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:

• 

  Honda - 2001 Honda Odyssey
  By R Scott - April 25 - 2:00 am

  Good vehicle...good mileage...excellent condition. No dents..runs perfectly Seats 7 people

• 

  To Alaska and Back - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By JPFerris - April 25 - 2:00 am

  We purchased our 2002 Odyssey for the purpose of driving to the Yukon and Alaska with our family of four. We loaded up the van in late June 02 with the camping gear,dog and two ski boxes, heading west from Ottawa, Canada. The trip to the Yukon took us 10 days and on the AlCan highway showed how reliable and powerful this minivan is. In tough mountain driving nothing surpassed this van in performance.We cruised at 70 mph the whole way without a hitch. Highway mileage was very good, city mileage can be improved upon. 7 weeks and 18000 km (12,000 mi) later we returned home with the Odyssey running like a fine swiss watch. Exceeded our expectations.

• 

  Nice Unit - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By Larry and Lori - April 25 - 2:00 am

  Very pleased so far since we brought it home. Had a chance to drive it in ice and snow the other day, and it performed better than I expected. The wife says the more she drives it the better she likes it. ITS A JOY TO DRIVE!!!

• 

  Pretty Darn Good Overall - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By Honda 1st timer - April 25 - 2:00 am

  Owner for 6 mos, 9,000 miles. Love the smooth power, quickness, stable handling and relative (to our Windstar) quietness. Fold-down seat is very handy. Drivers seat uncomfortable. Sound system is substandard. Sliding door is always a problem - sticks so I have to get out and yank so kids can get in. In fact, would not open when we picked up at the dealer. Also grime on the interior and ripped fabric at delivery - none of which was rectified by dealer. However, if I get the mechanical reliability experience and longevity that I hear so much about, I will be very happy regardless.

• 

  Overrated - 2010 Honda CR-V
  By Will Girard - April 24 - 10:56 pm

  Stiff bumpy ride, cheap tires, major vibrations, 9000 miles on it, dont buy the hype, use the lemon law to return it.

• 

  Review of my S2000 - 2002 Honda S2000
  By Dwarflord - April 24 - 2:26 pm

  Very tight inside, in fact it is close to being uncomfortable. Because of the high revving engine and convertible top, this car is very loud inside. The car is fun to drive on curvy roads but you have to keep the rpms high to enjoy the vtec engine. This car is quick, but does not feel like it due to the lack of torque on this vehicle. Quality is typical honda, so no disappointment there.

• 

  My First Love - 2004 Honda Accord
  By InspireAccord - April 24 - 2:10 pm

  My first Honda, drives great, gotta love the I-vtec. I have the 4cyl and it kicks. 160hp is not bad for the price.

• 

  Totally worth it! - 2005 Honda Civic
  By Julie - April 24 - 11:33 am

  OK, Ill admit, the sticker mpg of 47 highway is high - I usually get about 40mpg on the highway setting the cruise at 70. And the pick-up is a little slow (I used to have a 6 cyl, so its an adjustment). In town (which is most of my driving anyway to work/school) I get 47/48 mpg, which is fantastic, and I still love how it "shuts off" at stoplights -all my friends just think this is the coolest. Sure, if money is the only reason youre buying, youll probably never make up the cost unless gas reaches $5 a gallon, but if you want a reliable car thats easier on the environment and still nice on the pocketbook (a $30 fill up lasts me well over a month) this car is for you.

• 

  great car - 2008 Honda Accord
  By james - April 24 - 7:56 am

  I expected to be buying a value-family sedan, but instead I got a great- driving, leather-comfy driving car. It drives better than the 2002 A4 1.8T I replaced. The auto-transmission is quite sporty and 4 cylinder engine is more than enough power. It even has the auto-dimming rear-view mirror.

• 

  1991 Accord Review - 1991 Honda Accord
  By Ryan - April 23 - 8:48 pm

  Despite the 246,000 miles on the odometer, this car remains a reliable daily driver.