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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  Good van - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By minivan driver - October 25 - 10:00 am

  We just picked up this van last week. EX with leather, DVD. We love everything about the van, except the seats, I think they are the most uncomfortable seats Ive ever sat on. Im surprised others rate the comfort as high??? The engines awesome though!

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  Winner - 2001 Honda Odyssey
  By JTF8150 - October 25 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle has met or exceeded all expectations. It drives great, handles well, and can be filled to the top with tons of stuff. Never had one issue with the drivetrain or engine, just flawless. The side door design could be more robust, with stronger hardware.

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  Solid, reliable, inexpensive transport - 1998 Honda Accord
  By Danmohiuddin - October 24 - 2:00 am

  This is my second Honda which I just bought used with 60K on it. If this Honda is anything like my first Honda (1990 CRX) then this Accord will be a gem to own and drive. Being in grad school I love the fact of the low maintenance and low cost to own. Regarding gas mileage this is easy on the pocket book and also peppy (5 speed) and fun as well. I have heard nothing but positive remarks from Honda owners and I am confident that this will be one of many Hondas I purchase over the course of my lifetime

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  New CR-V owner - Previous Honda owner - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By ibermudez - October 24 - 2:00 am

  Roomy interior, visually attractive exterior.

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  Steady On - 2007 Honda Pilot
  By Old Guy - October 22 - 12:03 pm

  Zero problems after 4.5 months. Very useful storage space. Acceptable boat towing capability except for frequent shifts at highway speeds. Transmission is very smooth, and acceleration is quite good considering the tiny engine. Disappointing highway gas mileage to date has only been approximately 20 mpg. Climate control and audio systems are excellent. People comfort in the first two rows is very good. Third row is folded down for additional storage, and will never be used. Handling is okay. Brakes are easy to modulate, but panic stops require more pressure than any of my other recent vehicles. A very satisfactory but not a spectacular vehicle.

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  Family fun - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By EM - October 21 - 6:46 pm

  We have been driving this van for two weeks now, up from a 2004 Honda CRV. It is very roomy inside, the base model has all I want, the ride is very comfortable. The amount of cargo room is impressive because the floor is very low (the spare tire is under the middle seats) I tried the 2006 Sienna: downshifting from 5th to 4th was very noticeable, not on the Sienna. Other than that, they are very similar. Note: the van can accomodate only three child seats: two in the middle row, one at the center of the third row -- read my problem with hooks below. With a child seat in the third row, you cannot lower the widest portion (60%) of the third row, only the narrowest (40%).

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  grandpa digs his element - 2003 Honda Element
  By a .francesco - October 21 - 2:00 am

  i fought my wife all the way,here.i didt want to part with 1990 crx si.but she said i needed the room for when i took the grand children on vacation. it has definitly has grow on me. the element will go more places,carry more, dives great,good on gas,and looks cool.and with honda quaility i know the element will give me years of dependible service.

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  Built for the crowd - 2009 Honda Pilot
  By Chandran - October 20 - 9:50 pm

  I bought this to carry my big family around and it does the job right. The back side look makes it look like a Van rather than an SUV but the front design proves it wrong. All of a sudden, my wheel lights are showing up even though my tire pressure is good. Also, the Oil change light popped up once in a while. The door light also showed up once I was driving and the doors locked.

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  2003 Honda Odyssey - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By 3timer - October 20 - 10:00 am

  Purchased for a 2003 Honda Odyssey EX 4dr Minivan w/Navigation for $27,800. Added an aftermarket DVD entertainment system. Had some initial problems as the people who installed the DVD/TV shorted out the dash by connecting the ground wire to the dash lights. After that it has been smooth sailing. This car drives and handles great. The ride is a bit less luxurios than the Town & Country limited, my other mini-van, but the handling is superior. The touch screen navigation system is unbelieveable. Punch in a businesses phone number and away you go. Overall a great mini-van for the price.

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  Great Car and Very Safe - 2002 Honda Accord
  By iam5050 - October 20 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car with 12k mls on it 5 monts ago.It now is approaching 30k. I have had no hints of problems at all. The car is very comfortable to be in for long periods of time and it handles very well. I would like to note, I was in an accident recently in this vehicle and it held up remarkably. I was rearended at a dead stop by an older full metal car that was traveling at 30 miles per hour.ALthough there was over 5grand in damage and sever whiplash, i think that it could have been worse. By the way, the airbags didnt pop. I like the car and would suggest it to anyone who is looking for quality at an affordable price.