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 Van - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By jaybird - October 2 - 10:00 am

  Have had the van for going on 2 years, drives great in all road conditions. Have had 3 other Chrysler vans, wanted something different,wouldnt go back. Gets 20 mpg around town, 24-25 on the highway depending on loads. Really enjoy the ability to flip over the 3rd row seat for space without taking out the seats. Great power, no reliability problems, have had all routine maintenance done at dealer.

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  The Red Luxury Coach - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By vtec802 - October 2 - 10:00 am

  This van is my parents new minivan. However, I did drive it several times on my visit to SC. The van is exquisite and the power delivery is fluid and powerful even with a load of people in it. We drove it on a 5 hour trip to FL and it got excellent gas mileage. I like the power sliding doors. They are rather neat. There is excellent room inside and the safety features are top notch. I had to do a LOT of convincing to buy this van other than a Town & Country Limited. He liked that van also, but we are a HONDA family and have been for decades. The ODYSSEY EX-L will continue our familys proud tradition of toting Honda as the best on the road.

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  Top Of The Line - 2002 Honda Accord
  By Jimjam - October 2 - 10:00 am

  I recently purchased a 02 coupe 3.0 EX V-6 Accord. Saying that it has exceded my expectations is high praise considering that I conducted months of research and drove a couple hundred miles while comparison shopping. It handles like its on rails thanks to stabilizer bars which help the vehicle to stay level in tight turns. The powerful, silky smooth, free-reving engine is a delight to drive making it feel sportier and more fun to drive than most automatic transmission vehicles. The leather seats are comfortable. The car isolates road and wind noise better than my grandmas new $50K caddy, thanks to dampening materials & subframes.

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  LOVE IT - 2002 Honda Accord
  By A.J. - October 2 - 10:00 am

  Just got the 2002 Honda Accord, EX-V6 with the spoiler. Runs great, fun to drive, fog lights should be standard along with day time running lights and auto on-auto off head lights. My last car was a Chev. Monte Carlo SS, it had everything but cost much more. Good work Honda.

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  Take care of it - 1992 Honda Accord
  By lilgeorge1110 - October 1 - 1:59 pm

  This was my fist car. Previous owner obviously didnt take care of it. Had to replace transmission, and I replaced ecu myself. Other than that, really dependable car. Since Ive fixed it, done regular maintenance on it, and has been good to me ever since. The abs machine went bad, yet it still breaks really good. Have over 160000 miles on it, and it still runs smooth. Pretty good gas mileage on it too. Dont know how much exactly, but it lasts. Would recommend someone getting this car.

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  So far its great!! - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By Dee - October 1 - 11:00 am

  I replaced my Subaru Outback with the Honda because I wanted more interior room but wanted to maintain good gas mileage. I was concerned about how the Honda would handle in bad weather (the Subaru was excellent). I have to say I have been pleasantly surprised. The Honda is very surefooted in the worst of weather. The interior is very roomy and the car is beautiful to look at. Overall, I am very pleased.

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  A true utility vehicle - 2005 Honda Element
  By roger - October 1 - 10:56 am

  My Element is now 4 years old with 60k miles and havent had one problem. I have shoved so much stuff inside of it 2x4s, bikes, cabinets, firewood etc. Its a great vehicle for my family of four, plenty of room and easy for the kids to get in and out of. I am an avid snowboarder/mt biker and the Element is perfect for my outings. It tracks really good in snow, no problem doing 55mph in five inches of fresh snow. I have talked two (and working on the third) friends to buy one and they all say the same thing "I cant believe I waited this long to buy one". So go buy one.

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  What a car! - 2007 Honda Accord
  By Josh - October 1 - 3:00 am

  Got my new Accord last month and it is a wonderful car! The design is top notch, and the 6 speed manual really makes this family sedan into a true drivers car. I would recommend this car to anyone who is in the market for a practical automobile that will give you some excitement when you want it to! The 244 hp V6 pulls strong in all situations and the manual transmission is smooth and easy to operate. The EX also has pretty much any option that you would look for in a car standard! Including leather, CD changer, alarm, power everything, heated seats. It doesnt get much better than this!

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  First Time Van Owner - 2009 Honda Odyssey
  By bad_dog205 - October 1 - 12:34 am

  We bought this vehicle with a 2400 mile Disney World trip in mind. It practically drove itself there and had us convinced we were in a luxury sedan. Driving feel was sporty. Mileage was 23 mpg despite using a/c even while parked often and driving 65-80 mph. At home its closer to 16 mpg. Our son runs to get in and has never mentioned the SUV (he used to love so much). My wife hated to buy a minivan but fights over who gets to drive it next.

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  Best Value For An Economy Car - 2009 Honda Civic
  By Bob Jenny - September 30 - 10:03 pm

  Build quality and performance for the money is tops. A fun car to drive, a drivers car. Love the 6 speed manual. Gas mileage is tops for a performance a car. Honda should include the following items: glove box light, window switch lights for passenger side and rear side windows (4-doors). Only drivers window switch is lighted. Would like fog lights on without having headlights on, would like to have switch to turn off day time driving lights. Dual exhaust would look cool.