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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  This car impresses - 2001 Honda S2000
  By zman1 - March 9 - 2:00 am

  This car is for the driving enthusiast, one who appreciates sports car engineering, with an engine that can red line at 9000 rpms you will have nothing but fun out running everything on the road except some of the elite.

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  Honda Orphaned my Odyssey - 1999 Honda Odyssey
  By ottok - March 9 - 2:00 am

  My 99 Honda 99 has been performing good. However, lateley (62K miles) it has been developing a hard shift into 2nd gear. The dealer diagnosed the problem and quoted me $5000 for an new transmission. Honda have extended the warranty to a select few VIN number. I who bought mine from Canada was excluded. Honda has pretty much orphaned its own product due to a technicality.

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  Not bad - 1999 Honda Passport
  By turbo911 - March 8 - 2:00 am

  The biggest problem for Isuzu/Honda on this vehicle is the brakes and the ABS pump. I suggest you get an extended warrantee if you can. Another problem is the rear hatch and its constant rattling. The truck has enough space when the seats are stoed to move a kid to college and back. I will consider purchasing the Isuzu Rodeo in the future. Overall this is a good SUV.

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  great car/poor mileage - 2003 Honda Civic
  By fueler - March 8 - 2:00 am

  This a great car! Very comfortable, very responsive. My only complaint is the mileage. 36MPG with CVT with 4,500 miles on the odometer.Dealer says it will improve after 5,000miles. I could have bought a Civic LX for $5,000 less and got the same mileage!

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  ONE FAST HONDA - 2004 Honda Accord
  By SUANN - March 8 - 2:00 am

  I WAS NOT TO MUCH FOR THE EXTERIOR STYLING...BUT THE INSIDE IS GREAT AND THE PERFORMANCE IS OUT OF THIS WORLD FOR A HONDA ACCORD!!!

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  I cant believe it still works !!! - 1991 Honda Civic
  By zeus~go-cart - March 7 - 2:00 am

  WOW, this car is amazing me everday. I have a 91 SE (DX model US) and its has 392,000 km, NOW THATS AMAZING, me and my mechanics plan to bring is over the 1/2 million mark in a couple of years. All i can say is give it regular oil changes and change the shocks and it will never die on you. I owned a 2002 civic si (till i totaled it) and this car (forced to buy cuz of insurance) drives funner and is a kick everyday when i turn on the ignition and it actually works. Best car ever !!!

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  honda utility, back and forth to work - 1997 Honda Accord
  By HondaValueSedan - March 6 - 10:26 pm

  I bought this vehicle for reliable transportation to and from work. The car has been very dependable. However, the car is low and light...as a result, I do not feel that safe. Now that I have children, I plan to upgrade and buy something more safe. However, my Honda has been great and I am looking for to a high residual value.

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  a modest review - 2005 Honda Accord
  By K T - March 6 - 4:43 pm

  A good dependable car. Spacious and performs better than any car that I had driven beforehand. Definitely worth the extra money to jump to a midsize as opposed to a high end Corolla or Civic. fuel efficiency is better than expected. Trunk pass through is disappointing, granted it does serve its purpose, Honda should have considered putting in a 60/40 split fold down rear seat instead.

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  reason i get up - 2002 Honda S2000
  By mdilly - March 6 - 2:00 am

  Ive always wanted one since my 00 prelude went bye-bye. 6 seconds from coupe to convertable. 6 seconds from 0 to 60. 2nd gear is a blast 3rd gear will do 100mph. I am 62 and 225 pounds long legged but can drive 200 miles in this car without killing me. Not comfortable but can withstand it because of the fun factor of diving. Everyone wants to race you. 20+ mpg in the city. read warranty manual closely. only carries 400 pounds including passengers.

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  Great Van, Some Problems - 2000 Honda Odyssey
  By avj97 - March 6 - 2:00 am

  We have had the 2000 EX for almost 4 years. Its been a great van but has had some trouble spots. First those electric doors, we had to reset them at least twice and replace the motor on one side which is NOT cheap, fortunately they covered it under warrenty even though we had just passed 35,000. Second is the brakes. My husband says its the drums, they creak and make a lot of noise. Replacing the pads did not help. Sound system could be MUCH better and the front seats could be more comfortable. Other than that we have loved the van. It has enormous amounts of space and the seat flexibility is great.