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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  elsenorbeto - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By elsenorbeto - February 5 - 2:00 am

  Love the comfort, manuverability, style, ride and the feeling of "not" driving a minivan.

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  Best Value for Money - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By sreiss - February 5 - 2:00 am

  When it was time to get a new car for a family with 2 young kids, what to get after the Odyssey minivan? A CRV! For the price, this vehicle packs a lot of value for a family of 4, and the main commuter vehicle for me. I looked at several other vehicles-- some Id even PREFER to this one, but the price would put it out of reach. For the money, this is a great blend of utility and comfort.

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  love my 02 civic - 2002 Honda Civic
  By tnafg - February 5 - 2:00 am

  I fell inlove with this car. Everything is working great. Reliable ,love the overall quality. Eye catching,I will never drive any other car except honda(s). I have a 5sp honda and Im really having fun driving it(smooth shifting), ABS works excellent. I like the exterior and interior design of this car(very roomy), but I prefer 99 and 00 when it comes to exterior.

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  honda civic 02 - 2002 Honda Civic
  By Air - February 5 - 2:00 am

  I love this car, no complaints at all. This car is great. But my only concern is the exterior design,02 is not really bad at all, but would rather prefer 00(s) exterior design. I also have a 00 EX coupe and I love the exterior. Would recommend it to every body who likes value and reliability.

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  Easy on the wallet - 2004 Honda Civic
  By Master Sargeant - February 5 - 2:00 am

  I bought my Honda Civic DX after driving the same Explorer for the last 13 years. I wanted a good car a fair price, dependability, good safety rating and somthing that would be comfortable for a family of 5 to buzz around town in. I was very impressed with the mileage...I went 450 miles, before I had to refuel. THe 2 drawbacks to the car have been road noise above 60 mph and a vibration type sound coming from the drivers door around the mirror area...cant figure it out. Overall it is a wonderful ride. I will take it in a have Honda check it out.

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  2004 EX-V6 - 2004 Honda Accord
  By jhatmaker - February 5 - 2:00 am

  I originally was not a big fan of the Accord but after driving one my opinion changed. This is an amazing car. The fit and finish is extremely good, it had great pickup, and the over driving feel is tight and precise. The EX-V6 comes loaded. I highly recommend test driving one if you are in the market for a 4 door car.

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  Perfection - 2004 Honda Accord
  By Robin B - February 5 - 2:00 am

  Had many Hondas---this one is by far the best in quality, styling, and value. I dont know Honda can improve on this one.

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  Pleasantly surprised with gas mileage - 2006 Honda Accord
  By VMA131Marine - February 5 - 12:23 am

  This car replaced a 96 Sable LS and is an upgrade in every way. The car has about 1000 miles on it of which 600 are from one long trip which averaged 35.4 mpg. I love the acceleration and handling of the car and the seamlessness with which the various fuel saving features work. Auto-Stop and restart is flawless, VCM kicking the car into 3-cylinder mode is more obvious. Fuel economy is good although it is highly dependent on how the car is driven. I can easily get 36-37 mpg in moderate highway traffic and averaged 40 mpg on a 100 mile leg of a long trip. MPG on the short trip (5 mi) my wife takes to work is in the low 20s, which is to be expected since the engine barely has time to warm up.

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  Great Minivan - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By MrClean - February 4 - 8:53 am

  This is our second Odyssey. We cannot believe the difference in refinement and performance over the 99, which we thought was a very good vehicle. Great drivetrain - smooth, powerful engine (drive by wire throttle is very responsive), excellent shifts. The audio system is not great, but if you want to spend a bit more money, upgrade with aftermarket stuff. Very cool NAV system (voice activated). XM radio was a nice touch. The interior is very well laid out, high quality. Would have been nice to have a 110volt outlet, but well make do. Also, I prefer the cruise control on my 97 M3 - why do you need 4-5 buttons to control it when one stalk will do? Great job, Honda.

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  No Complaints - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By ILOVETHISVAN - February 4 - 8:43 am

  For a van, this is the most fun to drive vehicle! It has lots of power, good mileage compared with Explorers and Expeditions that compete with vans, and has been tight and rattle free! Something I cant say for my domestic cars I owned. Hopefully, this blue baby will stay out of the shop, like my other Hondas!