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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  Seat Belts - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By BH - April 11 - 3:46 pm

  Three of the seat belts have a nick on the edge of the belt. I can tear the belt material with my hands at the nick. I understand these belts are design for tension force but should any belt develop a nick I sure the tensile force would be reduced. Honda quoted $385 to replace belt.

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  Overcharging noise? Any other experience? - 2014 Honda Accord Hybrid
  By hondadj - April 11 - 8:00 am

  There are quite a few reviews on here, I have to say I agree with them all. While the car isnt perfect in terms of transitions, you get use to it. My mileage is the same as most.. If its cold I get in the high 30s and if I turn off the climate system I get 45-55 depending on hills. My real concern is more in the form of a question for other owners. When going down a long hill, once the battery reaches max charge, my charging system or whatever is running in regenerative mode, seem to get louder and louder. At first I thought it was overheating the charging system, but as soon as you bring the battery down a bar the charging sounds normal again until you hit max charge again. Anyone?

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  Honda CRV Handling - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By william Johnston - April 11 - 2:00 am

  The vehicle was very functional. The interior extremely well designed, materials excellent. The one major draw back is the handling. The least amount of moisture on the road the tires do not grip and spin from a stop. Also the care has a pronounced pull to the right when accelerating from a stop.

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  It works - 2003 Honda Accord
  By dannyjoe - April 11 - 2:00 am

  Peppy, tight, rough-riding, fairly quiet, roomy, and accecptable is what comes to mind. The disc player skips sometimes, and the car pulls to the right - I am told by the dealer that they all do that - a safety feature for those who fall asleep.

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  3 week review!!! - 2008 Honda Accord
  By 1st Impression - April 10 - 9:43 pm

  Ive had the car for three weeks now and in mixed driving Im averaging 25 mpg. Overall I like the car and dont regret buying it. Its reasonable comfortable and very roomy. The engine is a little harsh sounding. I feel a lot of vibration on the steering wheel when Im on the highway. The stereo is typical Honda which isnt saying much. The dash is nice but the plastics seem on the cheap side. No outside temp gauge, my fathers toyota corolla has that. One thing I really like about this car is the bodystyle. I really think Honda hit a homerun with it, very classy but sporty at the same time.

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  Happy but mpg terrible - 2008 Honda Odyssey
  By Wisconsin Owner - April 10 - 3:50 pm

  So far weve put 2K miles on the van and are very happy with our purchase. The van interior is fantastic with very nice leather and dvd system. It drives more like a sports car/van rather than a floaty minivan. Overall we are very happy except for the fact that it has been getting between 12 and 14 mpg in the city and 17 on the highway. Both my wife and I drive very conservatively and even more so with the gas mileage. Mpg has improved some but were no way close to the 25 hwy. If it does not improve we will be taking it in for service. Also, transmission does not allow van to coast and slows speed at 40 mph and under.

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  nice van if no problem - 1999 Honda Odyssey
  By D.J. Woods - April 10 - 2:00 am

  I felt it was a nice car until I got several problem on it. I had honda to repair the power sliding door twice in 1999 and 2001 and had the engine repaired in 2001 for clogy(fortunately still within warrenty period). Hopefully I do not get any other major problem soon (my warrenty has gone). Driving this van is still a lot of fun. It is powerful and big.

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  Nice and well equipped - 2001 Honda Accord
  By qamarmu - April 9 - 8:43 am

  My wife bought certified used Honda Accord with leather package. Nice and comfortable ride and great for computing. 4 Cyl gives great mileage, and decent hp, but not fun with 5 people in the car. I liked the over all performance of the car. Not to mention great quality engineering and very well laid interior.

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  Consumer - 1998 Honda Prelude
  By Irwinplus@aol.com - April 9 - 2:00 am

  It should have more bells and whistles for the price. This is an overpriced vehicle called "HONDA". I am glad I did not pay for this full price for I would have killed myself. Honda has gone way too far. I love my 88 more than this vechicle. Honda has to produce something close to its price. They are taking advantage of their reputation in making quality cars.

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  Fun Fun Fun - 2000 Honda S2000
  By pak-man - April 9 - 2:00 am

  Love to drive it, especially on highways.