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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  Powered By Honda ALLWAYS ON! - 2003 Honda S2000
  By jbird1 - March 8 - 2:00 am

  The wife decided I needed a little 30 anniversary present. Something a little snappier than my 375hp 2000 Silverado. Well compared to my 66 427 vett and 8 or nine other new BMW, Porcshe, Mazda, and Nissans, this unit wins hands down. Took it to the track does an honest 156mph, gives excellent handling, and still is great to drive 103 miles to work everyday. Good job Honda, nice mix of race and sports car. Add a supercharger, big tires and Konis and this would be a nice race car.

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  Hondas new MUMMER! - 2003 Honda Element
  By jbird1 - March 8 - 2:00 am

  This is what you get when a HUMMER and a BMW MiniCooper get merged by Honda. Its an exceptional rig. Extreamly practical, well designed, smooth, handles great, very FUN, water and dog/kid proof. Best concept in years.

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  Good, but not perfect - 2002 Honda Accord
  By Olsparkee - March 8 - 2:00 am

  In a nutshell, I leased for less than $300/month with zero down, a car that has almost everything I was looking for. V6 with decent power, leather but not ventilated or heated seats, decent CD player but not MP3, quiet but still too much wind noise. But I dont love it. I cant really explain why but it just doesnt grab me the way that my previous cars did even though it is the fastest and highest end car Ive owned. Sad but true.

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  2003 Accord Sedan - 2003 Honda Accord
  By extrc8 - March 8 - 2:00 am

  Car exceeds all expectations. After decades of Porsche,Audi,Mercedes and BMW ownership this is a breath of fresh air. Insurance less than $400.00 per year. Reliability much better than German cars, and it is almost as much fun to drive. With newly designed seats it has finally become very comfortable to drive for long distances with no hint of fatigue or back pain. This had always been a short coming in my previous Honda encounters. Leather and electric seat heaters also a nice feature at this price point. Excellent stereo and CD player. An outstanding value.

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  Black on black beauty - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Memo - March 8 - 2:00 am

  This is the first Honda I have owned, and I may just become an Accord driver for life. After test driving everything from the Subaru WRX to the BMW 3-series and Infinity G35, nothing could compare to the Accord. Sure, the Infinity and BMW were faster, more refined, but in terms of bang (and comfort) for your buck, nothing can beat the Accord.

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  Great Car for the money. - 2005 Honda Accord
  By gdog477 - March 7 - 10:23 pm

  I got my accord dx a few months ago and have put on about 7000 miles. I have had no problems, and find the car to be great fo long distances. It is comfortable and roomy.

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  helpful - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By susie - March 7 - 9:20 pm

  I have six children in and out of the van daily. All children are in car seats. Eight passenger is great because I didnt want an suv. The one thing I would like Honda change is the volume speakers in the back seat. The volume is right in the kids ears and for the middle row of children to hear the ones in the back have it bothersome loud in their ears! That to me is a big problem, because not just the dvd player volume it is the radio too. The other problem is the back seat needs a little more room for these huge car seats. Car seat manufacuters and Honda need to talk space and size. The three in the back are extremely tight. We have to squeeze them in, in a creative way.

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  Returned Owner - 2010 Honda CR-V
  By Happy Owner - March 7 - 9:16 pm

  Traded my Honda Accord V-6 to this CRV. Any regrets? Absolutely not. Took this baby to Vancouver BC from SF, CA = 2000 miles, here are my assessments: Cons: Need more torque, I think it should have at least 175 ft/lbs instead of 161 right now. I had to push hard on gas pedal and shifted to D3 to gain more power when went up those hills. But, this one drives just fine around town. Pros: Very comfortable seating, excellent handling and fun to drive, fuel economy= avg. 25 mpg with speeding 70- 80 mph:=)) and most importantly functionality and versatility are worth to switch from the Accord.

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  BRAKES!!!!! - 2008 Honda Accord
  By MJ - March 7 - 7:13 pm

  I really loved this car the first few months I got it. Until I had to replace the rear brakes at 13,000 miles!! Absolutely ridiculous! I am now at 31,000 and just replaced them for the 3rd time. This was the only problem I had with the car. But hopefully some good new awaits as I read from another reviewer that a brake update/recall is coming from Honda in December 2009. Lets hope that happens. There is also a lot of road noise, I cant hear my bluetooth coming out of my speaker. I paid $500 for it too! Just use headphones or ear piece. I have yet to get 30 mpg on the long trips I take. Im going to look at a Prius now if they dont fix the brake problem. Waste of money!

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  My Perfect Match - 2000 Honda Civic
  By Jesse - March 7 - 7:28 am

  Ive owned this 2000 Civic Si for almost 2 years. So far I have spent exactly $0.00 on repairs. Regular maintenance and rough driving is all Ive put into it. Compared to my previous car (1996 Ford Taurus) which had several expensive issues and malfunctions in 3 years of ownership. Driving the Si is a lot more fun and it gets decent mileage even if you get a heavy foot from time to time. (I averaged 28 MPG even with rambunctious driving and stop and go driving. The factory spec is 26/32 MPG. This car is my perfect match. The next closest would be the Celica GT-S which is a little too flashy looking for my taste.