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:

• 

  Transmission Problems - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By OddChicago - October 8 - 2:00 am

  Nice Car, Too bad Honda could not design a decent transmission for it. Mine has ~43000 miles on it and the tranny is slipping, shifting from 2nd - 3rd. The tranny recall work was done earlier this year and it is still going out! A Google Search on the internet for "2002 Odyssey Transmission Problems" tells me that I am not alone.

• 

  The perfect vehicle - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By 4wdave - October 7 - 10:36 pm

  The perfect vehicle for people living in snow country and mountains, that hauls occasionally -- but not big horse or boat trailers. Feels and rides like a car inside, but good power and 4WD ability when needed. The "trunk" is the perfect place to store tire chains, flares, tarps, ropes, etc. I cant imagine anything better!

• 

  A cross breed indeed - 2010 Honda Accord Crosstour
  By Bon - October 7 - 8:36 am

  I considered a couple of more truck- like crossovers. Ultimately I picked the Crosstour and am happy I did. Deciding factors were the Honda build quality and reliability reputation, as well as the better gas mileage obtainable from the Variable Cylinder Management (VCM) engine, which cuts out cylinders when the engine is not under load. Ive owned several Hondas and this one has better build quality than ever, and the interior surfaces, leather and storage are better than any of my previous Hondas. Ride is smooth and quality. Fit and finish are tight. The Nav/Entertainment system is much improved from Hondas of a couple years ago, including Bluetooth and iPod interface. Great car!

• 

  Excellents across the board! - 1998 Honda Accord
  By Monica - October 7 - 2:00 am

  I love my Accord! Bought it used in 2003...all Ive had to replace is the catalytic converter! Awesome vehicle! My aunt had an 89 for 15 years then fell in love with a 2004 model and traded it in! Great cars!

• 

  Sports Car - 2004 Honda Insight
  By demanding driver - October 7 - 2:00 am

  This tiny car draws comments everywhere. I have found it responsive and reliable, reasonably comfortable, and large enough to go camping with, but it wont carry a boat or bike. You have to learn to drive it carefully to get the best gas mileage. Push it too hard too long and the mileage goes down. But it will go fast and far with no complaints. Have taken it to Maine from the Midwest, have taken a passenger on a trip, have gone ten thousand four hundred fift three miles since I bought it 3 months ago. Frankly, I love it. Wish it had cruise control, but it has everything else I need.

• 

  Great SUV - 2004 Honda Element
  By Thuan Dinh - October 7 - 2:00 am

  It was one of the best SUV that I own, and it handle just like the honda accord that I own. Great SUV to have.

• 

  Love our Pilot! - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By Joe&Bets - October 7 - 2:00 am

  I bought my wife a Pilot to safely carry our new child (and her!) in the Shenandoah Valley winter, in October of 03. Since then, weve had three good snow storms, and the Pilot never skipped a beat! Driving on the frozen, snowy roads was a breeze. Ive taken the Pilot up to the Appalacian Trail, and the ride up the fire roads was like driving up my driveway. The AWD system works like a charm and is seamless (i.e., you dont even notice it or feel it engage). Weve carried large, heavy loads thanks to the fold down 2nd row seats. Thanks to the NAV system, I no longer have to take calls at work to tell how to get where shes going! We love this vehicle!

• 

  Outstanding Vehicle - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By bostnwhalr - October 7 - 2:00 am

  Ive owned many different vehicles. The Pilot makes you feel like you are driving a much more expensive vehicle, from the instrumentation, the comfortable seating, refined rev-happy V-6, quiet operation, nice ride, etc. Traction in snow is very impressive. Instant AWD, no delay from front to rear. Gas mileage has been just ok at 17-18 mpg, mostly driving around town. Even the 3rd row is tolerable for adults once you get back there, especially since the 2nd row can be adjusted forward for 2004. I cant think of a better family- friendly SUV (unless you have 4+ kids).

• 

  Best Car Ive Ever Had! - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By B.A. - October 7 - 2:00 am

  This is my second Honda CRV LX and it is even better than the one I purchased in 1999, which I thought was great. Honda has excelled at building a vehicle that combines practicality and safety with fun. If you want a car that rates high on safety features, interior comfort, good gas mileage, low maintenance, and dependability, this is the car for you. It practically drives itself! I commend Honda for keeping the best features of the older model and upgrading the engine, body, interior, and comfort features in the new model.

• 

  A "Must Have" Kind of Car - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By Savvy - October 7 - 2:00 am

  This is the best car I have owned since I was 16 years old.