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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  Great van - 2000 Honda Odyssey
  By Hondaddicted - November 29 - 2:00 am

  Our van has been wonderfully reliable, never leaving us stranded, but it has a few rattles and noises that were not used to seeing with our other Hondas. A rattling lock on one of the power doors, and a squeay, creaky front passenger seat that 5 dealer trips didnt fix. Other than that, it is more fun to drive than my smaller, seemingly sportier accord.

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  2003 Odyssey - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By Rmwmu - November 29 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle has been a joy to own, it is completely reliable, fun to drive, and extremely convienent when traveling with children. It was the best vehicle I have purchased.

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  Perfect, almost.... - 2007 Honda Accord
  By Matt-Guy - November 28 - 9:13 am

  I have had this car since late August and I love it. I will start first with the engine and trans. They claim it has 244 hp and I have no reason to doubt. Performance is quite peppy for this class with the 6-spd. The internal design is great except for 2 things. First there is no Aux input for regular MP3 players. I dont have an IPod so their IPod adapter is worthless, forcing me to buy a $100 Blitzsafe aux adapter. Next the Deck shows the auto climate control on it so if you replace the deck you cant see the temp you set. Ride is comfortable and quiet (not Toyota quiet, better then Detroits offerings) handles corners quite nice. Lastly is look, I love it, some dont.

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  laura g - 1992 Honda Civic
  By Laura Gilbow - November 28 - 2:00 am

  The only problem I have encountered is that I cannot always see my blind spot when I look over my shoulder because th seat is too tall. Other than that, this is the perfect car for a college student or young married couple because of its good gas-mileage and smaller size.

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  Great Choice! - 1994 Honda Civic
  By Karl H - November 28 - 2:00 am

  Honda keeps it simple and puts the money where it counts most. Front brake pads lasted 92k miles. Replaced a cv joint and the horn at 96k. Still on first muffler. Great repair record for a 10 year old. Rides vary smooth and handles well but is under powered. Got 54mpgs twice on long trips with a tail wind. Cant imagion selling it, plan to pass it on to my daughter in four years.

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  Great (for a mini-van) - 2000 Honda Odyssey
  By Minny - November 28 - 2:00 am

  Excellent family vehicle. Not the two seater sports car I really wanted, but great roomy vehicle for family vacations. Dealer replaced transmission a few weeks ago at 75,000 miles when I commented on high RPM on upshift. New tranny works even smoother than the first one. Resale value has held up as well as previously owned Accord, Lexus and Corolla.

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  Better get the transmission cooler! - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By gloomis - November 28 - 2:00 am

  Yeah I know, the Odyssey has won all kinds of awards, but I am here to tell you they have problems. Mine is a 02 EX model with Navi. My tranny blew on I-75 in rural Georgia while I was cruising at 80 mph with my wife and two kids on board. The local dealer told me he had seen this before in both Accords and Odysseys where the tranny overheats and blows the fluid. Mine was covered under warranty and replaced after two weeks in the shop. The Honda dealer put in a rebuilt tranny. Honda eventually extended the warranty on the tranny to 10/100K from 3/35K. Also had problems with a door regulator, door seal and rear wiper. Look into a Toyota Sienna instead.

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  Poor Overall Quality/Workmanship - 1999 Honda Odyssey
  By Air Force Family - November 27 - 2:00 am

  Bought our 1999 Odyssey in Nov 98. Now has 107,000 on it. Major Problems: EGR Valve/Sleeve must be replaced every 30K miles at $200+ per visit--clearly a design defect. Sliding door in for numerous repairs: Sticks in cold weather--very poor design. No transmission problems (yet). Many trips to dealer for recall (warranty) work the first few years for many items. Front brake pads must be replaced too often.

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  My Best Car Ever For Me - 1999 Honda Accord
  By Ram Chand Nair - November 27 - 2:00 am

  You feel as if you are driving an expensive car but you know it is affordsble.Has god resale value and engine runs smooth and good road handling quality well surpass other car i have driven its a pleasure to drive with an outstanding marque.

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  Great Car - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Gary - November 26 - 7:03 pm

  I love this car.Its a big/little vehicle.The gas mileage is unbelievable if I drive it under 65 on the highway 37 - 38 mpg is no problem. My daughter liked it so much she traded her Toyota Celica in to get one.