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:

• 

  I drive one everyday. - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By davm500 - June 7 - 10:00 am

  I have enjoyed the Honda CR-V very much.The back seating area has enough for Adults.I went on a Fishing Trip with 5 Tall man and it was a 2 hour drive and everyone was very comfortable.Everyone was very glad that they was in a Honda CRV. For the trip.Try it for your self and enjoy the ride.

• 

  CRV SE edition is nice - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By CRV2005 - June 7 - 10:00 am

  I got a new 2005 CRV SE in Pewter Pearl color with black leather seat inside. I have been waiting for the SE edition. The new color looks really nice, especially with the front and rear bumpers painted. I traded in my 2003 silver Pilot. The Pilot is nice but kind of big for me. The car is very fun, easy, and peppy to drive. Power is also good enough for me, better than 2001 CRV. Not a road burner but good enough for everyday use. The Pilot has more power but feel heavier when drive and so the CRV feels more peppy to drive. Noise is also very acceptable for me. It has been improved much better than my previous 2001 CRV but not as good as the 2003 Pilot.

• 

  Be careful what you wish for - 2002 Honda Civic
  By Art O - June 7 - 10:00 am

  I sold my Accord in 2002 and got the new Civic. I wanted an economical and reliable commuting car for less money than another Accord. The Civic deliveres on that, but the comfort of my 1-hr (2x daily) commute has suffered a great deal. Within 1st 6 mos of ownership, the annoying sqeaks in the dash, doors and pillars started to creep up. Now they are a daily occurance. I tried everything, but they keep coming back. Too much road noise in the cabin makes the already- weak audio system even less enjoyable. Seats are not supportive for long commutes. I would rather own a solid and comfortable sedan with worse gas mileage.

• 

  Sporty family van - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By Mike J. F. - June 7 - 10:00 am

  Great handling , awsome power for a mini van. Roomy and comfortable.Buy the touring package you will only regret it if you dont.

• 

  ODYSSEY 2005 - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By aadavid - June 7 - 10:00 am

  I traded a 2003 odyssey for 2005. improved handling, power and ergonomics. Rear window goes down, added a moonroof, middle second row seat and split 60/04 rear seat. Overall looks similar to Sienna but ride is far different and build quality appears to be superior as well. Other extras include a drop down rear mirror to check on kids and a lazy susan storage on floor, improved cup holder design and a more sensitive sliding door. EX with leather comes at 2k more than 04 odyssey. Improved gas milage over 04 odyssey.

• 

  3rd Honda in my garage - 2004 Honda Accord
  By 737-pilot - June 7 - 10:00 am

  This is the 3rd Honda in my garage (4th if you count my lawnmower) and I am pleased with the over-all build quality of the car. Acceleration is excellent. The XM stereo sound even impresses my 16 year-old twin sons---not easily done. Suddenly, dad has the cool car! With the tilt wheel and power seats it easy to find a comfortable driving position. Trunk space is a little on the short side, but we have an Odyssey if we really need to haul. With out a doubt I wouldnt hesitate to recommend this vehicle.

• 

  NEw Accord - 2004 Honda Accord
  By easy-e - June 7 - 10:00 am

  Traded in an 03 Pilot for the 04 Accord. GREAT gas mileage and nice quiet ride. Enough room for the family of 4. Seems very european in the exterior design. Love the dash and the gauges. Stereo could use more power. The driver seat in the cloth LX is kinda lumpy and not very comfortable, Iam 6ft 220lbs. Still is one of the best near luxo cars for the money. Next car might be the EX-V6 w/ leather

• 

  Honda Accord - 2005 Honda Accord
  By Pishone - June 7 - 10:00 am

  Its a nice car...

• 

  Has its good points.... - 2005 Honda Accord
  By Kurtis M - June 7 - 10:00 am

  The car feels very solid and engine performance is EXCELLENT!! This is our second Honda but unfortunately our last. I was quite hesitant on purchasing it as it was manufactured in OHIO. The overall quality is below average. I replace the brakes approximately every 10k miles and Honda states this isnt their problem yet there are several accords always in for brakes daily. Side airbags deployed when a rock flew under the vehicle (several NHTSA complaints on this) Window fell in the door. When started cold, I sometimes get a rough idle and it shuts off and I have to restart it. I think Honda is going downhill pretty quickly!

• 

  Great Car - 2005 Honda Accord
  By dharris417 - June 7 - 7:10 am

  Stylish car that is fun to drive. Multiple controls on steering. Roomy interior that is confortable and adjustible to fit people of every size. Reliable service. The V-6 will merge into traffic without the fear of getting ran over.