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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  You gotta do this! - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By THE I95 ROADIE - January 4 - 10:10 am

  I bought my Odessey 12/30/04. It is a 2005 EX. I currently live in Florida but my home is Maryland. It handled the road quite well. But fatique set in with leg room cramped on drivers side. It had pep and rolled with the best of them. Didnt notice road noise travelling up the interstate. My music drowned out everything anyway! Please make room for a full size tire!!!!! All in all, I would still recommend this van over any others! I plan on making another purchase of a van but want the full size tire option and driver leg/head room or I will hve to look elsewhere!!!! At the price for this van, I would think that these improvements could be met!

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  Good Fit - 2009 Honda Fit
  By Geordie - January 4 - 9:00 am

  Traded in an 2009 Civic Si for the Fit Sport and so far am very happy. Of course it does not have the HP of the Civic but the overall drive, visibility, utility and fuel economy cannot be beat within its class. Having had the car for one week I just re-fueled and calculated an average of 43mpg (on-board display read 47.6mpg) with a 70/30 highway/urban commute. Highway handling is not quite as tight as the civic due to the higher profile, but handling and maneuverability around town more than compensates. I almost bought a MINI but needed the extra space and four doors, and this Fit the profile. Will update after the first oil change.

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  My 2001 CR-V - 2001 Honda CR-V
  By Laura - January 4 - 3:54 am

  As a college student, I am overly pleased with my 2001 CR-V. I am able to travel to and from school and home ocassionally with comfort and ease. My car was bought as a graduation gift almost four years ago and I have had no problem whatsoever since then. I hope to keep my car for many years to come. I am sure that it will be as reliable then as it is now.

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  Tales of the Transmisson- The AL. Saga - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By oddy_no - January 4 - 12:45 am

  Looks like I am not alone in my transmission woes. At 44k the trans is starting to jerk and pull at 50-60 MPH. Did the recall thing. Also, A/C is out and the dealership wants $150. Called Honda customer service and waiting to see what happens. I did get a free EGR valve, :-) and told I was given Hondas "Good Faith Deal". I guess they really see me coming. Im slowly but surely learning, buy many thanks to the other reviewers for stepping up to the plate and sharing. Very good info. Like previous reviewers, beware after 36k miles. It starts to fall apart...literally.

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  lacengli@aol.com - 2004 Honda Element
  By L.A.English - January 3 - 11:18 pm

  this is the best for people w/families & people that travel alot.

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  Lots of car without spending lots of money - 2008 Honda Fit
  By TPINES - January 3 - 8:46 pm

  A really fine value. The Fit is fun to drive, economical, roomy, very practical. Build quality and reliability is classic Honda excellent.

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  2004 Suzuka Blue - 2004 Honda S2000
  By Gixxer 1000 - January 3 - 8:21 pm

  I just went from a Miata to the S2000 and am glad I did. I am 6 tall and did not fit well in the Miata. Fit, performance, quality and styling are my top prioroities in my selection of the S2000. I hope to enjoy it for many years to come.

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  Tops in the Class!! - 2001 Honda Civic
  By pff - January 3 - 2:53 pm

  Replaced a 97 Civic LX for this lease return. Styling, space, interior conveniences and power/tranny combo seem better than the 97. Suspension not as responsive & sone additional road noise than the 97. Overall a fantastic West Coast Canadian commuter. Very pleased. PS Still own a 90 Accord EXR for longer road trips.

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  Good reliable choice - 2008 Honda Accord
  By monica - January 3 - 1:30 pm

  I bought this car after much consideration of many models. I chose it for the low emissions, value for the money, reliability and gas mileage. Its a great car, I just miss my BMW which was way more fun to drive. Im 6 tall, and find the driving position pretty comfortable. I get 27+ MPG in mixed driving, which is pretty good although its annoying that I have to calculate it manually. (ok Im either spoiled or lazy)

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  LOVE IT !!!!!!! - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By YOUNG MOM - January 3 - 12:13 pm

  I AM A YOUNG MOTHER WHO WASNT READY TO GIVE UP ON SMALL CARS FOR AN SUV. I HAVE HAD MY CRV FOR 6 MNTHS AND I ABSOLUTELY LOVE IT. THE AMOUNT OF SPACE IT HAS IS INCREDIBLE AND U CANT BEAT THE PRICE. I HAVE NO COMPLAINTS AND WOULD NOT TRADE IN MY CRV FOR ANY OTHER SUV.