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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  Love this car! - 2007 Honda Fit
  By MGirl - February 11 - 11:16 am

  This car has been very efficient. It is roomy and seats four adults comfortably. I have been VERY impressed.

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  GREAT ALL AROUND VEHICLE - 2004 Honda Element
  By MAGNA66 - February 11 - 10:00 am

  FUN TO DRIVE, IT FEELS LIKE A MINI- HUMMER. VERY QUIET ENGINE AND PLENTY OF GO POWER. A VERSATILE SUV WITH PLENTY OF STORAGE AND COFFEE CUP HOLDERS. GET IT DIRY...JUST HOSE THE INSIDE DOWN...WATERPROOF. USES REGULAR UNLEADED GAS.

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  great minivan - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By ann marie - February 11 - 10:00 am

  this is an amazing minivan. when my husband and i were expecting our first child i swore i would never drive a minivan, boy was i wrong! it is stylish sporty and so convenient. we are now expecting our third any day and i wouldnt know what to do without it. we had a 2002 exl and traded it for a 2004 exl last week. we got a great deal because the dealer said that the re-sale of our used van was excellent.

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  Love my Odyssy - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By Las Cruces Mom - February 11 - 10:00 am

  Great automobile for families. Kids have lots of room to get in and out with sports equipment. Easy to drive, park and manipulate. Wouldnt trade it for the world!

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  Mommys ride - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By EABrewe - February 11 - 10:00 am

  My wife loves her Honda because it doesnt drive like a truck. Great turning radius, good visibility and the get-up and go to merge into traffic. The boys love it too because they have their own row of seats. On family trips the DVD player is a great feature and helps pass the time - if only I could watch it!

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  Best by Far, hands down - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By MaGill - February 11 - 10:00 am

  Optional automatic/manual doors a must; like some of the improvements since 2000 model ie. added cupholders for rear passengers, more easily change seating config,etc. was too low to ground, needed more clearance underneath vehicle. Love the roominess (carries adults better than other mini- vans)and handles like a sports car ... grudgingly came out of old Nissan 300 ZX turbo/t-tops and Acura Legend, absolutely no regrets. Love the suspension/ride.

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  great van - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By tedibrr - February 11 - 10:00 am

  this vehichle is great. love driving it and is always dependable

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  My Awsome Minivan - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By Serenes - February 11 - 10:00 am

  The Honda Odyssey is an excellent car/minivan. It doesnt feel like a minivan when you are driving it. They feel like a regular car, they drive so smoothly, you cant even hear the engine running when you are standing next to it. The Odyessey has excellent pick-up power so you can get going when needed. I highly recommend the Odyssey to anyone who is looking for a family car.

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  Honda Odyssey - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By Hopforder - February 11 - 10:00 am

  This is among the most reliable of minivans on the market. Unlike the American models, you wont have to worry about engine trouble on a long family car trip. Although minivans dont get great gas mileage in general,the Honda Odyssey is better than most. The most impressive thing about this vehicle is the cargo space. This van has more room inside than comparable vehicles we looked at. This vehicle also has lots of nice safety features that make it a good family car.

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  mini - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By newbe - February 11 - 10:00 am

  Finally, broke down and purchashe a minivan(something I vowed never to do). Best purchase ever - two kids and long roadtrips to both sets of grandparents.