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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  Civic Si sporty, fun, reliable - 2000 Honda Civic
  By Carrie P. - October 9 - 10:00 am

  I love my Si! I bought it new in 2000 and have just recently begun to add aftermarket parts to it. It was fun to drive before, but with its new intake, headers and exhaust its even better. Thanks to Hondas attention to long term quality, I havent had any problems and dont expect to. My next step: 17 inch wheels with low profile tires ;)

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  Best Affordable Car - 2000 Honda Civic
  By sherry - October 9 - 10:00 am

  This is my first time buying a Honda. Although I was going to buy the Honda Accord as my first choice, overall, you cant beat the civic. It is very room, comfortable and very sporty. I would recommend this to all the viewers who are reading this website. I have never had any problems with my civic. The civic, by far, is the best car that I have owned.

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  Strait tens!! - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By DannyM.200 - October 9 - 10:00 am

  Test drive it. All I can say is that Its a Honda.

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  2002 Honda Odyssey - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By JRK - October 9 - 10:00 am

  Prior to purchasing my first Honda Odyssey in 2000, I was driving a Ford Crown Victoria c/w with air ride, leather and all the extras. If anyone had suggested to me that the Odyssey would travel down the highway at 70 mph and handle better than the Crown vic, I would have not have believed them. It does and also gets about the same gas mileage. Four of us went for an extended holiday to the East coast. The Van was perfect for carrying all our luggage plus a cooler and lunch basket. We were able to have our coats, sweaters and various food article right at our fingertips. The fold down rear seat was put up when we arrived at a friends place and the six of us were able to sight see together.

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  I wont buy Honda next time - 2000 Honda Accord
  By al2000 - October 9 - 10:00 am

  I replaced transmission 3(!) times + side airbag for 2 years(all expenses paid by Honda)

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  Great Car - 2001 Honda Accord
  By Michael P. - October 9 - 10:00 am

  To be able to have a car that can do it all from riding on a cloud on the open road to letting me rip through the 5- speed transmission while having the sunroof open and changing the disc in the 6-disc changer is a great thing. And to do all of this, look good, retain resale value, and get 25 mpg? Come on, what more can ou ask for? Comfortable seating for 4 you ask? Go get 3 other people and take a test drive.

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  MyFirst Accord - 2001 Honda Accord
  By ALfromSF - October 9 - 10:00 am

  My girlfriend drives a Honda and I loved driving it which resulted in me buying my 2002 Accord EX V6. The low price was an extra bonus. Overall this car runs smoothly and you can really feel the 200hps working. However, I see myself going to the gas station more often then expected.Its a V6 but its also a Honda! I expected to get at least 25mpg if not more but Im averaging 21mpg(highway + city). Now Im kind of afraid to drive the car just becuase I know afterwards, the car will be saying, "Feed me now or be stuck on the road." Thinking back I may just have paid a little more and get the new Camery.

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  I love my new Honda - 2002 Honda Civic
  By sue shaw - October 9 - 10:00 am

  I have driven many cars in my lifetime and decided on the Honda Civic because it has always had excellent consumer reviews. It handles the road well for its size and with skyrocketing prices in gas I was pleased to pay $13.00 to fill it up and found that during the breakin period it is still getting 31 mpg in combination city/highway driving. A very big difference from our Van and a real pleasure to drive.

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  Glorified Junk - 2008 Honda Element
  By WetMonkey - October 9 - 1:50 am

  This is my last Honda!!! For the last 25 years I have bought them all (Toyota, Nissan, Ford, Subaru, Caddy...etc) but never witnessed a vehicle in this size to only tow 600 pounds? This means weak Transmission and lack of suspension support. They sure made it big enough to stuff whole garage full of stuff. Plus the sheet sounds like it was make of coke cans. The car is noisy and cant decide to stay in 4th or 5th gear. From what I know, all Hondas have this problem. WEAK and noisy. AWD system does not do so well compared to my Suby. The front wheel always slips during rain or snow and engages the rear tad late...whats the point. Prone to roll over. Complete design flaw

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  Buyers Remorse - 2018 Honda Odyssey
  By G. A. Arce - October 8 - 6:01 pm

  I bought two brand new Honda vehicles within the past 6 months. The first one was a Pilot AWD EX-L and the 2nd one the 2018 Honda Odyssey. The Odyssey has been a disappointment. The infotainment is glitchy sometimes it works and sometimes it doesnt. The rear doors may not completely close and may require several attempts to get them to close. The front seats are harsh and uncomfortable. The seats on the Pilot are more comfortable. Acceleration in the Honda Odyssey is lackluster, I just can feel any the power. The Pilot is quirky even on ECCO mode. Forget about using ECCO mode on the Odyssey. The ACL is a pain and have caused some near misses like suddenly braking when trying to change a lane at freeway speeds. It also lacks enough USB ports and the gap in the middle console is hideous. I am not a fan of the push button transmission and emergency breaks. I would rather have then in the foot area. I should have bought another Honda Pilot instead of this land yacht.