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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  Could have been better - 2000 Honda Civic
  By Hondamechanics - December 5 - 10:00 am

  Honda quality has been negated by the poor workmanship at the Ohio plant. While the car runs well, there are a few visible spotty workmanship evident by unflushed fenders/headlight. One biggest annoying thing: getting in and out of the car is the most uncomfortable experience in using the car: the car is way too low!!!

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  Checking on the AT Cooler Recommendation - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By shuttsmeup - December 5 - 10:00 am

  I tow a pop up at a bout 1900 - 2000 lbs. NO PROBLEMS SO FAR at 18,000 miles, but to follow up on the question below asking about a Honda recommendation to install AT and PS coolers on all Odysseys used for towing, Ive sent e- mail and left voice mail with my Sales Rep at Sam Swope Honda (Louisville, Ky) to check this out. WILL UPDATE WHEN I RECEIVE A RESPONSE

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  This is the best van ever made. - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By SlickRay - December 5 - 10:00 am

  Simply the best mini-van.

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  great car - 2001 Honda Civic
  By lala - December 5 - 10:00 am

  this is a great car

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  A car with attitude - 2001 Honda Civic
  By LMad - December 5 - 10:00 am

  The 2001 Civic coupe is a reliable car that is fun and somewhat sporty. It is sensible but still has its attitude.

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  Some problems here - 2002 Honda Accord
  By grebby - December 5 - 10:00 am

  I have always driven Honda Accords. A new one every 3 years or so since 1978. Well, This 2001 is no Accord I ever knew. After 3 months, a tap-tap- tap noise under load. found it when a bolt came out from under the dash- hope nothing too important. excessive windnoise- rain on the door trim panels is awfully loud- thin metal everywhere. Going over warning ripples the entire car resonates for about 15 seconds. Honda has taken Monocoque (unitbody)Construction past its useful limits. Paint flaws visible after paint curing. Seems like they took the insight and put a bigger body on it- cheap and too light. My Last Honda- period.

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  Seamless and Reliable Honda Accord V-6! - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Lone1Star - December 5 - 4:43 am

  Previously sold on Hondas Reliability with a 94 Honda Accord EX 4 cylinder M tran with 33-36 mpg on the highway (synthetic Mobil 1 lubricant since 90K miles), the car had 188K miles before it was stolen. 2008 Accord V-6 4 DR is a refined mid size sedan and adds more power, room, safety, and features-to-cost value. Accelr8n is comparable and exceeds BMW 5 series. Build quality is exceptional. Ride quality is smoother with stiffer suspension on V-6 than 4 cyl . 5 speed auto tran SEAMLESS.

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  Honda Civic Lx 2005 - 2005 Honda Civic
  By 129bb - December 5 - 4:16 am

  I bought the civic 05 LX in Dec 04. Felt so good driving it until I got into accident. I was driving my civic on 81S PA 7am got into accident, ran on black ice lost control completely flipped over twice, felt down and hit the mountain. Weather condition seem fair while driving, just started snowing. The civic was totalled by all passengers were fine with seat belts on. I was injured by the broken glasses because I was wearing t-shirt. The airbags came out but didnt feel it during the accident. CD player still working after the accident. Second accident with my sisters civic (SAME MODEL), lost control on snowy part of the road, I was able to control but totally freak out driving civic now.

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  200 K on 95 EX -Still Strong & Reliable - 1995 Honda Odyssey
  By jjloveshondas - December 5 - 2:00 am

  My 95 EX is being donated next week but only because another driver crashed into it. Timing Belts every 90K are critical, doesnt have to be done by Honda dealer DONt have to do the Water Pump. First Tuned and Brakes at 90K. Great used car value! Doesnt have tourqe for hills and the engine whines a bit but the passing and acceleration speed power is more than adequate for highway or around town driving. This car owes me nothing, best and lowest cost (in terms of repair) vehicle ever owned and we have almost one million miles of Honda driving!

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  Outstanding Performer - 2000 Honda Prelude
  By fast gramps - December 5 - 2:00 am

  I have used my Prelude SH as a long distance commuter (250+ miles one way) over mountain passes. It corners incredibly and is incredible on ice and snow. Seats are very comfortable even for a 56 year old frustrated wantabe sports car racer. I get an honest 30 mpg in the summer and it drops to 26 mpg in the winter (oxygenated gas in our area). The only draw back for someone my age is that it is low to the ground and getting hard for me to get into and out of--but that is why it handles sooooo great! I really love the car. If it was a convertible it would be perfect. Honda was crazy to stop making Preludes.