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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  Car Camping - 2003 Honda Element
  By Skip Jones - October 10 - 2:00 am

  I couldnt be happier!!!!!!

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  Comparison to 98 - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By countrycommuter - October 10 - 2:00 am

  Since I love my 98 CRV, I convinced my husband to trade in his 99 V6 Camry for the 2002 CRV! Since I drive both of them, I can point out the improvements/nonimprovements with 2002; Power! My husband is very satisfied with the 4-cyl 2002 CRV. Believe it or not, thats about it! Many other features have been changed in 2002 but not for the better. The Bridgestone tires that came with it are TERRIBLE during cornering on wet roads. We took them off at 7200 miles and put my used Michelins on them. Much better (but noisier). I have a tendency to overstear on the 2002 - I like the stearing on the 98 better.

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  Im a Believer! - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By Patrick Johnson - October 10 - 2:00 am

  This is a near-perfect people hauler. The layout is user friendly, easily fitting my family of five (three kids in car seats fit well). Access is great. Performance is surpisingly excellent. Passing traffic is easy. Visibility is good. Quick turns dont even upset this minivan. Still waiting to see how it does in Spokane snow.

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  Great Value in a small SUV - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By Dawn Bernard - October 10 - 2:00 am

  Great Vehicle! After getting my Honda accord up to 235,000 miles, it was time for an upgrade, and the CRV fit the bill perfectly. Drives like a car, but plenty of room for camping gear, and we love the way the rear seats fold down. Hondas quality and reliability show here, and we love the "real time" 4 wheel drive that kicks in only when you need it, great to drive in snow. Great mileage, but I wish the gas tank was bigger. All around great value..and "waiting list only" at the dealership!

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  fun suv - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By top hat - October 10 - 2:00 am

  I have owned a few suvs and had a lot of fun with them all. they all had V8s and got bad gas mileage.They all did very good off road but i do not do 4 or 5 thousand miles off road driveing any more so the CRV is just what i need.

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  3 year review - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By edog152 - October 9 - 11:57 pm

  It has almost been three years as we purchased this in 11/06, and this is our 5th Odyssey. We normally trade after 24 months but we felt we drive this one until the wheels fall off. Well we are at 104K and its still drives like a brick. Sure gas mileage could be better, but with all the conveniences that the van offers... If I wanted el cheapo Id get a KIA... Yeah brakes shutter as the brakes get warped quick... well it is a 4000+lb tank!! I have NO regrets!!!!

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  Too truck-like - 2009 Honda Pilot
  By Louielouie - October 9 - 5:12 pm

  Just returned from a 3500 mile trip. At real world Interstate speeds (75-76 mph) I was able to squeeze out 21.5 mpg. A bit low but this is a big box! Suspension is a bit too stiff and with a truck type tire and stiffer steering than our previous two vehicles (07 Pacifica & 02 Highlander) you never feel like youre part of the vehicle. Bucket seats are firm but comfortable. Plenty of cubby holes and storage compartments but interior trim materials are hard to the touch and unattractive. Sound system is just OK. 02 Highlander sound system has better features. Glad we leased. Engine Mgmt. system works well. No discernible sensation when system shuts down or turns on cylinders.

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  Miata on Steroids - 2002 Honda S2000
  By TMorrow - October 9 - 10:00 am

  To anyone interested in buying the S- 2000.It does have some short comings in creature comforts. However, it is the most fun Ive had in any of my 13 cars. It is almost like a four wheeled motorcycle.If you can find one, drive it. If you have to pay over MSRP, do it. I did and I sell them. Its worth it. Break it in right.This is the highest quality Honda I have ever seen and Ive been around them since my 88 CRX Si. I traded cars with my friend Jorge, for a day, and his Boxster is no match....Dont bither spending $10,000 more for a Boxster / SLK / TT, etc...The M-Roadster has a little more guts, but the S-2000 makes it all up in the corners.

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  Brake-In is crucial - 2002 Honda S2000
  By Jason C. Wang - October 9 - 10:00 am

  Althought S2000 has a perfect transmission and gearbox; the clutch need to be brake-in before you can have optimal performance. The acceleration difference between 1000 miles and 6000 miles is extremly significant.

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  Lovin my van! - 2000 Honda Odyssey
  By jill - October 9 - 10:00 am

  This is truly a van dream come true. I have owned Hondas and have driven them for up to 275,000 miles! This is one reliable van. We have never had any problems with the engine (have 42,000 miles now), but I do have to complain about the doors sticking. The molding sticks to the door and the kids cant open it without my help-- especially worse in the summer. Gee, shouldve gotten those automatic doors, I guess! Other than that, it is awesome. LOVE LOVE LOVE the disappearing back seat-- tons of cargo room (far better than other vans). Would I buy another one? You betcha!