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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  Honda Accord Coupe EX - 2002 Honda Accord
  By bett - April 3 - 2:00 am

  It is a great car would buy one again

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  2003 accord EX - 2003 Honda Accord
  By fezini2 - April 3 - 2:00 am

  No real complaints. Every little thing that my last car lacked has been addressed: variable speed wipers, auto down AND up on the driver window, better cup holders. Acceleration is excellent, even with 4 cylinder 2.4 liter engine. Handling is good (both the Passat and the Altima drove tighter and quicker, with comparable 4 cylinder engines) but a little soft feeling. Cabin space is excellent in both front and rear for adult passengers. Seats are very comfortable and can be adjusted multiple ways for back comfort.

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  Great Car Brakes Suck - 2004 Honda Accord
  By Momamarma - April 3 - 2:00 am

  the Car has a beautiful design inside and out! but, the brakes need to be checked mine grind when heated. I did take it back to the dealer 2 times and they still grind at times. The grinding sound cannot be duplicated when returned to the dealer

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  Love it !!!!! But has a few quirks.... - 2004 Honda Accord
  By Springckn - April 3 - 2:00 am

  Performs like a champ in hot or cold weather, rain or shine. Comfy, but not plushy. Not happy with the radio setup because the big knob in the middle makes it impossible to change out with a 3rd party rig. Gas mileage is fair in town and okay/good on the highway. Backseat hold 3 squirmy kids just fine. Solid, dependable car. Would buy another Honda.

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  Good Desgin - Unresolved issues - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By 2nd time ody owner - April 2 - 8:10 pm

  I traded a 2004 Ody EX for the 2007 Ody LX because I was really taken by the new design. I know am of the impression that I could have kept my 2004 and been just as happy if not happier. Overall the 2007 model design is an improvement over the 2004 model, but the execution has a lot to be desired. I noticed an engine drone noise at 180 miles. Honda says its characteristic of vehicle harmonics.(What nonsense!) At 400 miles noticed whining buzzing noise from power steering pump. I took it in to the dealer and was told that they could not duplicate prob. Drove the vehicle myself and brought back to dealer while making noise. They finally acknowledge issue with 05-07 power steering pumps.

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  For a Honda it rides like a horse buggy - 2007 Honda Fit
  By rpcmrsz - March 31 - 9:16 am

  The looks are nice but comfort wise its awful. No middle arm rest, hits hard at bumps, turns are tough. For the money its expensive.

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  second time around - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By pscreech - March 30 - 1:30 am

  This is my second one. We got the 99 sight unseen and got this one same way. This thing drives very good, It puts my ML500 to shame on handling. Had a whistle type wind noise. Took 3 visits to Team Honda to get it fixed, No problem they gave me loaner car just like the MB dealers.

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  Great Car - 2005 Honda S2000
  By ARN - March 29 - 4:55 pm

  I have had the S2000 for more than 2 years. Works great, fun to drive especially with the convertible top down. My wish list is that the door would open wider and an outside temperature gauge (Ive heard the newer model does have the temperature guage). A bit tight but all and all I would buy another.

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  A bad experience - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By Obaid Beg - March 29 - 10:00 am

  Couplr of instances changed my thought about buying aHonda again, a advice I passed on to my friends who went on to buy toyota. Service was poor during my visit to replace the rear windshield that shattered on a cold Feb morning. Fortunately, no one was hurt. The van has only 4k with two 1-2k trips, but it has lot of rattling and sounds. The dealer took care of the glass in four days but left lot of scratches on the out side of the rear glass and on the inside . They also removed the net in the trunk and never called me to get it back. Overall, my experience is not great for the price I paid and would be reluctant to buy honda van.

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  great ride - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By meow22799 - March 29 - 10:00 am

  this mini van is awsome - the features are great. my only gripe is that the cup holders in the front of the van are way too shallow. it is really easy to manuver, turns on a dime, and it is easy to manipulate all of the controls and to move the seats for loading stuff. my two year old actually thanked me for buying her a new car that was "fun".