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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  A good value but a noisy vehicle - 2005 Honda Accord
  By tomr - May 13 - 5:33 pm

  I just bought my 2005 EX 3 weeks ago. It met a number of important needs that other cars I looked at couldnt; fuel economy, backseat leg room, and a reasonable price. This is my second Honda Accord. Honda was discounting the cars below invoice which added to what I perceived as a good value. My only complaint, but its a biggy, is the amount of road/tire and wind noise that makes its way to the cabin. The noise is most prevalent on highways with a high amount of aggregate -- unfortunately this accounts for most of my travel. I initially thought something was wrong with the vehicle but my dealership insists the noise is "normal".

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  Big Disappointment - 1999 Honda Odyssey
  By Bill - May 13 - 4:27 pm

  We searched for several minivans before deciding on the Odyssey. We now wish we had searched longer. Our van is six years old and has 66,000 miles. In that time we have had three recalls, power sliding door problems (which the dealer could not duplicate), numerous paint chips requiring repainting of surfaces, and now it is necessary to have a new transmission installed. The dealer said that Honda has worked out many of the problems which were in the original models, but I feel as though this should have been taken care of in the R&D phase. We have friends who have Ford Freestars with over 40,000 miles and no problems at all. Please look farther than the over rated Honda Odyssey!

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  2002 CRV-EX a solid winner - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By carfool2000 - May 13 - 10:00 am

  The new CRV has real pep - transmission seems to get the most out of the engine, including acceleration at highyway speed. Stable too, supposedly because of 500 lbs of steel strengthening the frame. Moonroof is also quite welcome. Nice to have "options" standard. Car not seduce you with design or style; it wins you over with sheer practical appeal. Dash is very easy to use. Wonderful for hauling from flat floor to great fold-down seats without removing headrests. The walk-thru is super. Only wrinkle is that I seem to get 19mpg around town... highway is more like 23 at best. The car also needs a deadpedal to rest the left foot. But its an easy car to live with.

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  Love it so far - 2004 Honda Accord
  By dmg - May 12 - 2:46 pm

  Had been looking for a new car for quite awhile. Would have prefered an Altima. Tried out the Passat as well. Drove them all on Highway where I usually do most of my driving. The Accord is quie and responsive. I average around 31 mpg. One big advantage over the Passat is that Accord uses regular gas. The 5 speed is a dream to shift, tight and smooth. Ergonomics are well thought out. Car is quite a bit noisier over concrete pavement. This is probably a function of the tires they chose, Michelin Energy MXV4. The Bridgestone Turanza used on the coupe are a better performing and quieter tire.

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  Decent performer for the money - 2001 Honda Civic
  By Jimbo - May 11 - 11:11 pm

  This car as a performer really isnt anything to write home about. The handling is ok (lots of body roll is the main problem) but it could be a lot better. The steering, clutch and brake pedal feedback are minimal, and the steering is about the lightest of any car I have driven, which I personally dont like. There is a decent amount of power for a 1.7 liter engine, but its all WAY up in the RPM range. Because of that, the gears are very close (75 mph in 5th= ~3400 RPM). However, as a commuter car, this is a very good car because it is incredibly reliable, and gets impressive gas mileage, despite the high RPM it turns for a given speed.

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  Honda beware - 2001 Honda Accord
  By Mikkos - May 11 - 6:51 pm

  Ive now had my Accord EX for 2 years now and I have started having transmission problems. First gears hestitates and shifts very hard. Its also really jerking when going up hills or coming to a stop. The sunroof rattles constantly when sunshade is open. Im just disappointed with Honda. Everything else is good and I havent had any other problems with it.

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  Good Solid Car - 1998 Honda Civic
  By HondaJody - May 11 - 2:15 am

  My 98 Civic EX Coupe has 131,000 miles on it now, and it still runs well. I had to replace the cheap plastic Honda radiator, as well as the rubber boots on the front axle. All in all a solid car that I would suggest for beginning drivers and students. But dont expect much pick up power or stylish features. This is an economy car only!

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  Digital Displays - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By R. Komatz - May 9 - 7:53 am

  One big complaint about the 2005 Honda CRV. The digital display on the radio is way too small. You can not see the digits for time from the rear seat. Also, when the radio is on to AM setting, the display makes it look like the time is always "AM". Very bad design. Additionally, the outside temp display uses very tiny digits -- too small to read while driving! Otherwise, this is a GREAT car!!

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  The Best New Pilot - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By AskReeves - May 9 - 2:00 am

  The reliability cannot be beaten because it is a Honda but the exterior styling is extremely bland. The interior provides a very high comfort level and it gets good mileage. The lack of an arm rest in the rear seat takes away some relaxation for passengers back there.

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  Throttle Body Unit - 2000 Honda Accord
  By Sharyel A - May 9 - 2:00 am

  After only having approx. 34,000 miles, noticed the gas pedal sticking. Had to "Punch" it to get it to release. Unfortunately, complained to dealer 2 weeks after warrantly expired (3 yr warranty). Was told would have to pay $266.33 to have throttle body unit replaced. I thought was a safety issued, and should be replaced free of charge. Still in negotiation regarding this issue.