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:

• 

  Time To Sell - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By Matt T - December 10 - 1:33 pm

  Great family vehicle. Plenty of room for all. 3rd row is a great option to have and its easy to work with laying seats into floor. Front seats could be more comfortable. Fairly thin on padding. Leather appears cheap and hard since day one. Could be better insulated from road noise - DO NOT BUY IF THE MODEL HAS RUN FLAT TIRES. I am irritated at Honda for the decisions on tires but will probably buy another Honda (Pilot) based on value.

• 

  Good Car for Morning Drive - 2003 Honda Civic
  By Scott Rines - December 10 - 12:16 pm

  This Civic has been a great little vehicle for my morning, and afternoon, drive to work. The fuel economy is excellent, mid to high 30s. The vehicle has been very reliable, has required no maintenance other then routine and no repairs. I live in Houston and I chuckle every time I drive past a huge SUV or truck at a gas station. I drive 26 miles to work each morning and another 26 home each afternoon. I fill up each Monday, for 8-9 gallons.

• 

  Best car for drivin around - 1997 Honda Civic
  By best drive around - December 10 - 11:26 am

  Got this car a while ago. Still please with it today with 247,000 miles and purr like a cat. I got a good deal with it and decide to use it as a work car since I live 30 miles from work. Guarantee u will never find a better car than this.

• 

  Nice EX V-6 Coupe - 2002 Honda Accord
  By Matt - December 9 - 4:57 pm

  Bought my EX-V6 coupe about six months ago and do not regret my decision. Have owned two Hondas previously, a 1993 and a 2001, both four cylinders. You can really tell the difference in the V6, much smoother at idle, much quieter, and easier to go around town. Get about 25 on the highway and about 20 in the city. The interior is very nicely laid out, everything is very clear and easy to reach. The auto climate control, sunroof, and leather sport seats add a lot of comfort. The trunk is large enough for many golf bags. The exterior is very nice looking as well, especially with the spoiler and exhaust tips. Just need some fogs. All I need is some better tires, way too loud.

• 

  Honda Civic vs Toyota Corolla - 2003 Honda Civic
  By Bett1e - December 9 - 2:00 am

  My actual test drive of the Honda Civic: The ride was loud, the acceleration was great past 50. The car hesitates at start up and pull off. The brakes seemed a little too soft (I actually was nervous). The styling looks almost good but it doesnt look so good that you know it automatically when you step to the car. The creme interior is just ugly. The interior looks cheap but the steering wheel is better than the Honda Accord. The sunroof doesnt add anything to the car. Based upon my test drive, I would definitely choose the Honda Civic over the Toyota Corolla

• 

  Considered for a Long Time - 2003 Honda Accord
  By stuntroad - December 9 - 2:00 am

  Was torn between an Accord and used Audi A6. I love the A6 styling but was concerned about the reliability despite Audis excellent "Certified" program. But, when I drove an A6 and V6 EX back to back I felt the EX is only about 10% behind the A6 in terms of satisfaction. And when I weighed in the known reliability (I have a 1985 Accord LX with 256,000 miles on it) I simply couldnt justify buying the Audi. The fit, finish, comfort and power of the 03 Accord are great. But, I HATE the styling. If it werent for the fact that I forget about it when Im behind the wheel because the driving experience is so nice, I never would have bought it. Its that ugly!

• 

  The Best Little Honda ever - 1998 Honda Civic
  By Rachael - December 8 - 7:29 pm

  I ran my little red 98 Honda civic dx into the ground. I was hoping it would last me until I graduated college but after almost 9 years its time had come...a piston broke in the engine which would have been twice as much as the car. She had a long run. She went through 5 break ins, 5 stolen radios, 2 mufflers and exhaust systems, 2 windshield replacements, 2 window cranks, 2 sideview mirrors, a starter, sparkplugs and 4 accidents one being with a 10-point buck at 70 mph. Although she shook when I got her to 80, she rode right along at 120. Although the interior and exterior wasnt anything fancy, she ran long and hard through thick and thin. RIP little Honda...best car ever.

• 

  accord reliabile but borring - 1999 Honda Accord
  By contrisor - December 8 - 12:40 pm

  this car will always start and be there when you need it. But the stlying has stayed the same for some years now, and its getting dull very fast.

• 

  1998 honda crv lx - 1998 Honda CR-V
  By anolden - December 7 - 12:17 pm

  Wonderful, reliable vehicle, just have had constant problems with the front end since it was purchased. Bought at 70k miles and had to replace rack and pinion and the front end has just been awful after that. The handling is not good and have been through several sets of tires.

• 

  Great Van- Best of Class - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By dinky - December 7 - 6:20 am

  Great van! I love the center seat in the 2nd row so that all 3 of my kids in carseats can sit together! Ive had it for over a year now- it has had about 5 recalls and had to have the regulator in the driver side sliding door replaced so that the window would roll down- overall- still a great van! Highly recommend!