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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  So far, so good - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By PlumPink - March 24 - 2:00 am

  This is our second Honda. Our first one, a Civic LX sedan, which we still own, is 16 yrs. old so we chose Honda for its reliability. While we are pleased with the Odyssey so far, we wish there was a "fix" for the "clicking" noise which occurs (from the rear wheels) when braking. Apparently, this is a problem with both the Odyssey and the Pilot.

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  Pilot is a Good Choice - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By GAF-Mad, WI - March 24 - 2:00 am

  Have had our Pilot for over a year and a half now and are very happy with it. Traded in a 97 Blazer w/o 4-wheel drive, which was scary to drive in the snow with, not to mention the teeth- chattering ride and consistent steering/suspension problems. In the Pilot, we feel 100% safer now. Very few problems. Excellent Honda quality. Very sure-footed, smooth transmision, lots of power and storage space and most of all, quiet smooth ride.

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  Excellent vehicle in its class. - 2001 Honda Civic
  By pato - March 24 - 2:00 am

  Great fuel efficiency, clean engine, a basic instrument panel and performance and reliability never matched by any American-designed subcompact or compact class cars. Over 35K with no major repairs (except for brakes and regular maintenance).

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  Got rid of the Ram - 2004 Honda Accord
  By JoeBlow - March 24 - 2:00 am

  Nice vehicle. Not much else you could ask for in the way or options. Leather, XM satellite radio, Sun Roof, Power Seat, Heated seats Keyless + Security, & 4 Cylinder power. I love Honda since Ive had an odyssey. I went from a 2003 1500 Dodge Ram (not a commuting vehicle obviously) to Accord. $40 + gas a week. Killin me!!!! Have you seen the price of gas lately? Good riddens!!!

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  Dream Car!!! - 2006 Honda Element
  By Paul Pedersen - March 23 - 7:30 pm

  When I first saw the vehicle, I thought my wife was nuts for wanting it. It looked to me like an armoured car. It took about 1 mile driving for me to fall in love with it. It handles and runs exquisitely. Extremely fun to drive, and the extras (ours is loaded) are great. Its the tightest feeling build I have ever experienced. Turns on a dime. Great on the highway and in The Pine Barrens or at the Jersey shore. Room, room, room! And LOTS of window area, which I like. I expect that, very soon, there will be a LONG waiting list for these vehicles. Makes driving FUN again!

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  Glad I bought it! - 2008 Honda Civic
  By ggrec1 - March 23 - 2:06 pm

  I really like this car. Im 6 tall and the seat & steering wheel adjust perfectly. The seat is comfortable and the 2 tiered dash is cool. I can see all the instruments perfectly. The shifter is smooth and the position and movement are just right. I owned a Pathfinder and to me the visibility is great. You cant see the hood while you are driving but it is so short it doesnt really matter. Also has a nice amount of power for a fuel efficient car. I definitely recommend it!

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  Civic Rules - 1995 Honda Civic
  By Lovingmycivic - March 22 - 10:00 am

  The sporty styling is just a babe magnet! The suspension and the handling is just perfect. I have the automatic shift but I sometimes shift it like manual when come out of traffic light to maximize the VTEC efficiency. When the VTEC kicks in around 5000 revs, you just feel like you are on a plane. Other than replacing the parts that are due, the car is absloutely worry free. My friends are surprised how roomy the little car is also. I have the ABS version and it just helps the snow driving tremendously. Its just a fun car. Did I mention Im 63" and I feel fine in the car?

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  Excellent SUV - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By All4Him78 - March 22 - 10:00 am

  Upon researching all the available midsize & small SUVs on the market for 3 months, I finally came upon this little jewel. I didnt consider it at first, because I had seen the older models on the road and didnt like the way they looked; it looked too small. I discovered that the 2002 models were redesigned on a Friday, test drove it on the following Monday, and purchased it on Tuesday. I have no regrets with my purchase.

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  Heavenly Honda - 2002 Honda Civic
  By Pageaut - March 22 - 10:00 am

  I have just bought the Honda Civic LX. What a wonderful vehicle. It handles so nice, and looks great too!!! I had a Ford and it is nice to know I wont be putting thousands of dollars into repairs like I had been.

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  The Best Car I have ever owned - 2002 Honda Accord
  By bdkbaz - March 22 - 10:00 am

  Not only is this the best car I have ever owned, but the dealership that I purcased it from was a pleasure from start to finish. I have 4 other Honda dealerships closer to my house, and Mahwah Honda is actuallly over the stae line from where I live. But from minute one they were helpful, informative, and fair. They bend over backwards to please me...EVEN AFTER THE PURCHASE!! I am a very good negotiator and have the resouces to find the real cost of a car (even calculating in holdback fees). I told them what I wanted to pay, they said yes..no haggle no going nack and forth with the manager..no slimy salesman tricks...High class all the way.