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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  best family car - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By ttumiya - December 19 - 10:00 am

  very excelent, roomy and very fun to drive...safe. (best family car in the world)

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  Great Car - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By grsmi - December 19 - 10:00 am

  We love this car. It handles well and the leather and heated seats are awesome. It is the best car I have ever owned.

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  No! Not a minivan!! - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By DAvid KAne - December 19 - 10:00 am

  I bought this thing and had to give up the last vestige of my bachelorhood: my 86 VW GTi. Yeah, right, it drives just like a car. Seriously, since i have 2 kids and a wife, I could not ask for more. 240 HP (wish that was in the VW!) is best in class, and it moves quite nicely. Its also one of the lighter minivs available. My two under 2 are separate, and we can get past them to the 3rd row easily. The 3rd row actually IS comfortable - says my Mom with the bad back. Knowing Hondas reliability, this thing should last into their puberty and - dare i think it - i may be able to teach them to drive in it!

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  Wanna hassle free buying experince? - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By woolala - December 19 - 10:00 am

  I have 2003 Pilot more than 7 months. Based on the TMV price and other buyers comments on price, I sent email to about 15 dealers in Illinois asking 2K below MSRP, and I got 2 emails from dealers offering to match the price I asked, and I ended up paying less than 30K (pay cash full) including doc fee, title, dest charge and tax. After confirming the deal over email exchange, I just stop by the dealer, pay $$ and pick up the car. Spent less than 30 min at the dealer to sign the papers!!!

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  Good Solid Car - 2000 Honda Accord
  By rda4him - December 19 - 10:00 am

  Year in and year out, Honda and Toyoto are 1-2 in customer satisfaction. Why ? They build great cars that (for the most part) will last around 200,000 miles. Ive owned many different cars. Honda tops my list. This 2000 model has been good for me. No problems !!

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  Best car for the money - 2004 Honda Civic
  By Bill Koukos - December 19 - 10:00 am

  This is the 3rd Honda we have purchased in two years. All three have proven to be outstanding vechicles. I highly recommend them.

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  Dont read if you want to buy Accord - 2004 Honda Accord
  By Marek - December 19 - 10:00 am

  Died 6 days after purchase - loose connectors caused engine to malfunction + valves not correctly set in factory. Squeaks near moonroof. Other than that it is a great car - fun to drive, great gearbox, superb acceleration. It would be nice to have power passenger seat + auto dimming mirror (Honda is to cheap to include that). It would also be nice to make trunk fit better especially around lamps. It would be very nice to make a car that does not squeak for at least 2-3 months after purchase... XM radio should be optional - useless in Atlanta (no traffic reports!)

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  Choose the accord coupe and save Big $. - 2004 Honda Accord
  By HappyValleyDriver - December 19 - 10:00 am

  Awesome car for the money. Chose the accord coupe EX-L 4 cylinder over an acura tl, bmw 3 and audi a4. No reason to spend an extra $10,000 to $15,000 to buy one of the others. Dealership tremendous. The most comfortable, fun, driver friendly, ergonomically perfect car in the world.

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  91 Civic - The car that will not die. - 1991 Honda Civic
  By rmv193 - December 19 - 2:00 am

  I love the car. What can you say about a car that can fit 6 people, or a water heater, or 1/2 a cord of firewood and get 35+ mpg on the highway ? I have owned the car since new and expect the car to last another 10 years plus. I have done all the maintenance to the car and the car is super reliable. I got 192 K on the original clutch ! The engine does not burn any oil and still has plenty of power @ 231,000 miles !

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  a real bummer - 2004 Honda Element
  By resyakk - December 19 - 2:00 am

  Hard riding, noisy, lucky to get 19 mpg. Poor visibility, huge pillars block sight, especially pedestrians on a left turn. Owners manual warns that vehicle is top-heavy and prone to roll over. Ability to pull seats up along sides is a nice feature except that it eliminates rear side visibility Maximum payload of 675 pounds is an absolute joke. Hard floor covering lets stuff slide all over the car; and is slippery when wet or snowy. Cargo carrying of large, light material is excellent. Poor build quality, rattle in dash, paint over dirt, vibration at freeway speeds. This is my first and (probably) last Honda.