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:

• 

  Extremely reliable - 1997 Honda Odyssey
  By Carlitos - March 10 - 2:00 am

  Great mini-mini van. Unfortunately it tends to be compared to full mini-vans which most the time carry a V6 under their hoods. Hey! not everybody needs that (keep in mind that its 4 cil. engine is a Vtec. Inside is very roomy and the rear passenger door are a plus with their roll down windows. Extremely reliable (never had to call road assistence at all) So far I have 138000 Km and just one visit to de dealer to replace the power doors controler (covered by the extended warranty) If you want to move people rather than furniture, its great

• 

  Love our CRV Touring so far! - 2017 Honda CR-V
  By Dean Johnston - March 9 - 10:34 pm

  Great vehicle with awesome features and great redesign. Love to get out and drive it.

• 

  GREAT CAR - 2006 Honda Accord
  By Bobby - March 9 - 7:16 pm

  The LX SPECIAL EDITION is a great car for the price compared to higher priced American cars in the same class. This car is fun to drive and very reliable. Great job Honda keep building cars people want to own for a long time.

• 

  Ultimate UTILITY Vehicle - 2004 Honda Element
  By sweetc230 - March 9 - 10:00 am

  After owning the Element for over a year, I can truly say that this is one of the best vehicles I have ever bought. My one year old, my dog, all of the stuff that comes with a one year old and a dog, and suitcases, etc. fit perfectly. Excellent all wheel drive in the snow. The car also is a blast to get dirty and easy to clean up. Good power from the 4cyl and the automatic matches up well with it. Gas mileage of about 21 in town and 24 on the hwy has been pretty good for an SUV. And, as usual with a Honda, NO PROBLEMS. The car has only been to shop for routine oil changes and tire rotation. Great car, I would recommend it to anyone.

• 

  Honda Element Experience (new) - 2004 Honda Element
  By Brooksro - March 9 - 10:00 am

  Ive only had it a few days, but like it a lot. Got only 18 gallons on first tank, so am still waiting to see what the future brings. Dealer may not have topped it off on delivery. It is fun to drive, responsive. It is easy to park and leaves me much more room in my garage. My wife likes it too. I moved from a 95 Nissan pickup. Road noise is way less in the Element. I dont have to turn the radio up when I get on the freeway.

• 

  Best value of all mianivans - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By J Chai - March 9 - 10:00 am

  Bought an EX two weeks ago for $900 below invoice ($23800) because of factory to dealer incentive. We could not have been more pleased with this purchase. My wife and I love the way it drives and the kids love its space and big windows-for sight seeing. The best value of all the minivans on the market by far.

• 

  Seduced - 2004 Honda Accord
  By ljgbjgrpgmpg - March 9 - 10:00 am

  Have owned various Hondas since 1981 5 spd 4dr Accord - each is better than the last. We have a 2000 V-6 Sedan and just bought my wife a 2004 v-6 Coupe. I have driven it a bit - and it is seducing me - the silky smooth transmission and the effortless power of the V-6. The transmission is so smooth you could think it was a CVT. However, I like to stir the gears and if I get one, will be the 6 spd. Only change I would recommend to Honda - get rid of the fake wood in the ivory interiors - the brushed aluminum in the dark interiors is SO much better looking.

• 

  Great Overall Car - 2004 Honda Accord
  By ckthomas00 - March 9 - 10:00 am

  After researching MANY others, I decided to go with the Accord - agree with other reviews that it gives you a lot more bang for the buck, is very comfortable, and fun to drive. They keep their value, so that reselling is usually a breeze. This is my first new car and Im looking forward to little maintenance outside of the norm - oil changes, etc. Dependanble, reliable, great value - dont think you can go wrong.

• 

  No relief from the heat - 2007 Honda Civic
  By D. Hutchinson - March 9 - 7:20 am

  Since purchasing the Civic, weve experienced our share of problems. First, bolts were missing from the lower air dam underneath the front bumper. Weather stripping coming off the rear passenger side window and the air conditioning falls short. At a dead stop in traffic the a/c shuts down and starts blowing hot air. During accelerations it also shuts down and blows hot air. Very uncomfortable to say the least. We had to tint the windows just to stay cool. Honda says it a new design to regulate the power on the engine. If we would have known, we never would have bought it. Funny, my 06 Acura TL (Honda product) never did that.

• 

  Bullet Proof - Honda for Life - 1991 Honda Accord
  By ljp416jmp - March 9 - 2:00 am

  An exceptional car. Bought new in 1991. 5-speed, 240K miles - ORIGINAL CLUTCH!!! New alternator recently, did new radiator at 175K. Did have broken interior door handles and hard starting in hot weather (2 known problems)...looking at new 2003 Accord but just cant justify it at this time (will eventually by another Accord)...I love this car too much!!