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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  Best car - 1999 Honda Accord
  By Donna - March 26 - 4:33 pm

  My Honda Accord LX has been one of if not the best car Ive ever owned for its reliability, handling (I love) and comfort.

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  Review - 2009 Honda Accord
  By Mel - March 26 - 12:13 pm

  Cons: the VCM is annoying wished we were able to turn it off some road noise but tolerable Pros: stylish, full of options, decent gas mileage

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  Engine Mounts - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By ssethuma - March 26 - 9:37 am

  I have a 2004 Honda Odyssey with 65K miles and have been thinking of trading it in for a 201 model. But recently I had the front engine mount fail and it cost be about $450. Seems like a manufacturing problem and a common one with Odysseys with 60K+ miles (search internet). So if you are thinking of buying a new or an old one, you may want to look up the repair history of these.

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  Love this car - 1998 Honda Accord
  By Sold on Honda - March 25 - 9:13 pm

  We are getting ready to pass down my 1998 Honda Accord 4 door LX to my 17yr old son. This car has been very reliable and still looks great. Havent had any problems and only needed routine maintenance. We are probably going to be replacing it with a new Civic Coupe. Going to miss my Accord but feel good about passing this on to my son because I have a piece of mind that he will be driving a very reliable car.

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  One of the Best Vehicles I have owned - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By Ron B - March 25 - 7:02 pm

  I have owned several pickup trucks over the years. They all drove and rode like a truck. I almost purchased the Honda Pilot after driving it and then I knew I would regret not getting a truck so I drove the Ridgeline. That was a mistake. It was part SUV and part Truck. I could not believe the manner in which it drove. The truck handled very, very well. I pull a small Casita Travel Trailer and it pulls it without any problems. We love this truck and would not trade it for anything else available anywhere. It is just the right size for what we use it for. It doubles as a very nice SUV and a very nice Truck. I would recommend it to anyone who wants a great vehicle. Its a Honda!

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  Little Blue Bread Truck - 2007 Honda Element
  By msvic - March 25 - 6:13 pm

  I truly concur with the folks who LOVE their Elements. I, too, fell in love with the car when it was first featured in a Newsweek column with a photo of the very first 2002(?) model to hit the road. It took me 5 years to call myself the owner of an Element, but Ive never looked back. I love my car. It drives like a dream! I took the back seats out so Id have room for my dogs. I have never missed carpet. The resilient plastic flooring is ideal, especially when it comes to cleaning (which Im not so good at because I live in a rural, dirt road area). But, at least when I do clean, I can do it with a bucket of soapy water and a rag--and it gleams!

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  Really like the odyssey - 2010 Honda Odyssey
  By geary labuary - March 25 - 1:00 pm

  We really like the van but wished it got better gas mileage but the comfort and the fine driving we will take it as it is. We are a big family and really like the space and handling of the van.

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  WHAT A CAR - 2010 Honda Pilot
  By wmarcos - March 24 - 8:08 pm

  This car is awesome you are just like driving a big car like the Chevy Tahoe, ford expedition,Toyota Sequoia and etc. but this only mid size SUV. a 62"and 220 lbs lbs. can seat on the third row amazing and the price is worth it. Highly recommendable indeed.

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  Excellent Car - 2001 Honda Odyssey
  By Carlos - March 24 - 4:55 pm

  I have owned my Odyssey since 2001, its model year. So far, I have driven it for 163,000 miles without any problem. This model year had a transmission recall, so Honda replaced my transmission free of charge when the transmission died. Other than this covered warranty repair and routine maintenance, this car has not required any repairs. With three kids constantly going in and out of this car, I would have thought the automatic doors would eventually required some work. However, this car had not giving me any trouble. Its been completely reliable.

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  Keeps going and going..... - 2000 Honda CR-V
  By catherinet00 - March 24 - 10:48 am

  I bought this Honda crv after having too many bad experiences with a 1999 VW Jetta. Whew. What a big relief getting rid of the former and getting this crv instead. CR-V currently has about 143,000 miles on it and I have had no major mechanical problems with it. It has never left me on the road alone. It is like the little engine that could. The looks are NOT deceiving for what is under the hood. It is a SMALL SUV, therefore a small engine. This vehicle is perfect for me as a single female with no baggage. I am a city person and 99% of the time I use it to commute to work and other places in the city. Its perfect for me.