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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  Fun to drive! - 2004 Honda Civic
  By Crash1207 - September 6 - 2:00 am

  I bought the Civic Si after also looking at the Nissan SPEC V and the Mazda3. I cant really pinpoint the exact reason I chose the Honda, it just felt better. Ive had the car for two weeks now and it is running great. Im not seeing the fuel economy yet but that will come in time. The only blip Ive found so far is that the visor on the passenger side vibrates and is noisy at around 45+ mph. The factory stereo leaves A LOT to be desired.

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  The Best Accord Ever - 2004 Honda Accord
  By ky-clay - September 6 - 2:00 am

  This is my 3rd Accord and by far the very best. The V-6 is outstanding with loads of power and torque. It is quite and thrifty for a V-6. 27 mpg all around driving and 31mpg highway. Not one problem in 13,000 miles. Spend the extra and get the V-6, you will not be dissapointed. The leather seats are very comfortable and supportive. Dash layout is very user friendly. Ride and drive are outstanding with just the right balance between sport and good ride. Torque steer at full throttle is almost nill. It does grow on you though. I highly recommend this car to anyone looking for a great mid-size with dependable service and great resale value.

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  Odyssey LX 2006 - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By Andrew - September 5 - 8:30 pm

  Own the van for less than a year, 10k miles, so far no trouble. It is one of the best vehicles I have ever driven. It is ideal for any size family. Has a lot of safety features identical for all models, base and upscale. Drives like German sedan, better than many cars. It has more useful space than midsize or some full size SUVs, lower price, burns less and has excellent ergonomics and comfort. Traction control makes this vehicle trouble less in winter. I do not see reason for choosing a SUV over this van. The ride is quiet, good for long trips, braking & visibility are excellent. Power is adequate. Mileage is not of a Civic, neither the size. Pity people turned away from minivans.

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  Tight ride - 1998 Honda Accord
  By Manu - September 5 - 10:00 am

  I bought this v6 coupe last month. I am very happy with it. Rides like a dream. No problems so far and it seems like I just got it out of the dealership. I would totally recommend this vehicle

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  Designers Missed Some No-Brainers - 2000 Honda Odyssey
  By j4 - September 5 - 10:00 am

  Good van overall. We bought it new and have put about 40,00 miles on it. The doors stuck for the first summer we had the van. The transmission shift control is directly in front of the stereo on/off/volume control. The stereo sux! I cant believe for a vehicle in this price range that you have to unscrew the antenna to go through a car wash. Also, no way to secure rear wiper in a car wash. Middle floor mat frayed within the first year.

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  Pilot Rview - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By shibatey - September 5 - 10:00 am

  Love this SUV! As a former owner of a Suburban which broke down constantly, I love the reliability, handling, and styling of the Honda Pilot. Very practical car and stylish at the same time. Priced correctly by Honda, but the problem is that dealerships are adding $2000-$3000+ as the Dealer Markup because of the demand.

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  LOVE IT! - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By VERY PLEASED - September 5 - 10:00 am

  MY HUSBAND AND I HAVE BOTH OWNED ACCORDS.I NEEDED SOMETHING ROOMER.THIS IS IT. IT HANDLES JUST LIKE A CAR. THIS IS MY FIRST SUV AND I AM SO HAPPY THE PILOT WAS MY FIRST CHOICE. I RECOMMEND IT TO ANYONE WHO WOULD LIKE TO MAKE THE CHANGE FROM A CAR TO A SUV WITHOUT LOSING THE SMOOTHNESS OF THE RIDE NOT TO MENTION IT IS AFTER ALL A HONDA.

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  02 Civic 4dr Ex - 2002 Honda Civic
  By whyliecuyote - September 5 - 10:00 am

  Great car! For the price and Honda quality this car is a great buy!

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  2000 Odyssey EX fair review - 2000 Honda Odyssey
  By Bob Lichorad - September 5 - 2:00 am

  I dont believe in any of the uneducated bad reviews listed here. Those who wrote them must be non Honda owners for sure. As a saleman, I put over 167K miles on my HO. Not a single problem, never let me down, not once. I am still waiting for any sign of tranmission problem but I have seen none so far. Every system works perfectly. My only complaint is the front windows wind noise after 120K.

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  Great Little Car! - 2001 Honda CR-V
  By two_turtles - September 5 - 2:00 am

  Exceptional quality. No problems at all. Gas milage is better than advertised. 2001 model is a little underpowered, but car performs well on city streets and freeways.