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:

• 

  Excellent car! - 1998 Honda Civic
  By ilovemyhonda - July 6 - 10:45 am

  Ive had my Honda for 7 years, and it has been the most reliable car I could ask for. Ive gotten in 2 significant car accidents, and after getting the body repaired, it still runs great. Rattles a little bit now, but thats expected for how old it is. GREAT gas mileage. Have had to repair absolutely NOTHING, and it now has 150k miles. Very, very reliable. Would recommend to anyone.

• 

  Exellent Car - 2004 Honda S2000
  By EstebanM - July 6 - 10:00 am

  Really great car specially for its price

• 

  My Boxers Love it! - 2004 Honda Element
  By Boxers2 - July 6 - 10:00 am

  Purchased my galapogas green E in Jan, and dont have a bad word to say about it. My previous car was a Volvo X-C wagon, which was expensive to maintain and lacked adequate cargo capacity. I bought the E because I need a vehicle that can hold two large dog crates, all my obedience equipment, AWD or 4WD, decent gas mileage, and a reputation for reliability. None of the mid size SUVs can accommodate my dog crates, because of the wheel wells. The awd works wonderfully- driven in snow and muddy fields and frankly found it handled much better than my old Volvo.

• 

  Step in the right direction - 2004 Honda Element
  By BeachBabe - July 6 - 10:00 am

  Fun and practical! Should be ideal as a college grad car! New owner, so havent had enough time to be able to review the car thoroughly. What sold me was when a friend who owned on said his Element was every bit as good as his Mercedes SUV for half the price!

• 

  WISH I HAD GOTTEN SIDE AIR BAGS - 2004 Honda Element
  By malscorky - July 6 - 10:00 am

  Love my Element. Only wish I had gotten side air bags. The new crash tests have scared me. I may have to trade it in for something else. For future buyers of this vehicle get side air bags and do yourself a favor. The element has plenty of room, comfort in side, great in the snow. Great auto for the money.

• 

  New Odyssey Owners - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By Jer&Shar - July 6 - 10:00 am

  We traded in a Ford Explorer for this minivan. One of the est decisions we ever made! It rides smooth and quiet. It handles, such as cornering, great and much better than the Exlplorer. It is very comfortable and roomy for the legs on trips. Its storage space is great. We got the navigation system and it is very useful and fun. Thhis car vehicle is really a joy to own.

• 

  love my odyssey - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By saintsfan113 - July 6 - 10:00 am

  It drives GREAT!!! It is a good minivan for its price. Very comfortable and drives smoothly. Definitely a A+ vehicle.

• 

  Great Car - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By Mother of three - July 6 - 10:00 am

  Great vehicle and Im not a big fan of the "minivan". Very roomy for all passengers and cargo space is great.

• 

  2004 Odyssey EX - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By Jme - July 6 - 10:00 am

  I got a Lemon and no one at the dealership or Honda wants to deal with it. The fuel gauges were replaced, didnt help. A new fuel sensor, that doesnt help. And now the car is stalling all of the time! The fuel gauge is so inaccurate. I love my Civic Hybrid, but I am really hate this van and how I am being treated by Honda.

• 

  Honda SUV - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By ARomano895 - July 6 - 10:00 am

  This is a FUN to drive vehicle - engine performance is very exceptional.Ability to open the rear window made me decide to purchase the CRV over the RAV. (Great feature when buying a christmas tree - you can stick the excess right out the back window).Getting accustomed to having auto control and emergency brake on the dash took time and patience. Center console betweent front seats coud use IMPROVEMENT- Not much use for anything other than holding drinks . Cargo space is very adaquite . NO use for picknic table- this feature should be discontinued. OVERALL its the best vehicle I ever owned.