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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  Not Your Average Compact SUV - 2004 Honda Element
  By Winsted Mike - October 4 - 2:00 am

  Nice balance of performance, driveability and economy. Decent acceleration and fuel economy (22-23 mpg). Handles hills at Interstate speeds effortlessly. Funky shifter looks odd, but works well. Most controls are simple and straight forward. Seats are comfortable, handling precise and ride firm, but not jarring. Nice surprises: sunvisor extenders, storage everywhere. Quirks: high belt line makes reaching drive-up ATM a stretch, gauges hard to read on cloudy days, dashboard light adjustment is awkward, no glove box light, cargo slides on plastic floor as you drive. Cant get optional arm rest/storage bin with the stick shift (do it yourself).

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  Great van-poor gas mileage!!! - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By CLTUSMC72 - October 4 - 2:00 am

  I have had my 2004 Odyssey for about 2 months now and there are only 3 things I can complain about. So far I have only averaged about 13 miles per gallon in the city and the van is rated at 18 mpg! The exterior styling could use to be a bit more...well...stylish in my opinion! Lastly, althought it is awesome that the rear seat folds into the florr I reall wish Honda could find a way to also make it so the rear seat could slide forward or backwards for more or less legroom.

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  Average - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By lzh7gh - October 4 - 2:00 am

  Good Van. Interior noise is higher than my expectation. It should be quieter. Noise level is par as GM Venture/Transport Vans. Steering is great but typical Honda ride, little too harsh for me. Fit and finish is excellent. Same issue with many Odessey owners - transmission clunks into reverse from park when it is cold (winter).

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  Real nice, but..........mileage......... - 2003 Honda Civic
  By exGMbuyer - October 4 - 2:00 am

  Handles good, everything ok, but I am not getting the gas mileage. I am averaging only 25-27 in combined city and highway. On highway only - 31.

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  Bad Transmission - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By Another Honda??? - October 3 - 8:24 pm

  This model year has several major limitations that you will consistently read about online. The transmission had a recall early after purchase and recently finally bit the dust completely. Its always had trouble changing gears, slipping and revving. All of the electric windows have broken and are outrageously expensive to repair. The engine block mounts have been repaired...also incredibly expensive and the brakes are in continuous need of replacement. Each maintenance appointment brings new issues.

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  06 Ridgeline - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By Steven Boyd - October 3 - 7:57 am

  Of 27 vehicles owned in my life, the Ridgeline is the best overall vehicle. Quiet, squeak free and totally reliable machine. Needs a slightly longer trunk. Great work Honda. The new 2010 is on order!

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  my honey - 1994 Honda Accord
  By panache - October 2 - 10:00 am

  bought with 165m km. now have 209m km

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  Honda Civic CX - 1998 Honda Civic
  By JBC - October 2 - 10:00 am

  This is a very good little car, but it is not the best value in the Honda line. The CX model does not have power steering and is difficult to park.

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  Darn close, but no cigar?? - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By carman34 - October 2 - 10:00 am

  This car fits our needs to the "T". There is flexibility of having room for the kids and when needed, room to haul large items. The engine has next to the best gas mileage for a mid-sized SUV with the exception of the MDX; mixed commute driving is 18-20. Handling and ride are tops, again with the exception of the MDX. The engine is surprising quiet and relaxed even at 3,000 to 4,000 rpms when compared to other SUVs. The seats are actually comfortable, except for the thin padding behind the "activity tray". The storage pockets throughout the vehicle are proving more useful than one would think possible.

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  NICE but: Dont get the VCM model - 2009 Honda Odyssey
  By George - October 2 - 7:47 am

  Love the Odyssey BUT -- dont get the VCM model. There is a low growl/drone vibration you can feel and hear when it kicks into 3 cyl mode. Especially in cold weather. HONDA WONT disable it and claims that the noise is normal! VCM doesnt activate when the engine is cold during the first 5 min of driving so there must be a way to disable it programmatically. There also is a loss of power that is noticeable during VCM cruise on slight inclines. This causes the mph to drop well below your cruise setting. I prefer to eat the fuel savings (if any) than put up with this annoyance. It is extremely noticeable at 40 and 70 mph and when fully loaded. Must be at just the right rpms.