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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  S2000 Kicks - 2003 Honda S2000
  By s2kick@55 - October 19 - 2:00 am

  i do not own but drove friends, this is definatly my dream car to buy in the near future. It is amazing from every aspect. With its most powerful engine per litre in retail production (120h.p/litre) it can definatly perform and keep up with alot of stuff out there, by the way the Dodge viper only gets about 50 h.p per litre for comparsion! The handling on this car is impecable, wow it can ride on the road liek its a train on rails, so responsive also. Ya, I can go on and on about my day of fun in this car. - worth every penny of the 30-some thousand dollars it costs.

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  Honda passport - no issues - 1999 Honda Passport
  By xyz - October 19 - 2:00 am

  Have not hand any major problems since owning the Passport. I have had to carry to dealership for 2 or 3 recall related items. ONly problem is that my gas indicator has gone out and will cost $652 to replace and the car is out of warrantly. Feel like warranty should have been for at least 5 yrs or 50000 miles NOT 3 yrs 36000 miles. overall I have no other issues.

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  LOVE THE ATTENTION!!! - 2004 Honda Element
  By sweetsroz - October 19 - 2:00 am

  Now that I am in the Element, I get heads turning all of the time. Being a female, I love the attention!!! Its like a morale booster. Everyone says that it is Huge on the inside. I had been waiting for years to find that SUV that would catch my attention. I liked the Honda CRV and even the Sportage but nothing took my breath away like the Element did. When I first laid my eyes on that vehicle, I chased that man down just to see what was it. It was like love at first sight! Three weeks later I was driving in my new HONDA ELEMENT!!!

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  Lots of Problems - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By UnhappyHokie - October 19 - 2:00 am

  Weve had our van for about 1 year. In that time its been in the shop over 20 times. New struts, DVD player, seat belts, etc. Most recently weve learned that the intake manifold cover gasket was install "upside down." As a result, EGR and air intake ports are/were covered so the whole air/fuel mixture was messed up leading to a "multiple" cylinders failure. BTW: This problem also affects Pilots. So, weve now had the gasket changed but havent seen an improvement. So many repair under warranty what can we expect once the warranty has expired?

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  my Odyssey - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By H owner 23 - October 19 - 2:00 am

  We bought the Odyssey last week after researching it for a year and talking to other Odyssey owners I work with. I havent heard a negative comment from any Odyssey owners. Our Odyssey has very good acceleration, good handling, is easy to drive, and is very roomy.

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  Love my Honda Pilot - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By Debi Kloek - October 19 - 2:00 am

  I previously owned a Honda Accord so when it came to thinking about an SUV of course I looked at Honda first. The Honda Pilot seats 8, its comfortable, you have no blind spots while driving, and the employees of Shack Findlay Honda are the best. No pressure and in and out of there in record time.

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  Nice transportation.. point A to point B - 2000 Honda Accord
  By SeaBreath - October 19 - 2:00 am

  Overall it is a good car and I like it. It works fine for what I use it... transfer me from A to B an back. Has a good power but thats not enough to call it FUN TO DRIVE. For reliability, so far I had only one problem, had to EGR Valve recently ($250). But its a used car.. :) Just one more time proves that its ALIVE.

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  Great first sporty economic car - 2001 Honda Civic
  By Car picky - October 19 - 2:00 am

  I am very picky with cars. This was our second car in the US, we had it for 49000 miles, until the last day we loved its look, very reliable, car exterior is a little flimsy can be dented very easily. Very stingy in gas (+). For a supposedly sport car performance is low. Extremely uncomfortable for me 6’2”. Rear seats are almost useless. Suspension is jumpy and uncomfortable. Overall definitely recommended.

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  Front-end gremlins ruined a great car - 2001 Honda Civic
  By Cygnus - October 19 - 2:00 am

  This was my third Civic. Had some quality problems when new - sticking map light, weak cassette player wouldnt play tapes. Apart from that, it was great - fun to drive, great mileage. At 40,000, front end starts making noise. 2001 Civics are plagued with front suspension problems. New tires, alignment, no better. Noise got worse, warranty was up, had to get rid of it. Bought a Saturn Ion. Shape up, Honda, or more people will leave.

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  Another Sweet Honda - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By Mary Jane - October 19 - 2:00 am

  After 7 years of excellent performance Ive purchased another model in the Honda line. Ive wanted a CRV for some time so noone I know is surprised by my purchase. Just big and tall enough to feel more comfortable on the road among the monster vehicles. Very fun to drive: responsive, drives like a car, whats not to like?