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:

• 

  Like it so far (10k miles) - 2008 Honda Odyssey
  By geppetto2008 - September 2 - 10:55 pm

  Smooth driving experience with good pick-up when I need it. I had a v-8 Ford Explorer beforehand, and the Honda has as much acceleration at the Explorer. The brakes are fantastic, highly responsive, excellent stopping distance. We settled for the EX model because for the features in the EX-L, we couldnt justify the price. I dont understand the other comments re: road noise--our van is by far one of the quietest vehicles Ive ever driven. Gas mileage isnt too bad--we consistently get 24 highway--but city suffers a bit at 17 mpg on average. We added our own DVD player and screen for a fraction of what it would have cost at the dealership---a little hassle, but saved us nearly $1500!

• 

  New Oddysey vs. new Audi S4 convertible - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By Fonda the Honda - September 2 - 9:53 pm

  I picked up my 05 Black ext./Ivory int. w/DVD and Navi. the same week I bought an Audi S4 Convertible costing twice the price. Apples to oranges 100%, but I like driving the new van as much as I do my new 350 h.p supercar. I came off lease of a 2003 Pilot to go into the Van, and had the 1999 Oddysey before that. This van is sweet. Black + Honda trailer hitch give it a great presence, and I wholeheartedly recommend it. The nine inch DVD is awesome, and the Navi system is easy after studying the how to manual. Dont waste your time shopping for another minivan.- this is the one.

• 

  A different Truck - 2008 Honda Ridgeline
  By Greg - September 2 - 8:34 pm

  I traded a Chevy 2500HD LT 4WD Duramax Crew Cab because of fuel prices ($4.50 a gal). I was surprised form the word go. Lots of room, plenty of power, a trunk, AWD (4WD?) and its a Honda. Gas mileage is average, 17 around town. Only one problem so far and it was taken care of at the first oil change ("swing" function on tailgate wouldnt work, "lift" function worked fine). Tows the boat with no problem getting in or out of the ramps (18 ft 3500lbs boat and trailer). The AWD works great, go to 4 LOW if you actually need to, with a button on the dash. Just go drive one...

• 

  Still Running & Looking Great - 1997 Honda Accord
  By Chris - September 2 - 7:34 pm

  I bought my Accord in January of 2004 at 90,000 miles. It still runs great thanks in part of regular repairs that it has needed and the simple fact that its a Honda. I am planing on buying a new Accord this spring so I will miss this car a lot when I trade it in.

• 

  The best car for this price - 2007 Honda Accord
  By Terry - September 2 - 3:52 pm

  I purchased this car exactly a year ago, so its a time to write a review. This is an excellent car for this price. There is no one feature from VP-to-LX differences I really miss. I believe it was a mistake for Honda to drop a budget style for the new Accord lineup. Hope they will have one for 2010. BTH, we have also 2007 V6 in the household - dont buy V6, the relatively small difference in acceleration doesnt worth paying extra money.

• 

  Love it! - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By Tammee - September 2 - 3:08 pm

  This is our 3rd CR-V. I LOVE the new flip up tailgate-that was the only feature I didnt like in our prior CR-Vs. The ride is smooth, it fits all of our stuff. Plenty of storage. I really like the new cover for the cargo area. I also love having a big car feel but small car gas mileage. I dont find any blind spots, I love the instrument panel, very user friendly. We love our Hondas, never had any problems with them. Cant imagine owning another small suv.

• 

  Japanese Land Rover - 2006 Honda Element
  By Steve Burgess - September 2 - 1:24 pm

  Having owned Honda Civics, Accords and a 99 CR-V (still going strong), I did not hesitate to buy another Honda. My experience with the dealership and all models has been excellent. Only two complaints with interior: no dead pedal for left foot and the seats do not breathe when wearing shorts -- sweaty legs. To quote an old R&R song: "She may not be pretty but she sure can cook." It can go anywhere and haul just about anything.

• 

  Great Van - 2001 Honda Odyssey
  By Ody Mom - September 2 - 10:00 am

  I have had a wonderful time owning the Honda Odyssey. Everything about it is great. LOTS of room for everyone and everything.

• 

  Great Value - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By bkrell - September 2 - 10:00 am

  Its a great value and those of you looking into the Explorer or comparable sized vehicles should check out the CR-V. It has a ton of space and is much better on gas than an Explorer. About the only reason I could think to opt for something bigger would be towing. You dont get a good towing capacity with the CR-V, although its load capacity is equal to or greater than some larger SUVs.

• 

  Solid car - 2002 Honda Accord
  By Paolo - September 2 - 10:00 am

  Excellent car. Brakes and engine are well balanced compared to most competing vehicles. The car feels solid but not heavy and moves nibly and smoothly. A better value than the Camry and without the arrogance of Toyota dealerships.