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:

• 

  Ready for something else. - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By Disappointed - January 7 - 11:26 pm

  My husband and I have been very disappointed with our Odyssey. We have always bought GM products but thought that all the safety and consumer ratings were too hard to pass up. The vehicle is supposedly XM ready but you need an $800 part in order to get XM. The gas mileage has not been good at all. I got better in my Venture van. The transmission drives like a manual, I hate having to open the gas cap from the inside and it doesnt have daytime running lamps like GM cars. There is always something rattling like the windows and doors which on a brand new vehicle shouldnt be happening. There is a lot of room and we like the magic seats but are planning to buy something else now.

• 

  Grips and Groans.... - 2016 Honda Accord
  By Barton Courcier - January 7 - 11:02 pm

  Great car. The technology seems to leap by decade. Especially with regard to driving dynamics and torsional rigidity. So far my biggest gripes are the following. 1). There is no stinking way to get into the trunk from the back of the car. The only way to open the trunk is to use the key FOB or the internal release lever. Personally I dont always have my key FOB with me and when I walk to the back of the car with a hand full of stuff I want to be able to open the trunk. There used to be a day when all Honda had a release lever and also a keyed latch. Basic stuff that all cars should have. 2) The HVAC system makes this irritating pulsing noise that you can hear at idle. The rest of the car is so quiet is appears quite loud. Its not just the sound but the nature of the pulsing because it feels like a pressure pulse that rises and falls. Its actually unnerving.

• 

  97 Civic EX coupe - 1997 Honda Civic
  By alotawatts - January 6 - 5:13 pm

  Purchased mine used with aprox 76000 miles. I get lousy milage in town with the automatic transmission but good on the hiway. 1996 - 2000 6th generation Civics are outstanding !

• 

  My Element - 2003 Honda Element
  By sawaddi - January 6 - 2:00 am

  Great fun. Honda reliability. Great for hauling mulch and gardening supplies. More like a mini panel truck than a SUV. Very versatile. Perky engine.

• 

  LOVE THAT BOX - 2003 Honda Element
  By john walker - January 6 - 2:00 am

  WE DUMPED OUR 91 Q45 TO GET OUT OF BAD RELIABILTY AND FUEL ECONOMY. THE ELEMENT GAVE US A BREATH OF FRESH AIR IN FUN AND UTILITY. FUEL MPG HAS BEEN CLOSE TO 26 ON TRIPS, NOT BAD CONSIDERING THIS BOX DOES NOT CUT THE WIND REAL GOOD. I HAVE HAD A DOZEN CARS, BUT NEVER ONE THAT TURNS HEADS LIKE THIS ELEMENT.

• 

  Not as tight as my VW - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By nightCap - January 6 - 2:00 am

  Althought I do very much like the CRV, its build quality (fit and finish) is not comparable with my 2000 VW golf. The plastic body molding is out of alignment, the tires are not good at all (Ive actaully replaced them already), and the cabin noise seems to be on the loud side. I wish it got better mileage as well.

• 

  Still figuring it out - 2003 Honda Civic
  By mikeyg - January 6 - 2:00 am

  The car is a fun car to drive. i test drove all similar cars on themarket and this was by far the best. Comparisons, RSX, GTI. This car has all the features you need. Great city car.

• 

  Comfortable and snappy econobox - 2004 Honda Accord
  By SdeB - January 4 - 6:43 pm

  This car handles well, has a comfortable ride and spacious interior. Dont expect sports car like grip or tautness and you wont be disappointed. The interior is practical and well laid out albeit bland. The trunk is very large. Economy is among the best in its class and it does not come at the expense of performance. The 4 cylinder is smooth and quiet. I tend to select cars that appeal on an emotional level. This one does not. Its common, competent and safe. Costing of ownership is about the lowest for this size of car.

• 

  Part Time Pickup - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By Oldse - January 4 - 5:43 pm

  Ive been very impressed with the quality and with the handling. It is just enough pickup for what I need and will fit in my garage (barely).

• 

  You gotta do this! - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By THE I95 ROADIE - January 4 - 10:10 am

  I bought my Odessey 12/30/04. It is a 2005 EX. I currently live in Florida but my home is Maryland. It handled the road quite well. But fatique set in with leg room cramped on drivers side. It had pep and rolled with the best of them. Didnt notice road noise travelling up the interstate. My music drowned out everything anyway! Please make room for a full size tire!!!!! All in all, I would still recommend this van over any others! I plan on making another purchase of a van but want the full size tire option and driver leg/head room or I will hve to look elsewhere!!!! At the price for this van, I would think that these improvements could be met!