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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  First evaluation - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By Al Wiggins - March 19 - 10:00 am

  Great experience driving and comfort on road and in town. Great vehilcle for transporting three grandchildren,especially with DVD entertainment system.

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  Not a van person - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By Bob R - March 19 - 10:00 am

  I am not a van person, in the past if it had more than two doors it was just too big. Now, with 4 children the mini van is a must. I must say I was very surprised at the drive of the Odyssey. Much to my suprise the feel was very similar to that of my Acura CL. I am not sure how Honda got so much of the truck out and the car feel in but, thanks from a non van person.

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  love my civic - 2001 Honda Civic
  By chris g - March 19 - 10:00 am

  My civic is excellent in many ways except for two things. It does not handle well in the snow because its so light. It could be made more comfortable, a softer seat with a little better lower back support would be great. Otherwise it is very ergonomically laid out.

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  Great Car, bad dealer - 2003 Honda Accord
  By CA5150 - March 19 - 10:00 am

  I have been researching this car for a few months now. I finally got to drive it and love it more than I even thought I would! I drove both the 6 cyl and the 4 cyl setups. The 4 cyl really suprised me, and the interior was more comfortable than my current luxury car. The ride was a tad bit stiff, but as a result pulling corners was great with little roll. However, the deal went sour when the sales "manager" tried to mislead me about some stuff, so Costa Mesa Honda wont be getting my business! Beware of this dealership, and do your homework before you go to ANY dealership.

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  Family sedan youll love to drive - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Rich C - March 19 - 10:00 am

  Surprisingly good gas mileage considering the Accords size and feel. Accelleration with 4 cyl / 5 spd combination more than adequate. Engine is very quiet, almost too quiet as I sometimes find myself driving 10 mph beyond optimum shift point. Interior is comfortable and quite adequate for 4 adults. Overall, car is an exceptional value.

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  door seals - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Arnette - March 19 - 10:00 am

  We have noticed that the door seals allow water to seep into the door frames on all four doors, but the front ones are the worst. When the door is opened, the collected water drips onto the leather seat. I have taken it back to the dealer once, and they insist that everything is in order. I said, "then Honda should issue a towel with the car". Even if there isnt enough water to drip, it still accumulates inside the door well and stays there for days. This will eventually cause corrosion. Has anyone else had this problem? Am wondering if it is a design flaw or if it is my car in particular.

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  Outstanding Ride! - 2003 Honda Accord
  By bjlakatos - March 19 - 10:00 am

  Powerful, quiet, comfortable, reliable...good value for under $25k

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  safety features let me down - 2003 Honda Accord
  By melwelsh - March 19 - 10:00 am

  I rear ended another vehicle- and all of the safety feature for which I actually bought the car for really let me down. My seat belt malfunctioned and pulled all the way out and never even restrained me. My driver side air bag did not even open, but the passanger side airbag did open (it opened up- not out and completely shattered the windshield), even though there was no passanger. My whole body slammed into my steering wheel. If either of these features had worked properly I would have been ok- but they both failed. I am upset about this b/c I am pregnant and really rely on those safety features of a airbag and seat belt

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  Radiator, Rock, Blown Head Gasket - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Patricia Rinnert - March 19 - 6:13 am

  I leased a 2008 Accord in April 2008 - at 7,000 miles I noticed that the heater was not working - took it to the dealership - they determined that a rock had hit & put a hole in the radiator - not covered by warranty - $900 out of my pocket. 4,000 miles later the temp gauge went sky high - immediately took to dealership (less than 10 miles) and was informed that I now have a blown head gasket due to the radiator issue -$1600 out of my pocket - still discussing the issue but not happy with the radiator design or the run around - no car for 5 days now. No free rental as it is not a warranty item. Check engine light also comes on and goes off intermittently - Do I have a Lemon???

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  Best car Ive ever owned - 1997 Honda CR-V
  By Klub - March 19 - 2:00 am

  I bought my CRV used almost two years ago with 117,000 miles on it. I got a great deal due to the high mileage. So far I have never broken down and have had to have no work on it other than routine maintenance and replacing some hoses before they became a problem. My car before this one was brand new and I had non stop problems with it from 6 mos until I sold it 7 years later. For an SUV it has a pretty smooth ride and decent gas mileage. I am pregnant now and will feel very safe with my child in it while still feeling sporty.