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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  good car, not great - 2001 Honda Civic
  By thegreek - September 2 - 10:00 am

  Ive had my Civic EX 5speed for 2 years on this month. Over all its been a good car, pretty relaible. My problems have been my SRS light came on and they had to reset it same with the side air bag light. My battery just went after the first 18 months but they warrentied it for free. It drives well and I like the car alot, I never feel concerned about it starting or breaking down. The clutch is a little diferent than some other cars but works very smoothly once your used to it.

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  Nice car, However... - 2001 Honda Civic
  By Schlotter - September 2 - 10:00 am

  Like all Hondas, this one is bullet proof. However, the ride is very rough. You will feel every bump. Hitting bumps send shock waves through the car. After driving this car for two years, I have figured out where all the bumps are on my way to work. My 1995 Civic had a much better ride. So I plan to trade it in for a different Honda (Pilot). Too bad, because this car has a lot going for it.

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  My 2001 & 2007 Odyssey - 2001 Honda Odyssey
  By erob4775 - August 31 - 10:08 pm

  We liked the 01 Odyssey very much so that we now own an 2007 also. The only problem to speak of was the tranmission. We had it replaced twice (under warranty). The van now has 92000 miles and going strong. The 01 is an EX the 07 is an EXL. Next year we plan on trading the 01 for an 08 Touring model.

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  Inadequate provision for flats - 2005 Honda Accord
  By warren anderson - August 31 - 10:36 am

  The Honda Accord EX Hybrid has no spare tire. It has fluid and a pump for holding the tire for a limited period of time until it can be fixed. The replacement fluid at the dealers is $100 for about a quart. Apparently they do not plan to sell much of it. The best choice, it seems to me, is to buy a utility spare for about $140 and put it in an already small trunk. I dont know that I would have bought the car had I known this at the time. It is something I should have asked about, but I had no idea that a major manufacturer and dealership would have such inadequate means for dealing with flat tires and at such a high price. Blowouts require a tow.

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  Gas mileage - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Phil - August 30 - 3:46 am

  I traded a Tundra for this civic purely for better gas mileage. Im averaging over 31 MPG. Im pleased with the performance and the overall fit and finish. If youre looking for an interstate cruiser, soft and heavy, this aint it but if you need a commuter that is responsive, gets good gas mileage and sits 4 quite comfortably, you should give it a look.

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  Great little box - 2006 Honda Element
  By Toaster Owner - August 29 - 1:47 pm

  My girlfriend is a car snob (drives an Infiniti and an Audi TT previously) ... she doesnt like it. But I love it! I could have bought something more expensive but very few vehicles offer the value and low-TCO of this thing. Ive taken the rear seats out several times to accommodate moving furniture, big screen TVs, etc. Its so versatile.

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  My Honda Accord - 2002 Honda Accord
  By Big daddy - August 28 - 10:00 am

  I got a wonderful deal on my 2002 Honda Accorda LX 4dr/4cy. Great gas mileage while on the open road; 33-36mpg, less than desirable in traffic; 15-20mpg. Im hooked on its looks, have no idea why they changed its great looks, but who am I. Very quiet on the open road, the steering is right on the money, and the little four is able to tackle almost any size mountain/hill while in cruise control when the AC is off. Great overall car for the amount we paid for it $16,400 for a brand new one with 5 miles on it.

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  Transmission problem - 2001 Honda Accord
  By rbur56 - August 27 - 1:47 pm

  Initially I was very satisfied with the vehicle. The car had good acceleration for a 4 cylinder. The auto is comfortable in city or highway driving. The brake pads needed replacing prematurely. The factory Michelin tire provide good traction but wear prematurely. The transmission also failed and required $2500 to repair at 140000 miles. The transmission had shifting difficulties before this. If the transmission had not failed I would have rated this car much higher.

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  2001 Civic EX Sedan - 2001 Honda Civic
  By 2001 Civic - August 26 - 9:09 pm

  Purchased this car as a replacement for my 1993 Civic Coupe. Overall a good used car. Fuel Mileage is great as long as you keep below 3500 RPM. Ive had a few issues such as front wheel bearing, pass side front window regulator, alternator but overall expected since the car has over 130K. Build quality seems lacking compared to my old 1993 Civic. Just more rattles, etc than the old car had.

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  Losing it - 2003 Honda Accord
  By A. Jenkins - August 26 - 7:05 pm

  I have driven Hondas for many years and paid a premium price for their cars. Late last autumn my Accord started to have what I thought was a slight engine tap when it was cold. I took it into a Honda dealer for an assessment. The written assessment stated that their was a slight piston slap but only when the engine was cold. Honda considered the piston slap acceptable. Of course the noise continued to get worse and finally, after a great deal of agravation Honda agreed to replace the engine. They did not provide a loaner nor refund the cost of the analysis. The car runs fine now but I have certainly downgraded Hondas prefered status. Alex. Jenkins