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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  uscbrownies civic - 1997 Honda Civic
  By uscbrownie - June 4 - 10:00 am

  Wonderful vehicle, I love it! Only negative comment is the paint on the red models wears out fast, but thats the colors fault, not the car!

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  Good car except for some rust - 1998 Honda Civic
  By pwang - June 4 - 10:00 am

  This is a good car to drive. However, I discovered rust around the feuling neck. I showed it to the dealer when it was still under warranty. The dealer told me that there was rust but, it was fine. Now, my car is over the warranty period, it is getting worse. They are saying since it does not rust through. Honda wont do anything about it. I had a 1983 Honda and it had the same problem. It contaiminated the feuling system... I dont see why Honda wont do anything about it. Do I have to wait until they issue a recall and have they repay the cost to clean the system? (They did last time...)

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  Sold on Odyssey - 2001 Honda Odyssey
  By John63 - June 4 - 10:00 am

  Just completed 879 miles from Dallas to Atlanta in one day. My average speed was about 80, with prolonged periods of 90-100MPH. Flawless performance. The interior room is amazing compared to Windstar (a recent vacation rental). The Honda can handle 6 people and their luggage to the airport, the Ford could not. Concern: Our Odysseys tranny had to be replaced after 18 months. Under slightly uphill loads the tranny hummed/squealed (almost un- identifiable), it took the Honda tech almost 20 minutes of me pointing it out until he recognized it. They replaced it under the warranty, no questions.

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  Over rated..over valued, noisey ! - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By koolcat - June 4 - 10:00 am

  2002 EX.Great Pickup and Room! Apart from that, there is nothing good about this minivan. 28000 is too much for the quality of this minivan. Horrible music system. Problems with automatic doors. Vibrations in Steering wheel. Very high road noise. Drivers seat unstable. Poor braking. This MINIVAN IS BEEN OVERATED. NO WHERE NEAR HONDA STANDARDS. Owned a civic for 4 yrs.. no problems. This one, right from the word go is having problems. Cannot believe that Honda and make such a poor quality vehicle. Had to find another dealer to fix the problems as the buying dealer would not fix it.

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  A booming double - just misses being HR - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By dodo_2k - June 4 - 10:00 am

  Solid construction. Great standard feature set (ABS, Four wheel drive, 5 speed trans, leather, lots of cup holders, lights for everybody, 3 point seatbelts for everybody ...) Solid muscular look. 240 HP very powerful and responsive engine. tight drive. Decent fuel. A great 5 seater with the convenience of occasionally carrying 8 people.

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  Classy/fun to drive ride. - 2002 Honda Accord
  By profemiguel - June 4 - 10:00 am

  Ulitmatelly an awesome sweet ride.

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  Great Car - 2010 Honda Accord Crosstour
  By david goodvin - June 4 - 3:01 am

  156k Less than 1500 in repairs

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  My New Car - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By CW - June 4 - 2:53 am

  Strong and sturdy ride, highly recommend it. I do hear some noise from the passenger door and IÂ’m considering taking it to the dealer for them to check out. The radio is a little far from the driver to adjust, but you do have controls on the steering wheel.

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  Not Much - 2007 Honda Accord
  By lzainster - June 3 - 4:56 pm

  I just purchased a new 2007 Honda Accord. I really didnt like the power of the engine. It could have more torque and horsepower. But overall I really like the 2007 Honda accord. I like to drive it but still dont feel the power. The smooth ride will give some a headache.

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  You get more than you pay for - 2008 Honda Civic
  By euphoric - June 3 - 5:23 am

  Good looking, comfortable, efficient solution to the urban driving problem.