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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  Fun to drive - 2004 Honda S2000
  By PAC - September 9 - 2:00 am

  This is the most fun car I have ever driven. Handling is great, you can feel the road, and it is just a beautiful design.

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  Good but uncomfortable - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By avinash - September 9 - 2:00 am

  I have 2002 CRV for the last 18 months. It is good, reliable but the ride is very bumpy and harsh (a nice way to put it is "sports" ride with road feel). The tires (Bridgestone dueller) are worn out at 30K. Engine had idling problems - dealer replaced a CVT valve - made a small difference. Seats have very low padding. Thinking of trading for a Highlander.

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  My Awesome CRV - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By meltoibailey1993 - September 9 - 2:00 am

  Ive owned Hondas since 1988 and currently own a 1999 Odyssey EX and my AWESOME 2002 CRV! Ive owned many other makes & have taken them all into high mileage. My Hondas have OUTPERFORMED them all! I intend on teaching my kids how to drive a manual in my CRV (the oldest is 4). I will never own another make---HONDAS RULE!!!

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  good for familys - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By soccermommy - September 9 - 2:00 am

  I love my Pilot, but the things I would changeare: the gas tank only holds enough gas (17 gal I think) @ 15 mile per gallon, to get me throught 6 days. also I hate the noise/vibration when the kids roll down the windows in the middle row of seats. It does take a couple of times to start in the winter.

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  Picked Odyssey over Sienna and Quest - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By dbuuck - September 9 - 2:00 am

  This is our first van--came from a small SUV. Wish we would have made to switch earlier. We had difficulty deciding between the Odyssey and the Sienna (Quest has been rushed into production). Really liked the added features and amenities the Sienna offers over the Odyssey--side curtain air bags, operable windows on sliding doors and split third row seat. However, our area has an excellent Honda service department and two lousy Toyata dealerships, plus the arrogance of the demand for the Sienna was too much. Went with the Odyssey because of interior space, performance, overall style and $1,800 savings and we couldnt be happier.

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  The Best - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By Tres - September 9 - 2:00 am

  I bought my Pilot 1 year ago and I still love it.. It is fun to drive , comfortableand reliable..I would absolutely recommend it to everyone.

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  Solid with Pickup - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By MathersonDD - September 9 - 2:00 am

  Great vehicle for people that have past the minivan phase in life who have teenage children. Back row seats are a bit tight for people six feet tall. Has great accelaration for size and weight. Front seats are a bit too stiff to get comfortable and front head rests dont even adjust. Rear climate control isnt exactly independent. Side step ups are too close to the ground to actually be usefull. Most of this stuff is nit picking. Excellent car overall.

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  ordinary family car - 2000 Honda Accord
  By fang - September 9 - 2:00 am

  The only thing it stands out is its reliability. You will find the engine has valvetrain noise around 1400rpm (rattle noise). Also the heater and AC is not strong enough comparing with Camery and US models, which will hurt engine gas mileage since you need turn it higher. So far my Accord EX has no problem except: (1) headlight (low beam) was off around 44000 miles. (2) vehicle paint loss (seems the paint layer is thiner compare with my Buick LeSabre)

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  Good Car, but why did I buy it? - 2000 Honda Accord
  By Matt3 - September 9 - 2:00 am

  I got the DX model, 135 horses but no A/C, no CD player, no creature comforts of any kind. It only has about 20,000 miles on it so I lucked out in getting a reliable car, but I cant stand knowing that come summer, Ill be sweltering in my new black car. Performance is decent, body style and interior room is great. I like the standard transmission, very driver- friendly car.

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  2000 Accord EX Coupe - 2000 Honda Accord
  By Dalailama - September 9 - 2:00 am

  Very, very solid car