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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  2004 Honda Odyseyy EXL-DVD - 2000 Honda Odyssey
  By 2004 EXL Ody owner - August 4 - 2:00 am

  Cold weather:60mph,no airconditioning,flat road,30mpg. Summer, flat road with airconditioning, 26mpg. 75 mph in the summer 24mpg. Summer city driving 18mpg Comfort: Long trips not acceptable. example:the brake pedal is in the way of your left leg, uncomfortable on an extended trip. The seats widths are too small by approximately 2" The right seat does not have power or adequate adjustment. The ride is HARD, after the 2nd day of driving, visions of an army truck.Interior finish is utilitarian. Staples are used to hold down the carpet over the spare! Body dents easily. BAD road noise! Easy access/egress Would not buy again.

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  Noisy Cluncker! Not happy. - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By AndrexP - August 1 - 2:00 am

  Our van has been making clunking noise from the rear train since the day we bought it last year. The dealer explained that it is a characteristic of the rear brakes, and has no solution. Someting about the rear brake pads being free to move. Hondas solution is that the customer has to live with it. The service supervisor even xeroxed the page from the Honda service bulletin that said that you can make the customer go away by inserting a cut-up business card in the brake caliper. (e-mail me for a copy) They figure that this will silence the noise long enough for the customer to drive away! My 120,000+ mile Chrysler van never made any such noise.

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  Surprised - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By DrJ - July 31 - 10:00 am

  We really like the room and versatility, but frankly were surprised at the many features lacking for this price point. For example, it does not have the following: trip computer, outside temperature gauge, compass, auto lights, leather wrapped steering wheel, seat memory, backup sensors, CD changer, or good stereo system. On top of this, it comes with a rather skimpy warranty (3yr/36k miles). Many vehicles we looked at came with these features and others, but in the end, it was Hondas reputation for quality that sold us. I guest Ill just have to wait and see if this reputation is deserved. So far so good.

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  1996 Civic HX - 1996 Honda Civic
  By razzy - July 31 - 2:00 am

  I drove this vehicle for 33,000 miles without any complaints. Great gas mileage, sporty feel, and fun to drive. I recomment the civic to anyone on a budget.

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  So funky its cute, like a lil o turtle - 2003 Honda Element
  By Little turtle - July 31 - 2:00 am

  I purchased my Element about a month ago, I had to have it. Its been great so far other then the mileage which everone is complainig about. I think the design is fantastic, funky, orginal, FUNCTIONAL, and just down right cool. Its like a modern day Woody. It drives much better then I imagined, more like a car then an SUV/truck. The pick up/power is great especially for an in-line four. I get lots of attention in it, mostly positive. In summary this vehicle is the most refreshing and original thing out there right now. Great job Honda, other auto designers have a thing or two to learn from you.

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  Not too bad - 2003 Honda Accord
  By zjoewang - July 31 - 2:00 am

  The interior of this car is nice. The ride however is a bit rough (I guess thats why you have Lexus and Mercedes ;-). The audio is so-so. Handling reasonable. I got 29.5 mpg on strictly high-way (cruising at 80 mph). A bit disappointed there. I dont regret my purchase decision, except I should have given Camry more thought next time...

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  93 Civic Coupe - 1993 Honda Civic
  By RedHondaCivic - July 29 - 2:00 am

  I love this car. I have had 7 cars since my 16th birthday in march of 2003. But this one is by far my favorite. The only thing that I dont like about the car is the interior, mainly the placement of the vents. With the vents on, you cannot point the middle ones near your chest. They blow right in your face. Its easy to fix though, just dont use them. :)

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  Northern Michigan CRV - 1999 Honda CR-V
  By newzboy - July 29 - 2:00 am

  This car is very capable. The on- demand all wheel drive is a big help here in Northern Michigan where winters can be very harsh. I wish it had more power to challenge hills though. It sounds like a buzz bomb when its climbing hills. I heard the newer models do have a more powerful engine. The automatic transmission was a little herky-jerky...some hard shifts here and there. You wouldnt know it by looking at it from the outside, but the interior is very roomy for this size vehicle. Theres plenty of legroom both front and back. The cargo area is also quite adequate. All in all, this is a pretty fine little SUV.

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  Pulling left at highway speeds - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By Jim Tubbs - July 26 - 10:00 am

  I have experienced the car pulling left at highway speeds especially when in the passing lanes. Honda has had the car 2 times and tell me they test drive it with having the same problem. I would like to know if anybody else is havig the same problem. I am going to request a technician ride with me. Other than that the vechicle performs great.

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  Great Car But.... - 2003 Honda Civic
  By Carbrat - July 26 - 10:00 am

  I couldnt wait to have one. It continues to be fun but after having it awhile, noticed a few bugs, and now have a wish list. But the car is great, and continues to be a favourite over our other cars. I like the idea it looks conventional, except for minor details which do stand out (antenna, spoilers, dash)