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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  Ehhhhh........ - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By Hondaman - October 2 - 10:00 am

  Well OK my review is really random but its true this car is random. A lot to love and a lot to hate. My wife bough a 2001 RAV4, and this year I bought a new CRV. She loves her car but I cant say do mine. Im sorry but th RAV is more fun to drive and feelsmore modern. I guess I was expecting more from Honda, they delivered whatver you woul want at a great price, but the car just lacks charisma. I FEEL OLD DRIVING IT! My recomendations is get a RAV.....

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  Great Van - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By jaybird - October 2 - 10:00 am

  Have had the van for going on 2 years, drives great in all road conditions. Have had 3 other Chrysler vans, wanted something different,wouldnt go back. Gets 20 mpg around town, 24-25 on the highway depending on loads. Really enjoy the ability to flip over the 3rd row seat for space without taking out the seats. Great power, no reliability problems, have had all routine maintenance done at dealer.

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  The Red Luxury Coach - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By vtec802 - October 2 - 10:00 am

  This van is my parents new minivan. However, I did drive it several times on my visit to SC. The van is exquisite and the power delivery is fluid and powerful even with a load of people in it. We drove it on a 5 hour trip to FL and it got excellent gas mileage. I like the power sliding doors. They are rather neat. There is excellent room inside and the safety features are top notch. I had to do a LOT of convincing to buy this van other than a Town & Country Limited. He liked that van also, but we are a HONDA family and have been for decades. The ODYSSEY EX-L will continue our familys proud tradition of toting Honda as the best on the road.

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  Darn close, but no cigar?? - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By carman34 - October 2 - 10:00 am

  This car fits our needs to the "T". There is flexibility of having room for the kids and when needed, room to haul large items. The engine has next to the best gas mileage for a mid-sized SUV with the exception of the MDX; mixed commute driving is 18-20. Handling and ride are tops, again with the exception of the MDX. The engine is surprising quiet and relaxed even at 3,000 to 4,000 rpms when compared to other SUVs. The seats are actually comfortable, except for the thin padding behind the "activity tray". The storage pockets throughout the vehicle are proving more useful than one would think possible.

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  Top Of The Line - 2002 Honda Accord
  By Jimjam - October 2 - 10:00 am

  I recently purchased a 02 coupe 3.0 EX V-6 Accord. Saying that it has exceded my expectations is high praise considering that I conducted months of research and drove a couple hundred miles while comparison shopping. It handles like its on rails thanks to stabilizer bars which help the vehicle to stay level in tight turns. The powerful, silky smooth, free-reving engine is a delight to drive making it feel sportier and more fun to drive than most automatic transmission vehicles. The leather seats are comfortable. The car isolates road and wind noise better than my grandmas new $50K caddy, thanks to dampening materials & subframes.

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  LOVE IT - 2002 Honda Accord
  By A.J. - October 2 - 10:00 am

  Just got the 2002 Honda Accord, EX-V6 with the spoiler. Runs great, fun to drive, fog lights should be standard along with day time running lights and auto on-auto off head lights. My last car was a Chev. Monte Carlo SS, it had everything but cost much more. Good work Honda.

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  NICE but: Dont get the VCM model - 2009 Honda Odyssey
  By George - October 2 - 7:47 am

  Love the Odyssey BUT -- dont get the VCM model. There is a low growl/drone vibration you can feel and hear when it kicks into 3 cyl mode. Especially in cold weather. HONDA WONT disable it and claims that the noise is normal! VCM doesnt activate when the engine is cold during the first 5 min of driving so there must be a way to disable it programmatically. There also is a loss of power that is noticeable during VCM cruise on slight inclines. This causes the mph to drop well below your cruise setting. I prefer to eat the fuel savings (if any) than put up with this annoyance. It is extremely noticeable at 40 and 70 mph and when fully loaded. Must be at just the right rpms.

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  Transmission problems - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Jim - October 2 - 5:25 am

  My 03 Accord ExL coupe was purchased new and loved the car at first. I had major issues with the dealer fixing minor issues with the car. The vehicle was in the shop for 3 of the first 6 months Of purchase for paint issues, headliner, leaky window seals, transmission shifting problems, and dealer recalls. The quality of work from the dealer was poor at its best, with them causing more issues with poor workmanship. I have changed oil every 3000 miles, and just turned over 98000 miles. Replaced failed struts at 50000 miles. was told it was just normal wear. Transmission went out @ 610000 ( out of warranty ) no help from Honda. Had shifting issues (2nd to 3rd gear) from day 1 but was told everything was fine. Power window motor went out around 70000. Sunroof seal leaks, headliner had to be replaced and seal replaced. Window trim around around doors and pillar was replaced by dealer at least 3 times while under warranty because the finish keeps peeling off. I ended up fixing this issue myself. Tie rods have been replaced @ 80000, brakes every 35000, rotors and calipers were just replaced because they froze up on rear. Front leather seats have cracked and I alwats kept the conditioned. I have always liked driving this car but am not sure I would buy another Honda after my experience. My father had transmission issues with his 2012 CR-V and sold it after 6000 miles when Honda Sid it was Ok.

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  The ultimate everything vehicle - 2008 Honda Ridgeline
  By Engineer - October 1 - 8:13 pm

  I drive 200 miles round trip a day mostly highway on cruise. My mileage was low until I put about 15,000 on the truck but now regularly get 22MPG cruising at 70 with my high being 23.9. I have found that the power is quite good but the VSA system intrudes too much leaving most folks with the impression it doesnt have low end power. If you switch the button off the truck will launch hard indicating Honda should rethink the programming. My biggest beefs are lack of a telescoping wheel that allows one to rest your elbows on the door and console pad without feeling like youre reaching. Seat comfort is misleading way too hard. I will be the first in line for a new dturbo diesel.

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  Take care of it - 1992 Honda Accord
  By lilgeorge1110 - October 1 - 1:59 pm

  This was my fist car. Previous owner obviously didnt take care of it. Had to replace transmission, and I replaced ecu myself. Other than that, really dependable car. Since Ive fixed it, done regular maintenance on it, and has been good to me ever since. The abs machine went bad, yet it still breaks really good. Have over 160000 miles on it, and it still runs smooth. Pretty good gas mileage on it too. Dont know how much exactly, but it lasts. Would recommend someone getting this car.