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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  HX is great and its not a hybrid - 2005 Honda Civic
  By Artycat - December 7 - 2:00 pm

  This is a great little car so far. I just bought new for the first time in 15 years. I had been driving a 96 Olds Ciera with the V-6. The HX has more power and is heck of lot more fun than the Olds. I got it for fuel economy. I cant stand what gas is costing but I didnt want to spend what a hybrid costs. (Were cheap in my family.) Anyway, love the little thing; I wish I couldve gotten green but white will do. Its the 5 speed manual which is fun after the "old lady" Olds. Its also a heck of lot easier to drive than my last new vehicle which was a 90 Toyota Pickup with 4 speed and 4 cylinders. Love this car so far. I highly recommend it.

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  I LOVE THIS CAR! - 1998 Honda Accord
  By Amber - December 7 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car with 11 miles on it, and have never ever had to replace anything save the brakes, a few sets of tires and the oil and air filters. MOST EXCELLENT CAR! The inside is amazingly roomy and the exterior is pleasing to the eye. My only complaint is that the paint jobs on Hondas in general since 1994 have gotten rather thin and this is painfully obvious on my 98.

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  No car like it on the road - 1991 Honda Accord
  By garth - December 7 - 2:00 am

  There is no car on the road to match Hondas unsurpassed build quality,almost flawless in performance when properly maintained,they can be unforgiving if you do not.

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  Great Basic Car - 1995 Honda Civic
  By Jehova Smith - December 7 - 2:00 am

  I have just rolled 180,000 miles (290k) on my baby and it keeps chugging along. Ive vowed to buy a new car when this one died...Im still waiting. The performance hasnt suffered with age. This car costs less than 25 cents a km. My advice, if you find one with 100,000 miles on it, its just a baby with more life to live. This car has outlasted two of my friends cars... a neon and a sunfire.

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  Fantastic Vehicle - 2000 Honda Odyssey
  By Jeff R. - December 7 - 2:00 am

  This is the best minivan around, and my wife and I absolutely love it. Its roomy, comfortable, and has all the features we need. We have had our Odyssey for 2 years and have had no problems at all.

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  Own a Honda Civic - 1999 Honda Civic
  By LS - December 7 - 2:00 am

  I own a 5 speed, DX Model, with AC installed by Dealer. I have not had one issue/complaint in my 3 years of ownership. The only maintenance costs have been oil changes & brake pads (Boston Driving). Tires are Bridgestone and have worn pretty well. They are due for a change in the next 3- 5K miles, giving them a life of 50K. The car has made numerous trips between MA, NY, & OH and is very comfortable to drive. It reminds me of my old 85 Toyota Camry 5 spd. Performance and reliability have so far been equivalent. Cost of ownership vs value is great, especially if you capitalize on Hondas periodic reduced financing incentives for Civics.

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  ryans review - 2002 Honda Civic
  By Ryan Woods - December 7 - 2:00 am

  rattles

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  Front Seat Controls - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By Edie - December 6 - 11:36 pm

  I did not realize, until after purchase that the passenger seat did not have automatic elec. controls. . My old 1997 Ford Explorer, had controls. Entrance to the third row seating, from the use of the sliding 2nd row seat, is a little tight. Dont want to remove 2nd row console. 2 or 3 inches further movement on the 2nd row would make a big difference.2 Gas prices have gone up considerably since purchase of Odyssey, but we wanted a large comfortable auto. Therefore cant complain about mileage. I guess the mileage is pretty good considering size of car. These are all cosmetic issues. Botom line, we really like the 2005

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  Great overall - 2004 Honda Element
  By Paul A. - December 6 - 12:32 pm

  Great fun factor vehicle. I am getting about 25-26 miles per gallon with manual transmission. This is a great car that would serve the all the purposes: vacation, basic transportation, big item moving or purchasing. Mine is a DX, so the only thing I miss is the cruise control, everything else is very well thought and placed. I love my Element,and I plan to have it for a good while. Buyer beware: if you drive it, youll like it... and buy it.

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  Love my Civic! - 2005 Honda Civic
  By barb - December 6 - 9:41 am

  We bought our car new almost 4 years ago and we love the vehicle. Good gas mileage, very reliable (such a pleasure after the horror we previously drove), good looks, no rust, interior is larger than it appears from the outside. My only gripe is that the top of the foot space for the front passenger is very low and this can be uncomfortable, especially if youre a woman wearing higher heels. Apart from that, nothing but praise for the Civic.