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:

• 

  My First Honda is 13 Years Old already! - 1992 Honda Accord
  By Rose - August 8 - 1:21 pm

  I decided to purchase a Honda Accord used recently. It was the best decision I made in a car ever. The interior looks great. The maintenance on the car by the previous owners has lead me to believe that anyone who owns a Honda has a deep respect for it. Its a great car whether its 13 years old or 13 minutes old.

• 

  This is a great vehicle - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By Love My CR-V - August 8 - 12:12 pm

  I love the reliability, quality, and everything about this vehicle. Honda has done a good job, I never worry about this car. With 44000 trouble free miles I am looking forward to being able to pay this vehicle off and drive it for a year or two more. That is how well it drives now. I couldnt be happier! All I have done is put front brake pads, resurface the front rotors, and tires. It is also great in the snow!

• 

  Solid Reliability - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By bill - August 8 - 2:58 am

  I bought the Nav Model new and have only needed lube changes in 90k miles. The brakes are still good. The GPS is easy to use and very useful but has tricked me sometimes. I have few complaints but am thinking about a new Mini van now and dazzled by the high tech sizzle of the Quest but concerned about some of the negative reviews. But then this model of Ody has attracted far more complaints and I have had scant concern in the 90 k I have driven. My Ody drives like it is almost broken in and ready for more action but Oh!!! the Quests sleak, sporty, gizmo laden, futuristic, earthbound space shuttle appeal quickens the heart of a true technofile. I hope I luck out and get as good as my Oddy.

• 

  Finally got my S2K - 2004 Honda S2000
  By chrisnofar - August 8 - 2:00 am

  This is truly an "enthusiasts" sports car. To sum it all up, this car has everything you need, and nothing that you dont. Definetely a significant amount of interior noise from the wind and tires. However the best noises are heard from the twin oval tipped exhausts. She revs like a F1 and sounds like a banshee. Fuel consumption is conservative at 20/25 city/hwy. Hondas S2K definatley provides the most bang for the buck, no doubt. Where else can you get drop top pleasure, with an engine like a bat out of hell, with one of the best transmission in the world, and killer looks for about $30 grand?

• 

  Great Little Rocket - 2004 Honda S2000
  By jbkraemer60 - August 8 - 2:00 am

  I was originally in the market for a 1- 2 year old 911. A friend who owns a 2002 S2000 recommended I look at the 2004 model. He was right on. Even though Im 62 I still fit comfortably even with the top up. The reviews written about the 2004 are pretty much right on. If you want a car that feels like a car set-up for the track and you crave F1 engine whine this is the ticket

• 

  We Love It - 2004 Honda Element
  By Element Owner - August 8 - 2:00 am

  We have a toddler and two large dogs. Thanks to our dogs and kid this car really gets dirty quick but thankfully it cleans up quick. A damp sponge works great on the interior. WE did have one problem with it this past summer when a full pump sensor failed and the car lost power and the engine light came on (the vehicle had to be towed)but that appears to be a fluke incident. The car has been running great since then. The car has nice pickup on the highway when passing other vehicles. A wonderful car at a reasonable price! We love it.

• 

  Military Buyers Beware! - 2004 Honda Element
  By Jess311 - August 8 - 2:00 am

  This is a great SUV/Truck/Car, however, if you are in the military, and receive orders to go overseas, Honda does NOT work with you so that you can take your vehicle with you. Its too bad they cant work with the men and women who serve this country. Next time, I am buying a Ford!

• 

  Not as good as they say. - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By LowHarley - August 8 - 2:00 am

  I shopped around for a long time. The family is growing and needed a van. Went with the Honda because everyone said it was the best. Have 10,000 miles on it, and has been in the shop twice. First time fuel problems second time new trans. This van is not has good is everyone said. I wish I would have stayed with the Dodge/Chysler.

• 

  1st Honda - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By Don G - August 8 - 2:00 am

  Great vehicle, grand kids love the DVD entertainment opt. Smooth ride with a performance "kick".

• 

  happy with the purchase - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By km2kids - August 8 - 2:00 am

  Great van for a family that takes lots of little trips here and there. Not too sporty looking, but we had great customer service from Honda (not from Toyota) and loved what Consumer Reports had to say about it. The ride is a bit stiffer than my old Grand Caravan, and the dash is a bit awkward, but the reliability is what I wanted most of all this go around. See ya, Dodge!