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:

• 

  Great Roadster without sticker shock! - 2002 Honda S2000
  By blankcave - November 12 - 2:00 am

  I love this car. It has exceeded my expectations! Looked at Porsche, BMW, and it was close with Mercedes, but maintenace is cheap and got a 2002 with 500 miles used from a private party below sticker.

• 

  Pimp Ride - 1997 Honda Civic
  By Special K - November 12 - 2:00 am

  This car is so cool! There are so many modifications you can do to the Civic! The car is very comfortable. Its very fun to drive too, it has some get up and go! If you have not driven one get down to the dealer! What are you Waiting For. . . GO!

• 

  great ride - 1997 Honda Accord
  By sancarlos - November 12 - 2:00 am

  couldnt ask for more

• 

  nice - 1999 Honda Civic
  By civic-minded - November 12 - 2:00 am

  Havent had any mechanical problems. The only things Ive replaced so far besides the wiper blades are the front brakes and the tires. Those were both done after 40,000. It takes off pretty good and sounds great. Of course great gas mileage which is a plus when gas prices rise. Overall, Id buy it again.

• 

  Value + relaibility + performance= civic - 1999 Honda Civic
  By MJ - November 12 - 2:00 am

  Great car for the money.

• 

  A sport sedan in mini-van clothing. - 2001 Honda Odyssey
  By Kvn - November 12 - 2:00 am

  After test driving the Windstar, Caravan, Sienna, and Quest, the Honda was the clear winner. Although we had to pay OVER list and wait for it, it was well worth it. I swore Id never drive a mini-van, but I dont mind driving this van one bit. It is as easy to manuever and park as a mid-size sedan, and has better acceleration and is much smoother than sport-utes. I wanted a sport-ute, but after weighing mileage, space, functionality, and comfort it was really a no brainer. It is still as solid, quiet and reliable as the day it drove off the lot.

• 

  You get what you pay for - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By W - November 12 - 2:00 am

  I just want to say that driving this van is like driving a sedan. The handling is superb as well as the ride. The engine is extremely quiet and the cabin is silent as well. I have no peeves about this van except for the 12v adapter in the front. It is near the floor board and a stretch to try and reach for it. But other than that, this van is like no other and well worth the wait and the price. You wil get what you pay for.

• 

  The Best - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By Julio Pretelt - November 12 - 2:00 am

  This is the best mini-van in the American market right now, as 03/23/02. I have no complaint. The third sit is a killer point for sales. I have a two car garage and I dont have space to store a third sit, whith the Honda Odyssey you dont have to take the sit out, you fold it down and disapears.

• 

  Great Minivan - only minor gripes - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By DallasKen - November 12 - 2:00 am

  This van drives easily, has plenty of power, a cavernous interior, push together 2nd row captains chairs, fold-flat 3rd seat, and feels well put together. It doesnt have all the bells and whistles of a Chrysler Town and Country Limited, but most of those most people would never really care to use (do you REALLY need a power liftgate?), and the price and resale value is MUCH better. The addition of side airbags, 4 wheel disc brakes, and more horsepower add to the value of this vehicle.

• 

  Do some of you test drive first??? - 2001 Honda Civic
  By matt5214 - November 12 - 2:00 am

  I was just curious to know if the people who wrote about how much noise the civic makes ever test drove the car before buying???? It only makes sense that you would, and then to not notice that it supposedly has horrible noise issues???? I suspect some posts may be from the same people.