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:

• 

  Odyssey Has "Irreparable Noise"! - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By themerc - April 21 - 10:56 pm

  I have owned an Odyssey for 6 weeks. I own or have owned two other Hondas with zero problems. After two weeks, this Honda began making funny under-hood noises. I have returned the vehicle to Honda three times in six weeks - I have been told three different stories: there is no problem, there is a "normal" non-repairable noise in the anti-lock brake system, and there is a "normal" noise in the Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) system. Dont worry - your brakes are fine! I have never owned a vehicle with such a problem - including two other Hondas. I believe Honda has a problem and does not yet have a fix. The noise has gone from nil, to intermittent, to every time you start and drive it.

• 

  S2000 - fast, fun and reliable - 2006 Honda S2000
  By Alexei - April 21 - 3:40 pm

  Honda reliability + a high RPM engine and a slick 6 speed manual = a lot of fun. Performance is right between the Boxster and Boxster S for about $20K less. The S2000 is a pure sports car, not a compromise sports/luxury car like the Z4.

• 

  Love that CRV - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By Beth G. - April 21 - 2:23 pm

  This is my second CRV and fourth Honda. I bought the first CRV model offered in 1997 and turned it in on the 2004 model. Wonderful vehicle. It can haul almost anything a truck can and its much more fuel efficient. The engine in the 2004 is an improvement....quite peppy. Love the sunroof and raised back seat. I never worry about mechanical problems. Its a Honda. Ill always have one in the family.

• 

  Tows well; why passenger tires? - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By meanders - April 21 - 10:50 am

  We use ours for towing a lightweight Casita travel trailer. It drives like a charm with the trailer. While it is not luxurious, the interior is spacious and roomy with lots of thoughtful amenities. The negatives are that is full time 4 wheel drive which gives lower fuel economy; stiff ride; and cheap passenger tires! That is right they put passenger tires on a TRUCK!

• 

  Read This Please..... - 2004 Honda Element
  By ggelement - April 21 - 2:00 am

  I love my ELEMENT but.. BEWARE...2 ISSUES. 1. I drive on a busy interstate everyday and my windshield looks sandblasted. Other vehicles I have driven on the same highway never pitted so easily. There are also 2 cracks in each of the lower corners of the windshield that are apparently a defect in the mounting surface that HONDA published a TSB for the problem. 2. COMPOSITE PANELS WILL START TO PIT AND DETERIORATE IF YOU DRIVE IN SNOWY AREAS WHERE ROAD SALT IS COMMON! I washed my ELEMENT all the time during this past winter and the bottoms of the composite panels around the wheels still started to pit very badly from the corrosive rock salt!

• 

  super family suv - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By liz digirolamo - April 21 - 2:00 am

  This suv is so great with it many comapartments 3rd row seat and comfortability. we leased a second one in Feb 2004. the only added difference which i though was great was the seatbelt reminder bell. After a near fatal accident in a jeep i never leave home without a seatbelt and with the honda pilot even if i forget it reminds me.......A+++++++ All the way. lizzytish in boca raton florida.

• 

  1st time Honda buyer - 2004 Honda Civic
  By CGMG - April 21 - 2:00 am

  My family has always been a loyal american made car buying one. However I noticed all the problems we had with buicks, cadillacs, chevys etc. Engines powerful by awful electronics and fuel econ. My wifes family had 3 generations of accords putting on average 150,000 on each with only minor problems. So I decided to get a civic mainly for work commute and to avoid the rath of my wife. Have had it only for one month but so far like it alot. Cant beat the gas mileage, ride, stereo, and room for the price.

• 

  Honda Uses Name to Sell Cars - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Accordboy4 - April 21 - 2:00 am

  20 year Honda fan here. Own an 85 Accord with 370,000 miles on original engine and transmission. 2003 Accord had transmission failure at 1,500 miles (1 month old and before the first payment was made!!!). American Honda refused to do anything more than the warranty work which was a REMANUFACTURED transmission. No other compensation given.

• 

  Better deal than TL - 2004 Honda Accord
  By accorded - April 21 - 2:00 am

  I bought my Accord in Jan. and have 1000 miles on it with zero defects. I wanted an Acura TL with navi and they were going for MSRP with limited availability. The Accord is nearly as good - just lacking prestige. Once you get in the car and operate it, you feel like you are driving perfection. You forget you are in a Honda "family" car. This is the fastest and smoothest car I driven. Its a vast improvement over the 89 Acura Legend it replaced (except in styling). I added a rear deck lid spoiler, splash guards and chrome exhaust tips to improve on the plane-jane looks. Its good to go.

• 

  Some Problems with Honda Accord 2004 - 2004 Honda Accord
  By jnk - April 21 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car (2004 Accord EX with manual transmission) because of its outstanding safety features. But it has been unreliable. It had two electrical failures under 1000 miles and had to be towed twice. But this problem was finally corrected by the service dept. What is much more troubling is that both the front and back bumper covers were damaged by regular winter conditions. Ive been driving in, over, and through snow/ice for 30 years in Toyota cars, and never had any front or rear end damage. The bill for the repair is over $1300. Even though I enjoy driving the car, Ill probably trade it in as soon as I can afford to.