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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  Stereo Controls - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By S. Norrbom - March 8 - 2:00 am

  I recently went to CA and used my sisters Element. I hadnt realized how much I used the controls for the stereo on the steering of my Odyssey until I was driving her car and it wasnt there! I also wanted to be able to fit alot of family/friends when they visit. The Odyssey does the trick!

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  Jacobsen Review - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By Deanne Jacobsen - March 8 - 2:00 am

  Weve loved every minute of having this automobile. I researched for over a year before choosing this minivan. I havent regreted my choice for a second. This will be the only model of Minivan that this family ever has.

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  great car/poor mileage - 2003 Honda Civic
  By fueler - March 8 - 2:00 am

  This a great car! Very comfortable, very responsive. My only complaint is the mileage. 36MPG with CVT with 4,500 miles on the odometer.Dealer says it will improve after 5,000miles. I could have bought a Civic LX for $5,000 less and got the same mileage!

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  Does everything better than average - 2003 Honda Accord
  By YouNoFocus - March 8 - 2:00 am

  First, is the great gas mileage (for a powerful V6) and it uses 87 octan REGULAR unleaded. Quiet and powerful engine that causes front tires to loose grip momentarily off start. Surprised by a great sound system. Not Bose or Infiniti or Harmon, but competes well with any of those. Navigation system is very useful, even for local 5 minute trips to places unknown. Beware though, not every address and business are on the DVD, even some local grocery stores are not there. I think this is the sensible midsize choice for most, Maxima, Passat and Camry are all okay for adolescents, yuppies and the comatose respectively.

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  Great Car Fairly Low Price - 2003 Honda Accord
  By oilextreme - March 8 - 2:00 am

  Honda has once again refined an already good car. We love it.

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  Good Car, But I Like My Old Honda Better - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Mikelamos - March 8 - 2:00 am

  Good overall car, but Ive gotten very poor fuel economy with the 4cyl. I get 18-20 in the city regardless of how I drive. The brakes have started squealing more than usual too. Ive owned 2 other Honda products and loved them. I just dont love this car. Id rather have my 89 Accord.

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  ONE FAST HONDA - 2004 Honda Accord
  By SUANN - March 8 - 2:00 am

  I WAS NOT TO MUCH FOR THE EXTERIOR STYLING...BUT THE INSIDE IS GREAT AND THE PERFORMANCE IS OUT OF THIS WORLD FOR A HONDA ACCORD!!!

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  Awesome POWER - 2004 Honda Accord
  By milk359 - March 8 - 2:00 am

  Great power, but lacks in handling.

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  2008 CR-V EX-L - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By jeb - March 7 - 5:06 pm

  We average 30 mpg on the highway at 60 mph around town 23 mpg. Great Ride and handling. The vehicle is well built inside and out.

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  HONDA FAILURE-Avoid-$34,000 Hybrid that semi works - 2017 Honda Accord Hybrid
  By Renae - March 7 - 3:11 pm

  My brand new Hybid has been in the service center 10+ times. experience has been bought the car on Friday and returned it on Monday. Instead of 700 miles to a gas tank I got 440. Im always using gas instead of the battery as my battery never fully charges and drains extremely quick. I have talked to the Poway Dealership (dont ever buy a car with them) whos response is "thats how its supposed to work" and will no longer do service on it as they have already replace a module for the battery and the seat warmers, speakers as they were not working either and now it has a rattle. Honda really failed with this one. Now I have to look into Lemon Laws regarding my brand new purchase. Please save your money, time and lots of headaches and do not buy this car. Also Honda America refuses to help even though the car is brand new.