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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  Great car but tranny problems - 2001 Honda Odyssey
  By rsmg - December 1 - 10:40 pm

  All-in-all, I think the reviews I have read here are quite hard on the car. We have put it to tough use and had virtually no problems with the well-designed interior. Yes, the left slider sticks despite periodic lubrication by dealer. The brakes have always felt overworked but have been replaced with disks all-around on later models. The big problem IS the tranny. At around 82,000 miles, it was replaced under specially extended warranty for the second time. That was a couple of months ago and wife, tonight, reports same warning lights are on again, although it could be anything, of course. If you buy one used, please get the whole situation IN WRITING, about any tranny warranty extension!

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  Excelent Van, One Problem - 2000 Honda Odyssey
  By I dislike Beige cars - December 1 - 9:01 pm

  We bought our Odyssey in August of 2000, about 6 months after we bought it the sliding doors started to jam and on several occasions would not open. To this day December 1 2004 they still occasionally jam but after bringing it to Honda in 01 it is a lot less frequent. That is the only problem I have had with this van. Other than that everything is excellent.

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  Reliable Car - 1998 Honda Civic
  By mattdoggydog - December 1 - 6:54 pm

  This was my first Honda purchase. I own a 98 Civic EX with Auto. I bought this one with 66k. Before this I drove old American-Made beater cars. I am now a Honda buyer for life. My civic is responsive but it certainly is not a sportscar. I wish I would have purchased the 5sp. The only maintenence I have done is a tune up at 70k, Catalytic converter/exhause at 85k, new tires and battery. Its now at 92K and it rides great, ready to go another 100K.

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  SupeR Fun S2K - 2004 Honda S2000
  By Karls s2000 - December 1 - 6:08 pm

  This car is just plain fun to drive. It will be very hard not to get a speeding ticket. Cornering is impressive. Put the top down and enjoy listening to the beautifully tuned engine when you rev it all the way to 9000 RPM. I love everything about this car except for one thing. Not made for a tall person. If you are less than 5 1/2 feet, you will enjoy this car! I do.

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  175,000 miles and still kicking! - 1996 Honda Accord
  By Accord Guy - December 1 - 11:21 am

  I bought this car as the 3rd owner in July of 2002. I purchased it for $2500 b/c the seller had put 144,500 miles on it and dealerships were only going to give her $2k for a trade in. I have done minimal work on this car and it has been very reliable. Routinely gets me 25+mpg. Long highway trips will net me 30 mpg. Great gas mileage.Just realized this car is still on original timing belt so that is getting replaced this week. 175,000 mils on original timing belt! wow!Wish the car had more power, but it gets the job done

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  Honda Accord EX 97 - 1997 Honda Accord
  By CelticRainbw - December 1 - 10:00 am

  Reliability and quality are the keys to the 97 Accords overall performance. It is easy and affordable to maintain - no mechanical or electrical problems. It is easy/fun to drive and responds beautifully (great on wet roads and in snow.)

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  Low Maitenece, High Reliability - 1997 Honda Accord
  By alig - December 1 - 10:00 am

  This is my second accord. My first was an 88 LX that went for 200,000 miles without any major mechanical repairs (only brake jobs and oil changes). The only reason I got rid of it was a car accident. I was quick to buy another accord. Since I do a lot of traveling I put 46,000 miles on the car within the first 2yrs (I bought it at 60,000) Now at over 100,000 miles, I have only needed to replace the brakes (a regular maitenance item). I would definately recommend this car for anyone.

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  Element Rocks! - 2003 Honda Element
  By donga22 - December 1 - 10:00 am

  Im a 22-year old male college student and thats the target buyer that Honda wanted for the Element. I traded in my 2002 Civic EX for the Element. I absolutely love this car! I get a lot of attention on the road, seeing people turn their heads.

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  Driving is Fun Again - 2003 Honda Element
  By Joka - December 1 - 10:00 am

  After owning Large four wheel drive vehicles the Element or "Ute" as we call it is a pleasure to drive. Handling, roominess, and open feeling just makes us want to go for a "RIDE" Driving is a pleasure again...

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  I LOVE THIS CAR! - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By rjsoulliere - December 1 - 10:00 am

  This is a fabulous family car that provides comfort and room without scrimping on safety or aesthetics. For all those out there who refuse to be "minivan moms", the Honda Pilot allows the same seating arrangment (actually more) than most minivans on the market, while also providing the functionality of a SUV without being obnoxious in size or look. The gas mileage is good considering it is an SUV, not as good as a family car, however, its not the same horror stories of the more obnoxious SUVs on the market. The ride is smooth, the kids are happy and thus the parents are thrilled!