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 van but discovered few odd things - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By Andrew - August 6 - 7:56 pm

  So far so good, no problems yet but then its still new. The VCM cuts in and out without ever you noticing it. Lots of power and gas mileage has been decent so far, averaging 24mpg in the city. I like the climate control system but the AC has this musky smell when using it in fresh air mode. Also, my daughter discovered a few odd things. 1. While sitting in the back row she noticed that the bottom of the cup holders and the storage box on the passenger side were warm. 2. With the middle row windows opened 1/2 way it sounded like a helicopter was right over you, actually hurts the ears driving at 35mph+. 3. The bottom 1/3 of the huge tailights dont light up when you turn them on.

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  Its perfect - 1994 Honda Accord
  By jegolden - August 6 - 6:27 pm

  94 accord lx 5 speed. You will never need another car again! 32mpg on the regular and I deliver pizzas. 5 speed is a must! I put a cold air intake on and high performance wires and plugs. THAT IS ALL U NEED. Keep good oil in it and be off!

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  Nice vehicle but too much road noise - 2009 Honda CR-V
  By Richard - August 6 - 5:13 pm

  Bought this vehicle on June 30,09. Handles very nicely and the leather seats are quite comfortable. Cant give you city mpg because we live in the country but drove from Illinois to Ohio and got 29.8 mpg doing 65-75mph. Im 61" and there is plenty of headroom. At highway speed over certain types of pavement the road noise into the CRV is VERY loud, especially grooved pavement that is on most overpasses. Also, the smallest of cracks in the pavement are felt when driving over them.

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  Great, Reliable Hybrid - 2003 Honda Civic
  By Radar - August 6 - 3:12 pm

  I bought my Civic Hybrid new, and after six years have put in almost 89,000 miles. The mileage is great: I average 42-44 mpg with a mix of city and highway driving, and on long freeway trips I often get my mileage up to 51 mpg or better. I have only had two issues with the car so far: 1. The chrome covering on the door handles started peeling off and have cut my fingers on it a couple times. 2. In the last 6 months the car has started shuddering when I take off from a stop- -a common problem in Honda sedans from this year I hear? Still, the mileage is great and it has been otherwise very reliable. Im keeping this for one more year, and seriously considering a new one to replace it again.

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  Shake, Rattle and Roll - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By LGBoston - August 6 - 11:57 am

  This is my very first new car. The first two years were bliss because I overlooked little things that are now driving me crazy. And each month a new noise appears. The linkage is awful but my mechanic tightens it up regularly. Brakes failed me on a bridge in Virginia last August. Horrifying but let me tell you how grateful I am to have a standard transmission. All tires have been replaced. Monday the new starter goes in. The road noise which I cheerfully ignored because I was driving a HONDA is now torture. The original battery lasted 3 months. The passenger side door lock does not open automatically any more. Fuses have been replaced. Never again.

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  Performance at what price? - 2005 Honda S2000
  By Bobby T - August 6 - 10:00 am

  The heartpounding expiriance as the Jack in the box V-tec screams to the 8,000rpm red-line makes you remember why you bought it. That, and the fact that it handles like an exotic. All this at a price, you have to pull over to scratch your back. Allthough its a bit tight inside, its not the kind of car you use to drive cross country.

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  Best Car Ever - 2004 Honda Element
  By SMC - August 6 - 10:00 am

  The Element has proved to be the most dependable, versatile and enjoyable car I have had the pleasure to drive. It performs well on the highway wth the feel of a much heavier vehicle while remaining peppy and enjoyable to drive. In the city it is nible and quick.

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  super value - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By butch2u - August 6 - 10:00 am

  did a lot looking at about six dealerships. got my best price at sherwood honda in delray beach fl paid invoice. this suv handles very well.fit and finish is excellant. the only thing that could be better is gas mileage.

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  Better than last years - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By newo - August 6 - 10:00 am

  The 05 CRV LX has all the safety features the 04 EX had plus stability control; and is starts at $19,995. We bought our 05 LX at a dealer 50 miles away because they had it in stock. It is more stable at speed, and handles better than an 04 Tribute we traded in. The Tribute rarely got more than 17 mpg. The CRV at its first fill up with 140 miles on it got 20.5. The interior is roomier than the Tribute and the Saturn Vue we looked at. The build quality is excellent. All the body panels line up and the paint is perfect. It also does not squeak over road imperfections like the Tribute. With the new standard safety features and less than $20k price; this is a hell of a deal.

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  2005 Honda Odyssey Touring - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By sashaulmer - August 6 - 10:00 am

  Very easy to drive.