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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  practical and reliable - 2004 Honda Accord
  By art megan - May 24 - 10:00 am

  in november of 2002 i bought a 2003 accord and drove it 34000 miles and just bought another one in feb of 04. IT IS A GREAT CAR TO HOLD MOST OF ITS VALUE AND AT THE SAME TIME RUN WELLAND IS COMFORTABLE. I AM ON THE SECOND ACCORD SINCE FEB AND FIND THAT THEY ARE GREAT FOR PRACTICAL DRIVING STYLE AND LACK OF DEPRECIATION. i BUY AND DO NOT LEASE. THE ACCORD IS A 4 DOOR EXL 4 CYL AND HAS LOTS OF POWER FOR A 2.4

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  a good car at affordable price - 2004 Honda Accord
  By mazaher - May 24 - 10:00 am

  well its fun to drive this car i just love the ride

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  Blah... - 2005 Honda Accord
  By GM - May 24 - 12:57 am

  So I gave up on life and bought an Accord. This car will bring on your mid-life crisis within a year of purchase. No mechanical problems to date, just fiddly things like most of the buttons which used to light up no longer do, squeaky seat, questionable paint quality. Do not buy one with Navigation - you will really regret it, especially at trade in time. Fairly quick in a straight line, great highway MPG. Handling is borderline dangerous - attempt anything outside of granny driving and you will be sorry - a real issue in an emergency situation. All in all, a nice but boring car that handles like a van.

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  Please stop the rattles!!! - 2008 Honda Odyssey
  By Sue - May 22 - 7:08 pm

  Have had the vehicle for 15 months with little to no problems. I did hit a deer on Thanksgiving Eve which did $2200 damage to car. Had repairs done through the dealership with no problems. My only real complaint with the car is the rattles! The passenger side slider sounds like it will rattle right off the hinges. Both sliders creek when coming to and pulling away from a stop. Very annoying! While the second row power down windows seem like a great feature, when the windows are open it sounds like Im driving with flat tires and the thumping in my ears is annoying. I dont have the second row windows down. Id much prefer the far back windows to vent open.

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  Never again - Odyssey - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By never again - May 22 - 3:03 pm

  Bought this car brand new - thought it was such a life saver for twin babies. On the way home from the dealer some maintenance light comes on. Every time I turn around some warning/maintenance light comes. I have owned lots of other Hondas and maintenance was never an issue. I am surprised a maintenance light hasnt come on to maintenance the maintenance light for $500. Maintenance A, B what a piece of junk.

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  Honda: The way to go!!!! - 1995 Honda Civic
  By bmidd31 - May 22 - 10:00 am

  Over all a great car!!! Fun to drive, hugs every turn tight, GREAT gas mileage. VETC engine is great and has plenty of power in the higher RPMs. 5 speed manual is the way to go with the 4 cylinder engine!!! Great Buy!!!

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  A Honda Lemon? - 2000 Honda Odyssey
  By Joei - May 22 - 10:00 am

  I switched to the Honda so that I could feel safe that my wife and children were in a dependable car. Three transmisions (within the first 30,000 miles), cooling system fix, four door handles, and a variety of other annoyances later, and I would not recommend this to ANYONE! The van looks good and drives nice, but not worth the worry. My wife has no sense of security.

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  first time paid over invoice - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By gorilla401 - May 22 - 10:00 am

  have only put on less than 400 miles so far. 2001 camry stolen, replaced it with the cr-v. paid 500 over invoice after haggling and searching more than i have ever done. paid below invoice for the camry and the accord before that. for those of you who dont know, invoice is not dealer cost, nor even close.

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  Good bang for the buck - 2002 Honda Accord
  By Pman - May 22 - 10:00 am

  The Accord is a good solid drive. For the price it _cant_ be beat. Almost everything you could want is in it.

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  The Good, the Bad, the Ugly - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By dk - May 21 - 4:19 pm

  The Good - performance, visibility, function and utility. Reasonably comfortable on long trips. The Bad - initial fuel mileage was poor and took close to 30,000 km before an appreciable difference was noticed compared to my 1992 Aerostar. Short carpet- tearing in rear well. At 43,000 km - power steering pump started making a growling nose was replaced. Bad road noise in mid to rear compartment of vehicle, even after under coating. Needs a better stereo system..no MP3. The Ugly - nothing yet.