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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  Honda Odyssey-Touring Model - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By Odyssey Touring - December 28 - 10:03 am

  Two days after buying our first Odyssey we set out to drive from AZ to WA with a carload of hand-me-down furniture and a dog as well as our luggage. We had no problem with vehicle stability or power going over the Continental Divide. The ride was very comfortable.

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  lots of room,powerful,the best buy - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By sergio baters - December 28 - 10:00 am

  this is my 5th honda and i shopped around a lot,and the only mini van that came close was the toyota sienna.honda has traction control and abs standard.with 240hp the van has awesome acceleration,it handles good when passing other vehicles or turning.you can load a 52 in tv,and some other stuff.the dash is easy read,and nicely organized.lets not forget the front side air bags.if you put a child that weights less than 45lbs on the front passenger seat,the air bag will not work and will shot itself off.16 in wheels and tinted windows are standard.forget ford or chrysler test drive an odyssey and you will love it.

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  Pilot a great suv - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By prissypete - December 28 - 10:00 am

  great experience so far

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  Still an awesome car - 2003 Honda Accord
  By AnthonyV - December 28 - 10:00 am

  After a 1 1/2 years and 15000 miles this car is great. Just finished a 3 week vacation to Cali from Colo and had an overall 28MPG (drove the first leg straight through 22 hours to parents in Cali w/31MPG). This is for entire trip of over 3500 miles round trip. This was a trip with the wife, grandma and 2 kids and a trunk full of luggage. Dont know what everyone is talking about with rattles and problems, mine has none. We are quite happy with our purchase ($25000 new w/ 11 miles on it).

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  Beware at the car wash! - 2004 Honda Accord
  By Awesome2004Honda - December 28 - 10:00 am

  This was the most gorgeous, wonderful, incredible car I ever owned. I got many compliments on it too. It was 2 months old with 3,000 miles on it. A crackhead stole it from the carwash and wrecked it 2 days ago. I am completely heartbroken. I am getting another just like it ASAP. It was the best car ever!

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  Its a Great Car - 2004 Honda Accord
  By ropreco6748 - December 28 - 10:00 am

  By far the best Honda yet. The 5 speed is smooth and powerful. Great acceleration, and fuel economy.... Highly recommend it

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  love my pilot - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By ny - December 27 - 4:03 pm

  After much research into mid-sized suv, decided upon pilot over toyota highlander. We absolutely love the ride and quality of the vehicle. The mileage was not as good as we hoped but much better than the 12 mpg we were getting from our Expedition. We get 16 around town and 18-19 on the hwy. The kids love the rear entertainment center. We bought our accessories online and saved a bundle. If you get running boards go with the tubular steal ones vs. the plastic. The plastic ones are not well supported in the rear where the rear passengers get out. We have not tried it on the beach yet and honestly we are worried about getting stuck. Any advise? Great SUV!

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  Great Car - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By sportacus - December 27 - 11:47 am

  I am no car enthusiast by any stretch. I am one of those people who drive a car forever just to get one place to the next. This car is great! It feels very steady. The ride is quite and nimble. The roominess is excellent.

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  Solid and Reliable - 2002 Honda Civic
  By Ted - December 26 - 10:14 pm

  Solid performance but conservative styling sums the car up. I have had virtually no problems with it in almost 5 years of ownership. Mileage has been from 35 to 40 mpg in freeway commuting. Scheduled maintenance has been a big improvement - (much less frequently needed than my previous car). The ride is a bit stiff compared to my wifes Honda CRV.

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  EX L -RES - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By Len - December 26 - 8:03 pm

  I have my Odyssey for about three weeks and put on about 1,500 miles on it. So far performance has been excellent. Everything works as designed. Very smooth and handles like a much smaller car. I thoroughly researched all of the available minivans for about a year, and the Odyssey is the best choice when resale value is taken into account. Combined mileage of 22.5 miles per gallon.