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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  theElement - 2004 Honda Element
  By 5dogs - December 19 - 2:00 am

  we love our element. fun to drive, handles well, unbelievable usefull interior, ran very well during our snowy winter. the front end is bulldog cute but I find the rest of the element delightfully different. typical honda build quality but could use a little more power. overall two thumbs up.

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  There is no better value - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By wolfgang - December 19 - 2:00 am

  We looked for more than half a year for the perfect minivan, after having made a terrible mistake with a Chrysler Voyager. We looked at Freestars, Siennas, Quests and well, we left aside the Town&Country and teh kings of plastic: Montana and Venture out. The Odyssey offered an unbeatable value. We hesitated to purchase the van with the new generation ante portas. But it is close to being perfect with minor flaws such as the placement of some buttons and the dashboard is a bit dated. But you get a powerful engine, great seating comfort – all for thousands $ less than at N&T. We would have liked the DVD, but people apparently stand in line for those cars.

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  Reliable - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By Happy1 - December 19 - 2:00 am

  After 2 weeks from buying it, we knew we had bought a winner. First tried the Chrysler T&C, wow what a big mistake. After 12 repairs under 30 K miles on the Chrysler, we were ready for something new. Honda ride is excellent with a low center of gravity and very little road noise. The car is an overall perfect 10 except for 2 minor qualms. Needs temperature gauge. Also, Honda needs to improve the gas mileage of this van. I experience 14-15 mpg in town, which is better than the Chrysler but Id still like to get 25-30. Id gladly trade some power for 25-30 mpg or better yet put the Odyssey on the front of the list for a hybrid engine.

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  Civic - 2004 Honda Civic
  By Zidarr - December 19 - 2:00 am

  This car is fun to drive and in spite of it being a 4 cylinder car with low HP it feels like a higher powered car. Its swift and very responsive.

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  03 EX V6 Coupe - 2003 Honda Accord
  By jubes - December 19 - 2:00 am

  Smooth and quiet ride, awesome acceleration and highway power. Handles like a boat, but good enough for everyday driving. Build quality is excellent, looks like a luxury car with EX V6 and drives like one as well.

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  MY CONDENSER WENT OUT ALREADY!!!! - 2003 Honda Accord
  By marco roman - December 19 - 2:00 am

  BECAREFUL WHICH HONDA DEALERSHIP U GO TO, I WENT TO MILLER HONDA IN VAN NUYS CALIFORNIA, AND RIGHT AFTER I SIGNED THE CONTRACT THIS GUY WALKED IN THERE TALKING ABOUT SUING THEM BECAUSE THE SALES PERSON TOLD HIM HE COULD PLAY DVDS ON THE NAVIGATION SYST. SCREEN, THIS IS SO TRUE BECAUSE THE SALESPERSON THAT HELPED ME, TOLD ME I CAN PUT A SUNROOF ON MY LX LATER ON, WHICH IS A LIE. VERY BAD SERVICE,MY CONDENSER WENT OUT ITS ALL IN THE OPEN, SO IT GETS HIT BY A LOT OF SMALL OBJECTS IT COST OVER $600.DOLLARS TO FIX!!!!I CALLLED THE CORPORATE OFFICE AND THEY TOLD ME THEY WERENT RESPONSIBLE FOR IT. SO MUCH FOR OWNING A HONDA VERY DISAPOINTED

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  Good Van - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By Yanky79 - December 19 - 1:23 am

  Great vehicle, especially considering this is a minivan. Honda did right by including all the options in a single package. While the design may not get you noticed on the highway the interior comfort and included amenties are a huge benefit. Not requiring premium fuel (like the Sienna) and having engineered the interior were the items that gave this van the edge over the Toyota Sienna and Chrysler Town & Country. If you are looking for a people mover and desire the amenities of most newer cars, this van comes highly recommended. Honda has the racket down to a science with the allocation of new vehicles, keeping the price artficially inflated. Working a deal close to invoice=VERY tough

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  I love my "Ugly Truckling" - 2005 Honda Element
  By Gary - December 18 - 5:56 pm

  Though utilitarian in concept, it offers all the comfort imaginable. The interior is huge and easily maintained. Its extremely economical. And it holds it own on the freeway. Only deficit is the low clearance. Its been years since I had so much FUN with a vehicle.

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  So So - 2008 Honda Accord
  By nstrane - December 17 - 11:10 pm

  I did a lot of research before the purchase of my 2008 Accord EX-L. I looked at other cars like the infiniti G35 and 3-series. The Accord has some strengths 1) fuel economy 2) pickup 3) space 4) reliability. However, there are a couple of things that kill it for me 1) terrible driver seat comfort, kills my back 2) lack luster interior design, my Acadia has much better comfort 3) the VCM drives me crazy because the constant change in cylinder use is perceptible enough to be an annoyance. I will be trading this car in for a BMW 3-series in the spring.

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  05 Honda Pilot w/leather - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By jim007 - December 17 - 9:23 pm

  Just the right size SUV for a family of 4. Have had no problems after 17,000 miles and mileage is OK at 19-20 avg.. To carry 4 mt bikes installed hitch myself and fairly easy to install. Overall very pleased but I wish the road noise was less.