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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  should/could/would be a fun car... - 2002 Honda Civic
  By kjiang - September 7 - 10:00 am

  since we bought this 2002 Civic we havent had good experience at all: 1. Fuel Drinker: 20-22 short distances and 30-31 highways. 2. Noisy: some noise local drive and can-not-stand-anymore noise on highways. 3. Terrible breaks: when step a little harder on the break it becomes really sudden break which scares me every time. 4. Glitch Transmission: when change from one speed level to another the transmission is not smooth at all (big glitch & noise). P.S. were very regret that we bought this not satisfying at all car (will NEVER buy Honda again...)

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  owner - 2002 Honda Civic
  By valarieli - September 7 - 10:00 am

  I like it very much. Its an excellent car.

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  Honda Accord 2003 Consumer Review - 2003 Honda Accord
  By lfuentes - September 7 - 10:00 am

  I love my Honda. It is the first Honda that I owe, before I had a Camry 92. The only thing that caught me by surprise is the poor visibility. I guess I was used to the good visibility of my Camry that I have almost gotten into 2 wrecks because of the serious blind spots. Other than that I cant complain one bit...I love it.

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  Humble Excellence - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Trip - September 7 - 10:00 am

  Nothing comes close to its combination of performance, comfort, and value. Its deceptively quick, handles extremely well for a car of its size, is comfortable, and has luxurious appointments befitting cars costing much more. The interior design is particularly attractive and well laid out. The advanced technology in the car works transparently. The iVTEC engine is powerful and fuel efficient while earning low emissions ratings. Interior features like the speed sensitive wipers and dual climate controls work intuitively. Makes you wonder why other cars arent as slick. For all the gizmos and technology packed into the car, it works reliably, too.

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  SH....The best - 2000 Honda Prelude
  By h22vtec - September 7 - 2:00 am

  I love my car.Ive had it now for about four months,it has been great.When buying this car you recieve:Style,quality and great performance all in one package.I have yet to see a car like this.When i say that i mean a "non" base turbo car.Sure the WRX,Evo are quick,but the turbo made those that way.This car is awesome w/out the turbo.But im am going to purchase a turbo so i can join the leaders.This will send me up about 100- 125 horses....Gotta luv it!

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  Awesome! - 2004 Honda S2000
  By KingHayabusa - September 7 - 2:00 am

  This car absolutely screams! It reminds me a lot of my Hayabusa! A true motorcycle on four wheels!

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  96 Civic EX - 1996 Honda Civic
  By jmr4152 - September 7 - 2:00 am

  CV joints going bad, muffler rusted out at the axle (seems very common on civics), clutch is wearing out(prior driver possibly). My biggest complaint is that it has hesitated for almost a year with no check engine light. Its been in the shop numerous times with no luck. Not very pleased with the "Honda quality". Will be buying Toyota next round.

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  Good all purpose vehicle - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By mossmgmt - September 7 - 2:00 am

  In general, the Pilot is a great all purpose vehicle. I have four kids and it fits them and my wife and our stuff comfortably. Drives like a car, easy to park, great sound system, handles well in most situations. Good acceleration and good braking. The ABS probably prevented a fender bender or two! Main issue is driving with windows open: YOU CANT! If you exceed 40mph with open windows, the resulting vibration is unbearable. Need to try those window air-foil things.

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  lovin my honda - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By busymomof3 - September 7 - 2:00 am

  Just about had our Odyssey one month now. One question we had was why we didnt buy one sooner! After several years in a big Expedition, finally decided it was time to take the plunge into the minivan world. Are we ever glad that we did. Love this van. It feels like youre driving a car! Fun to drive, too. Handles like a dream. Love the power sliding doors and foldaway rear seat. So convenient with small children. Kids love the DVD, and so do the parents! Just finished a long trip across the state of South Dakota without a peep from the back. What a relief on a long trip! This van has got power to boot. Clipped along on the interstate nicely.

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  Realistic comments - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By rdenis - September 7 - 2:00 am

  Still the best "Driving" and practical Minivan on the market. Has power,handling,huge interior space and good design features. You may sacrifice some highway smoothness to get these driving characteristics, but is a fair trade-off.With the current $259/month lease, cant be beat. High expected resale value means exceptional lease rates. Gives you great driving confidence in a Minivan.