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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  Honda CRV SE - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By KVA - January 27 - 10:00 am

  The only complaint I could have is that it doesnt have quite as much "pickup" as I would like when climbing a mountain road. Still, it doesnt LOSE any speed. Its the most comfortable vehicle Ive owned. Beautiful styling overall. I feel that it has the best parts of station wagons, SUVs, and minivans put together.

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  05 odyssey - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By jjjjjjjjjjj999 - January 27 - 10:00 am

  wow! This our 3rd Odyssey(99and02)and the 05 is incredible. The only cons are unopening 3rd row window, shift lever position and no available 4wd.

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  Nice car for budget concerning people - 2005 Honda Civic
  By Benjemin - January 27 - 10:00 am

  The most impression to me is the gas milage which runs average around 38.Before i decided to buy this car,my wife and I did some research about civic and corolla.By comparing corner to corner I chose the civic.Its more style and fun to drive.Not like corolla,i never felt bumpy.

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  Ok for the $$$ - 2004 Honda Accord
  By pocho - January 27 - 10:00 am

  All said it is a good car for the price but its a bit overrated, the car is not all its made out to be, drove camry V6 for 8 yrs and liked it much better, Hondas V6 engine does not feel like 240 HP, Im not getting near the MPG advertized, and radio needs improvement, Bad experience at the dealer, they did not apply hondas incentive at the time ($500) to sales contract, after finding out there was an incentive was told "too late". 3 year guarantee period is too short compared to other makes. Built quality appears to be good, good materials and finish all around and very good interior.

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  Bad Brakes - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By abwilson - January 27 - 7:32 am

  With only 3000 miles on the vehicle, it has been in for repairs 3 times. All of which are brake related. Rear brakes had to be replaced already. Its a fun to drive mini Suv, when it isnt in the shop. Very disappointed because it is unreliable. I will never own another Honda.

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  Fast, Smooth & Refined - 2007 Honda Accord
  By 07V66MT - January 26 - 10:43 pm

  I also tested an 07 V6 6MT altima but decided to purchase an 07 Accord sedan v6 6MT 2 weeks ago so I havent opened it up yet but, coming from someone whos owned 2 5.0 Mustangs, Taurus SVO, and a Grand Prix GTP, the 6speed manual definitely holds its own. I wish others would discuss prices and help future buyers determine a decent deal -- with destination charge i paid 24899, plus 6/100,000 warranty (no ded.) and wheel/tire protection both for 1130. I dealt directly with the sales manager and this was his first offer -- and I always heard Honda wouldnt negotiate. Only modification is K&N drop-in air filter which seems to help some. Im very pleased thus far.

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  Great bang for the buck - 2000 Honda Prelude
  By Pete - January 26 - 7:49 pm

  Today (1/26/05) is my fifth anniversary with this car. It has 50,790 miles, and hasnt given me a minutes trouble. 24 mpg minimum, and a lot of the time it gets 26.5 mpg. I think its a very attractive car, perfect for short commutes. My only gripe is that it is not a very comfortable car, its noisy, and the ride is a little rough. I can last 30 minutes at a time before I feel the need to get out and stretch. Ill be trading for something more comfortable and more useful. This is flashy personal transportation that handles well. Enough room for a weeks groceries in the trunk. No room in the back seat for adults, so forget it, just fold the seat down and leave it that way.

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  A Nice Car - 2005 Honda Accord
  By donald gleason - January 26 - 7:03 pm

  The car an 2005 ex V6 with leather is a very comfortable car. The only the I would do if I bought another car with leather is treat the leather seats because they are rough and hard. My wife sat down with buttons on her pockets and scratched the leather. Once a week with armoral leather wipes does the job.

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  Highly versatile, Honda quality - 2004 Honda Element
  By DrDM - January 26 - 3:29 pm

  Im at the opposite extreme from Hondas target market (Gen Y) for the Element -- I bought this car as an eminently practical solution to multi- function "retirement car" needs in rural Puget Sound. It regularly surprises and pleases with its thoughful practicality, abundant capacity, eager performance, and unperturbed handling on less-than- ideal road conditions. After 4 months and 5K miles it has yet to reveal a flaw in build quality. The Elements design requires some getting used to. The "window sills" are unusually high, and visibility on the flanks is iffy the wide-opening clamshell doors make loading tough in tight parking stalls. Overall, its a winner!

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  A great car - 2001 Honda CR-V
  By GW - January 26 - 3:06 pm

  This is a great reliable car, not expecting anything less from a Honda! Purchased car new in 2001 and has been working great with no major maintenance just regular oil changes and service -granted it has only been 4 years, but our previous car which we also got new, within few months transmission went bad and car was never the same afterwards.