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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  automatic sliding door not working - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By c_chang - May 22 - 2:00 am

  I have a 2000 EX model. The BIG problem I had was that my rear automatic sliding door didnt work for three different times. They replaced the mechanism on both side, and I still had a problem. Computer on board decide to shut it itself. I am afraid how much I need to pay to fix this again after warranty expires.

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  Very Good but Get the best. - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By Penn State - May 22 - 2:00 am

  After a long debate between getting the LX or the EX. I opted for the LX mainly because of price. So far everything about this Van is great. Exeptional Honda quality as I expected. However when I see one of the kids slamming the manual side doors I find myself wishing I would have spend the extra money for the EX model with the smooth closing power doors. Either way LX or EX compared to the competition you cant beat the Honda Odyssey mini van.

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  Good Quality Vehicle - 2002 Honda Accord
  By bfargin - May 22 - 2:00 am

  The leather is nice and supple, decent leg room but not perfect for tall guys like me 65". Decent stereo. Very nice steering wheel controls for the stereo and cruise control. Nice sized trunk for a small car. A couple fo things I would change, door opening width. Only opens to about 45 degrees so makes it difficult to get into and out of at times. Front seat needs to travel aft more. I wasnt too happy with Hondas decision not to contribute to any of the relief effort in NYC or DC. GM, Ford, DaimlerChrysler and a couple of others contributed but I read that Honda didnt raise a finger to help even after psoting some of their best sales months to date in the USA during 2001.

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  10 years of trouble-free driving - 1992 Honda Civic
  By Ken was IL now MI - May 20 - 2:00 am

  Best car Ive ever owned. Only replaced the typical (tires, battery, brakes,tuneup,timing belt,etc) Needed new CV boots at 140,000. Replaced driveshafts (about $330.00). Used Mobil 1 since 500 miles. Maintains 42 MPG city/highway. Rust is starting to become a concern. Wonder how much longer it will still look acceptable.

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  I still like it a lot. - 2006 Honda CR-V
  By tom - May 18 - 9:00 am

  The CRV is fun to drive and has more than enough get up and go with its four cylinder engine. What was important to me was the ability to enter the vehicle without bending like a pretzel.

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  Best car Ive owned yet..... - 1997 Honda Prelude
  By EvilDIngDong - May 18 - 2:00 am

  The Pros: 1. It feels like a sports car and love to be driven hard. Its pretty easy to start collecting tickets if youre not carefull. 2. There is nothing like the sound of VTEC kicking in as you wind through the gears! 3. This a totally dependable car. The Cons: 1. Insurance premiums... Most insurance companies surcharge this car 100%. 2. Interior space. The folding rear seat helps, but I miss my hatchbacks every time I have to pack my bike in the car. 3. Low trade in value. Ive watched the value of my car drop by about $4,500 in a little over a year.

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  Girls just wanna have fun - 2004 Honda S2000
  By Debic2000 - May 18 - 2:00 am

  Ive only had the car since May and in the summer its the best - but I live in the Northeast and aside from the fact that its rear wheel drive, it really just doesnt like the cold - its noisy and an even harder ride than normal/

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  Fun yet not comfortable - 2004 Honda S2000
  By bobby98 - May 18 - 2:00 am

  I love this car, its sporty, fun, small, convient to park, yet its not a comfortable ride and its not road trip friendly....other then that its a great car.

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  Great car for the $$ - 2000 Honda Accord
  By DoxieMom - May 18 - 2:00 am

  Had no problems whatsoever

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  BUY IT! - 2004 Honda Civic
  By C and R - May 18 - 2:00 am

  Without a doubt...this is one of the best vehicles we have owned. I only wish more models were available to choose from. The mileage is great, but the surprising aspect is that id drives like any other vehicle in the city and on the Interstate. After owning a hybrid, we will not own a non-hybrid vehicle again.