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:

• 

  Awesome Minivan!!!! - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By Joey Sorenson - December 6 - 3:53 pm

  This is a fantactic vehicle! When we found out baby #2 was on the way, my wife told me she wanted to trade in our Toyota Highlander for a minivan. After my initial shock and then some extensive research, I thought we would go with the Sienna, but then I saw Honda was updating the Odyssey for 2005. After fully researching everything, and for the price, I got a pretty good deal from the dealership. My wife wanted a particular color, but we only had to wait about 4 weeks until we got it! It rides and drives like a car and has an unbelievable amount of space and features. The leather and DVD player are wonderful "luxuries" with 2 small kids and frequent trips to NC.

• 

  Reliability with minor complaints - 1998 Honda Accord
  By housencarnut - December 6 - 10:00 am

  Bought car based on reputation of quality/reliability. Past 2 cars were Toyotas. Although not Toyota quality, was pleased with look of interior. Woodgrain dash applique, wood/leather steering wheel and after market white face gauges dress up interior. Added Honda fog lights, trunk lid chrome strip and stainless exhaust tips at half cost of dealer when purchased online. Biggest complaint: durability of paint. When purchased paint was glossy and 22 months later roof and hood have foggy white spots, spreading at alarming rate. Also after washing and drying with 100% cotton towel, paint looks "scratched". Have to wax to remove these EVERY TIME!

• 

  Another Happy Owner - 2003 Honda Element
  By larrym43 - December 6 - 10:00 am

  I just bought one on Friday, and I like it better than I thought I would. It handles very well in both city and highway driving. Acceleration on the highway was surprisingly good, and the compact body and tight turning radius are great while navigating in the city. The engine/transmission is smooth and quiet. I hope the AWD will come in handy during the winter. This is the first car Ive ever bought, and I think I got a winner!

• 

  BEST DAMN CAR-PERIOD - 2001 Honda Accord
  By juvemac - December 6 - 10:00 am

  my fourth Honda--and my first V-6...rarely do i find a product which provides me with so much satisfaction. If you have never owned a Honda--you owe it to yourself to make your life much more trouble-free...all that and leather!

• 

  fine car - 2004 Honda Accord
  By antatrumo - December 6 - 10:00 am

  I just purchased my 2004 blcak ex-l. I am very impressed with this car. Our last accord was a new black ex-l in late 2000 which was traded in 1 year later for a 2002 honda odyssey. Amont the previously unavailable features of the older accords, the new tan leather interior in very luxurious, and the wood inserts are very tasteful. we are very happy with this beautiful car, and this is our 5th honda automobile in the last 6 years.

• 

  Great Vehicle - 2008 Honda Odyssey
  By first-timer - December 6 - 9:33 am

  We love our new Odyssey. It has plenty of pickup, and delivers close to 20 MPG in regular driving, meaning some town, some freeway. All freeway were getting close to 25mpg. I think the people getting 13 or whatever have a lead foot or do a lot of stop and go. So far no defects except for a carpet stain that we found after buying it. The dealer cleaned it up, and I think a mechanic probably did it or something. This engine really pushes hard above 3000 revs, and it sounds wonderful doing it. The Sienna felt like a barge next to this, and the Caravan and Chrysler both seemed too "plastic" or something. The Honda fit us great.

• 

  Nice car - 2008 Honda Accord
  By royalty - December 6 - 1:36 am

  Traded a 2007 Azera Limited in on 2008 Honda Accord Coupe EX-L with nav. Black exterior and black interior are gorgeous. Get tons of compliments on the car. So far quite pleased. I am sure the V6 would have been a lot faster but with the price of gas I am happy with the 190HP 4cyl. Not a rocket but still fairly quick. The stereo is excellent. Nav works well. Comfy seats. Very good ride and handling - much better than the 2007 models. The only complaint I have is the intrusive headrest which Honda needs to improve. Hyundai has a front-to-back adjustable headrest that ratchets to the position most comfortable for each rider and it is the only item superior to that in the Honda.

• 

  Wrong size tires - 2006 Honda Accord
  By Ron Obranovich - December 5 - 11:56 pm

  This vehicle is equipped with the wrong size tires if youre looking for a car with a great ride. You feel every bump and even the smallest crack in the road. The tires on this Accord V-6, are the P215/50 R17 93V All-Season. After consulting with the tire manuf., they indicated to me in writing that these tires "will lack ride comfort, but give you more performance handling, this tire selected by Honda." Im 62 yrs old and assumed the 2006 Honda would give a better ride and tire performance. The local Honda dealer refuses to swap the tires, and now Im stuck with an $28,000 vehicle that lacks a comfortable ride.

• 

  Instrument Panel Driving Feedback - 2006 Honda Civic
  By RichardDietrich - December 5 - 10:43 am

  Cruise control is very helpful in sub-urban and urban driving as well as utilizing cruise control on the Highway. The car automatically charges and alternately expends electrical energy in the cruise control mode increasing the MPG that a tank of gas delivers. In fact the less hands on driving that I perform and the more driving the car performs in cruise control, the better the car performs.

• 

  I love my Hybrid - 2007 Honda Civic
  By Billy Pilgrim - December 4 - 5:06 pm

  I chose the Civic Hybrid for its smooth, quiet operation, driveability, advanced standard safety features, exceptional ergonomics, amazing instrument panel...and those 50 miles per gallon. I liked it when I got it, and I love it a few months later. It moves and handles well, protects my family like a vigilant Doberman, and lives up to its advertised MPG. My highest observed sustained mileage was 58.3 on a highway trip; I average around 47 mpg in largely-urban commuting and around town. Steering is quick and precise, braking is sure and solid. Other favorites: Standard 4-channel ABS with brake distribution and brake assist, Hondas exceptional airbag system and the tilt/telescope wheel.