12:06 am

  I looked at Corollas, Scions, Mazda3. None of them offered the combination of sportiness, room, and gas mileage of the Civic Coupe. Yeah the Mazda is quicker, but the reliability and gas mileage of the Civic cant be beat. The Special Edition stereo sounds great. The sunroof switch and cruise control switch are oddly placed, but a small price to pay for the best overall package found in the Civic. Not only that, but I paid $1200.00 below the sticker price. It pays to shop around. The trunk is large for this size vehicle. Ride is quiet, road feedback is superb. Since I rarely have anyone riding in the back, I removed the rear headrests to improve visability. A fabulous car for the money.

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  Great little vehicle - 2006 Honda CR-V
  By Brian Cheney - April 30 - 11:50 pm

  Ive owned my CR-V for less than a month & only have about 800 miles on it, but early returns are very positive! It is flexible, agile, roomy, and fun to drive. Ive been getting gas mileage right at the EPA estimated 22 city & looking forward to a road trip next month. I evaluated a couple of dozen vehicles and drove 10 or 12 before finally settling on the CR-V. It is a compromise vehicle...not as fast, roomy, powerful, flexible, sexy, economical, etc., etc., etc., as some, but IMHO offers the best possible combination of features.

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  Option - 2009 Honda CR-V
  By Lilian - April 30 - 3:46 pm

  I love this vehicle, from A to Z except that there are few options you need to add to instead of standard equipments.I bought the top of the line model but I have to add the fog light and the auto dimming night/day mirror.These common option should have been standard on the top of the line model.

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  A truly great mini-van. - 2001 Honda Odyssey
  By Bill Ihnow - April 30 - 11:21 am

  The Honda Odyssey has been everything I had hoped for. I only have two gripes. The tilt steering column does not come down as low as I would like it to, and no power passenger seat. Vehicle cant be too bad if these are the only complaints.

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  White lightning - 2014 Honda Odyssey
  By Susan kenton - April 30 - 9:13 am

  Check seatbelts in 8 passenger. Play DVD . check spare tire.

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  Not just for kids - 2003 Honda Civic
  By skrause - April 30 - 4:13 am

  I admit, Im not that young anymore, but I still like economical, fun-to-drive cars that will last. I have owned my Si new just over 2 years and have 57,000 miles on it. It is by far the most comfortable long-distance car I have driven. The handling is superb, the seats are comfortable yet sporty, the ergonomics are excellent. I average 30 MPG and my experience with dealerships has been very good. I think the leg room in the rear is better than the Jetta, and the utility of the hatch is terrific. The overall feel of this car is far better the price I paid for it. This is definitely an overlooked value.

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  2005 Honda Accord Hybrid - 2005 Honda Accord
  By stlmo57 - April 29 - 11:46 pm

  I have about 4,200 miles on my 2005 Honda Accord Hybrid. After getting 31 mpg on my 1st full tank, I was anxious to see it improve to around 36 mpg as it was broke-in and I figured out how to drive it to get the optimun mpg. So far, after nearly 3 months I am very disappointed, the mpg has actually retreated to about 25 to 26. At this rate, it was not worth the premium. Cold weather appears to have an impact. I am pleased with the handling and acceleration. Overall, not the feel of luxury I had when I purchased my 2002 Maxima Nissan GLE new.

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  Review of my Pilot - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By Merrill Haas - April 29 - 10:24 pm

  Handles well on mountain roads. Has good acceleration.