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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  Fabulous Car!!! - 1990 Honda Accord
  By boiseblonde - April 9 - 1:21 pm

  Weve got 255,000+ miles on this car and Im confident it will be running for a good time longer! Weve had very minimal and cheap repairs because it has been well-maintained for many years. It runs really strong going up hills, picks up speed quickly, is quiet and comfortable! It handles superbly in icy/wet conditions. I have been impressed over and over with this car! I have such peace of mind knowing I wont be stranded, since I travel long distances frequently. Ill buy Honda again!

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  The Gold Standard - 1999 Honda Civic
  By RT - April 9 - 12:26 pm

  I adore my Civic. The ride is smooth and enjoyable shifting is a piece of cake (I have a manual) while not powerful, it will give you a kick to pass someone if need be. Not a lot of frills, but utterly reliable. Were at 156k miles, and I imagine my toddler inheriting it when hes driving age! Take care of your Honda--follow maintenance schedule, change the oil, fill it with Chevron, Shell, etc.--youre in for a treat. And did I mention that I consistently get 37-38 mpg in mixed city driving? Incredible. Who needs a Prius?

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  The perfect minivan - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By JIMBO - April 9 - 10:00 am

  Honda has done it !!! They have created the near perfect minivan. I love the duel electric sliding side doors, and the disapearing rear seat, leaving a flat floor. The 240hp motor just purrs at highway speeds, and has great pickup from a standing start, along with operating on regular unleaded fuel.

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  The perfect minivan - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By jimbo - April 9 - 10:00 am

  Honda has done it !!! They have created the near perfect minivan. I love the duel electric sliding side doors, and the disapearing rear seat, leaving a flat floor. The 240hp motor just purrs at highway speeds, and has great pickup from a standing start, along with operating on regular unleaded fuel.

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  Honda Odyssey 8-10-2002 - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By charlie - April 9 - 10:00 am

  We just purchased the odyssey the end of July and loaded it up with five people and an escargot on the roof full of stuff. We drove down to Wild Wood NJ. From CT. The Odyssey ran great, handled like a car.

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  Beyond Luxury Class...Best SUV Yet. - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By TB - April 9 - 10:00 am

  It seems like Honda didnt spare anything. We traded in a Lexus for this Pilot and I was worried about loosing some luxury comforts...This Pilot is much more than my Lexus. Better audio (much better sub-woofer), DVD, third row seating, more cargo, great interior design, plenty of storage, etc...for much less.

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  sagging headliner - 2005 Honda Accord
  By rick - April 9 - 5:50 am

  the headliner is held up with four little pices of velcro wich do not do the job, it sags down about a half inch wich is very annoying for taller drivers. also fuel ecconmy is only 20 mpg. I was a big honda fan till i bought this accord, my civic was a better choice,

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  Misrepresented gas milage - 2005 Honda Accord
  By Pearl - April 9 - 4:33 am

  I bought my Accord Hybrid in Jan.05. At that time, the mileage was grossly misrepresented. It has since been adjusted downwards, but I wish I got the mileage they are claiming now. It is a very pleasant car to drive. It should be advertised as a performance car that gets mediocre mileage. The quality of the leather interior is awful. Also, my car did not come with a spare tire. There is a space for one. Cost me $200 to have one installed. Although I will probably keep this car for now, I will not buy another Honda.

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  Good car for the mileage - 1991 Honda Accord
  By EstateWagon - April 8 - 11:36 pm

  The door interior handle trim tends to break on these cars, speed sensors, paint flaking off of hubcaps (LX, DX models), squeaky front suspension, cassette/radio problems, harsh/noisy shifting automatics. Luckily, rust has not been a problem on my car, as it is a problem spot around the rear wheel wells on the Accords. My car had developed a few rattles and "popping" noises in the dash area and door panels, but again, for a 11 year old car and 169K, not too bad.

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  A Great Van - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By Pat - April 8 - 11:20 pm

  Bought this van in January 05. So far (5,000 miles) have not have one problem with the vehicle. Performance is impressive and mileage is decent (better than my 1988 Volvo). Ive driven Sienna - there is definately hesitation when you step on the gas - plus I consider the front end to be ugly. Pick-up and handling are terrific. Only minus is the NAVs ability to recognize certain voice commands. I highly recommend this van to anyone in the market. v