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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  Great but not without flaws - 2009 Honda Element
  By jack31 - August 15 - 12:07 pm

  Overall great car have had no problems getting the kids in and out of the back (one in car seat), maneuvers nicely and has plenty of power though is no race car. Gas mileage is around 23.5mpg city. Functionality of the vehicle is nice. The interior room is fantastic even for tall people like me (63"). Here are the bad points for me as a passenger I am quite comfortable however driving is another story. I cant seem to get into a truly comfortable position drivers seat adjusted too low hurts hips, too high cant see traffic lights, telescoping steering wheel would help also. Im thin and seat could use more cushion. Wife loves car and its hers so its ok. Road noise can be LOUD.

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  great car - 1992 Honda Accord
  By Kerrie Rochon - August 15 - 10:00 am

  love the car,wish the new styles were as good

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  I love this car - 1998 Honda Civic
  By tubachubbs - August 15 - 10:00 am

  I got this car right before the school year started and I love it. The interior is very well designed and I prefer the dash location for the power sunroof, though there are those that despise it. My auto does suffer from horribly slow upshifts, however, though it is still very fun to drive. The best thing about this car is the pelithora of aftermarket parts that can be utilized to make the car your own and increase performance. The only thing I would change about my car would be to throw out the auto a put a five-speed manuel in it. I have driven manuel versions and they are the best.

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  awesome little car - 1998 Honda Civic
  By Archey - August 15 - 10:00 am

  I bought my 98 civic in 2000 and have never had a problem with it. I commuted over 100 miles on most days to go from home to college to work and then back home. Never one problem. It got great gas milage, a big plus for me. It even did good in the snow, especially with studded snow tires. Even though my car has nearly 100K on it, its still going strong. My family buys only Hondas and have never had problems with any of them.

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  NH CR-V - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By SnakeBelly - August 15 - 10:00 am

  Decent vehicle, reasonably priced, good mpg, nice features, comfortable and roomy with plenty of config options. Opted for the LX over the EX as I dont need a window in my roof to rob head room (and / or leak). Ummmm, dont expect to be crashing thru snowbanks and driving unplowed roads at 60mph in this vehicle - never been stuck but the car has a tendency to fishtail on icy/snow conditions (face it kids, this doesnt happen that often so dont rule the CR-V out just because of my comment -- AWD is not an excuse for lack of intelligent driving).

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  ideal minivan - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By mjabbar - August 15 - 10:00 am

  This is very comfortable, convenient, easy to drive, roomy, and powerful minivan. Kids love this car because they can get in and buckle up themself and have plenty of space for their toys etc.

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  2002 Odyssey - Happy the 2nd time - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By HappyLs - August 15 - 10:00 am

  After months on shopping for a reasonable price, finally purchased a 2002 Odyssey EX (NEW). On the way home, the engine light came on, returned to the dealer the next day and was told the transmission needed to be replaced. After frustrating discussions with the Dealer, eventually got a refund and refused to purchase from them again. Purchased another Odyssey online from a Dealer over 100 miles away and took delivery within 24 hours of purchase. LOVE this 2nd Odyssey with the EXCEPTION of a LOUD shifting noise it makes when you first start up the engine. Havent read anyone else with this problem. Currently have a dealer looking into this.

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  01 accord coup - 2001 Honda Accord
  By altezza - August 15 - 10:00 am

  26k mile now with no problem.

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  Honda quality - 1999 Honda Accord
  By chuck - August 15 - 6:57 am

  My 1999 accord quality and reliability is so bad that I am convinced Honda is misleading the customers on their claim on reliability. Through this review, I would like to point out a flaw, either in the design or the manufacturing process, of the 1999 model year Honda Accord engine. The cylinder #3 valve melted out and blew a hole in it while driving on the highway. The mileage on the car was only about 105K. Honda dealers, and Honda H.Q. refused to honor any claims since the mileage is over 80K.

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  Beware of going over 100,000 miles - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Keith - August 15 - 4:58 am

  Had transmission issues-gasket in-between casings gone-hard to fix -costing 15-2000 dollars. Two oil leaks sprang up in engine-gaskets. I was later told Honda gaskets die after 100,000-so dam true! Other person I know had severe transmission issues in this model. Door is a issue-try and go out it goes to swing back on you. Body rot started on the panels-exhaust system rotted out-same right tail light went out 6 times in a few years. Nightmare. Please look at the later models first. This 2003 was a Bust!