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 family van - 1997 Honda Odyssey
  By dnc4009 - January 23 - 2:00 am

  We went from a large Ford Windstar to this smaller van and have never looked back. Honda is by far the most reliable auto maker we have experienced. The only thing they could have improved on this van would be more power. Other than that I plan on driving it to its grave!!

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  My Honda is Great (why such bad reviews) - 2002 Honda Passport
  By D.Goodwin - January 23 - 2:00 am

  Actually bought a silver 2001 LX model, same as 2002. We have had it now 18 months, and not one problem at all! Seriously, not one trip back to the dealer. The ride was a little squishy, leaning and tilting too much, but when i checked the air in the tires, Bingo. There was only 12lbs. in the tires, so when properly inflated the ride improved greatly. We camp with it, drive it around town, and even load it up with lumber. And it looks great, too! Why has Edmunds slammed this SUV so much, I just dont know.

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  Way over rated - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By mjf911 - January 23 - 2:00 am

  Nothing but trouble with the van and Honda. Sliding doors rattle and squeak, dash rattles and squeaks, windshield whistles at freeway speeds, gas sloshing in tank noise, brakes clunk when reversing direction (beware, Honda says it is normal for their vans. Wait for the 2004 Ford Windstar. Its going to blow Honda away.

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  time to drive and look fine - 1998 Honda Accord
  By toni - January 22 - 2:00 am

  I am very happy with my Accord. The fuel economy is very helpful at this time. With the right mind and the right money a person can truly make this car stand out. I cant wait to atach all the acessories, all the head will be turning then!! have fn driving!

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  unbeatable performance/reliability value - 1998 Honda Prelude
  By chuckyr - January 22 - 2:00 am

  Want a car that doesnt look like every other boy racer yet fits four, handles as well as any front wheel driver, is fast, gets decent mileage (when youre not blasting around), and is 100% reliable? There is no better choice.

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  Spread the good word! - 1995 Honda Prelude
  By Prelude kid - January 22 - 2:00 am

  I love this car! the Prelude had the styling and performance to jerk me away from the dog-slow Eclipse GS that Id been hooked on since watching The Fast and the Furious. Its handling is reminiscent of a Stingray ie: the faster you go, the more she just wants to suck to the pavement. Spread the word people! I got mine for $6500 and can blow away any eclipse in my town. This is a very good, and VERY underrated car. Civics cant touch her and the new V-6 Eclipse gets a very good competition on the highway from the lude. I stand 59" and its very comfortable to drive, as long as nobody has the misfortune of sitting behind me.

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  Prelude Pride - 1992 Honda Prelude
  By aeropostel - January 22 - 2:00 am

  The honda prelude is trhe best car ever. i love it. its so good. it very reliable. i love the acceleration and the power. the engine feels liek a v6. none of my friends beleive me that its only a 4 cylinder. i like how i can feel good about it being over 100k. it runs perfect, and i have had no major problems. this car would smoke half of the performance cars out there, and thats only in its stock form

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  Lemon - 1993 Honda Civic
  By Lilah - January 22 - 2:00 am

  Maybe I got the lemon of the Honda world but my Civic DX definetly has issues. In less than a year I have replaced the engine, only to find out recently that the newer engine it has now is no good either, head gasket replaced, spark plugs replaced twice, timing belts twice, radiator, CV boots, and just your basic tune ups, the car has been on one long trip (150 mi.) and the rest of the time has just been commuter. So far in less than a year I have spent close t 2500 dollars on repairs. Maybe I just got a lemon but I have not had a positive experience!!!

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  excelent automobile - 1992 Honda Accord
  By arthuir t.boinay - January 22 - 2:00 am

  this vehicle has never been in for anything but routine service. timing chain replaced at about 87,000 miles.

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  Most Reliable Car - 1992 Honda Accord
  By BOOM! - January 22 - 2:00 am

  This is the car I use to get around. My car has only had one problem, and thats caused by me. The car has 200,000 miles on it and still is running. I have run this car into the ground and its 4 cylinder engine continues to run well. As for performance, I have the base model DX with manual transmission, and I have to say it accelrates like you wouldnt believe. The car is so light that it accelerates, Id say equivelent to a Porsche Carrera.