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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  Excellant purchase!!! - 2005 Honda Civic
  By browntown101 - November 26 - 9:09 am

  I bought mine used at ~111k, and I have put another 100k on it in four years. This has been a fantastic and reliable runner, it is easy to work on, takes nearly no maintenance, is very economical to own and operate, and with the 5 speed manual transmission, is a lot of fun. Highly recommended to anyone who wants something that is sound, cheap, and fun. I am very satisfied, and plan to run this one until life dictates I need something different, or until the wheels come off this one (but lets be real, I wont live that long!). Not recommended for a family car, or for those who have a hard time getting in and out, or those who haul a lot of bulky cargo, and no, it is not the best suspension, biggest motor, fastest car, however --- thats not why anyone buys a Honda Civic... It will (and has) hold up very well for commuting, travel, everyday use, work, fun, college, grad school and about anything else that you can throw at it. And good god it is nimble!

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  my workhorse - 1997 Honda Odyssey
  By tia - November 26 - 2:00 am

  My van has been great. I have had no problems and have loved the 4 doors--in fact I will not buy another O. because they now have sliding doors and v6s. This car is a part of our family. The last of its kind!

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  Hi tech in a compact package - 2008 Honda Civic
  By HI on Hybrid - November 25 - 8:00 pm

  Got 42.75 mpg on 1st fillup for mixed driving. Almost no difference in ride and performance from regular small car. Funky dash, really deep and low with 2-tiered display that needs getting used to. Long dash makes it impossible to see front end and low dash will hinder long-legged front passengers. Smaller trunk and no flip back seats due to battery pack location. Almost everything is std. including excellent stereo, alloy wheels, tilt steering, cruise control. Please check out a hybrid before buying a regular small or mid- size car. Gas savings and tax credit makes up for price premium. Best of all, you really dont sacrifice in terms of ride and performance.

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  My Accord - 2006 Honda Accord
  By OLIVIA - November 25 - 5:40 pm

  I love this car! It drives like a champ. The engine is so quiet that when I start the car, I second guess if its on. It drives so nice and smooth. You really dont feel any bumps or pot holes. I love the sound system! It rocks! Installing XM radio was a wonderful idea! I love the look of the dash board and how every button is within reach. The buttons on the steering wheel was a great ideat. Over all I rate this car a 10! The price was more than I wanted to spend but I know I will have this car for many years! Honda is a trustworthy brand.

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  Sporty and practical - 2003 Honda Civic
  By Nick - November 25 - 5:06 pm

  If VWs GTI is too square or the new Mini S is too pricey, the Civic Si is for you. To be honest with you the MINI is a lot more fun to drive with go cart feel. But for the price you can not beat the Si. Very solid fit and finish through out and very reliable. I was in a car accident in mine and we rolled. The Civic saved my life. The area aroung the driver remained intact.

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  Fun and Versatility a Winning Combinatio - 2004 Honda Element
  By Clayman - November 25 - 10:00 am

  I dont fit the marketing target profile for Element owners (63 years old, retired), but this car is the most fun to drive and is the most versatile of any Ive ever owned. Three of my friends have purchased Elements after they saw the incredible flexibility in mine. Ive had the car four months and have had zero, zip problems with it. I enjoy the curious looks I get while driving it, and I actually think the car is attractive.

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  Still the best - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By Sharondio - November 25 - 10:00 am

  When I went looking for a minivan, I wanted the best. That meant either a Sienna or an Odyssey. (Although the Nissan Quest briefly entered the field. The styling was a little too out there for me.) While the Sienna has made great strides, it still falls short on a couple of things. Performance is the main thing. Driving it was a bit sluggish and it felt like, well, a minivan. Driving the Odyssey is never a disappointment. I also have a problem with that center console shift placement (which the Quest also has.) Odyssey also has a major advantage on price, as the base Sienna is *very* base and options add up *very* quickly.

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  Versatile SUV - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By FocusWiz - November 25 - 10:00 am

  While I was attracted to this SUV by magazine reviews, it was the owner reviews and discussions with other owners that encouraged me to road test it. Although I had auditioned the Explorer, Durango, Trailblazer, Envoy, and Highlander, I did not find them to offer the overall features, versatility, and quality of the Pilot. In driving the Pilot, I have a good feel of the road and excellent visibility (although the mirrors must be very carefully adjusted to eliminate blind spots). This is a very well designed vehicle.

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  Read this before you buy! - 2000 Honda Accord
  By Rufus Stone - November 25 - 10:00 am

  I purchased my Accord EX sedan in 2000 new. For me it has been dissappointing car. The car rattles from the front dash. The worst feature is the seating, it is very uncomfortable and I can never seem to find the right driving postion. On long trips, you will be fidgeting trying to get comfortable,the lumbar support is poor. The engine lacks and torque. I would advise the V6 as the 4 cyl isnt any fun to drive, it is what it is. The air bag computer has been replaced twice plus recently the a/c compressor exploded and there is an oil leak behind the timing belt which is $770 to fix. I would not purchase another Accord.

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  Northern Virginia Boomer - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Larry - November 25 - 5:20 am

  I own an Acura TL as well so am evaluating based upon on this. BLUF: Superlative sedan; would not hesitate to purchase again. Positives: Eye- catching appeal; fit and finish exterior/interior; safety features laudable; audio system good esp w/XM radio; interior room spacious; 3.5L V6 scoots; sporty handling and acceleration good; sporty leather seats; highway gas mileage; appearance package worth having; no dealer service yet; Negatives: Tough negotiations w/6 Wash DC dealers; city gas mileage; road noise; no keyless memory link w/driver profiles; steering wheel quality and size; console storage tray; outside mirrors donÂ’t pivot downward when backing; It is a winner and a recommended buy.