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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  Test all aspects of rear visibility - 2010 Honda Accord Crosstour
  By cwest54 - July 28 - 9:33 am

  Picked this car over the Toyota Venza and Subaru Outback. It has distinctive exterior styling and nice attention to detail with interior. Good handling, quiet ride, very decent power. Total rear cargo bay area less than main competition but is versatile. Rear visibility is quite poor, however, it takes getting used to heavy reliance on side mirrors. Rearview is at its worst at night because of the tinted glass of hatchback door. Car is questionably safe backing up without optional backup sensors and rearview camera that is part of navigation unit. Prospective buyers beware that nav/rearview camera is factory install only and cannot be retrofitted to the vehicle because of dash configuration.

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  Compromise well done - 2008 Honda Pilot
  By JoshYi - July 28 - 9:02 am

  CR-Vs gas mileage and handling is much better. However, the year-end discounted price was almost the same as CR-V, and one big car in the house wouldnt hurt. Didnt like the look of 2009 Pilot. Its a set of best compromises that we settled on.

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  love it, should have bought one before - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By francisco - July 28 - 8:43 am

  love this suv. have not found a single thing to dislike. its got plenty of cargo space ( roomier than the mdx), which is great since we have a 2 yr old daughter and do a lot of traveling. you could not ask for better performance in a suv and the quality of materials and fit is superb. highly recommend it

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  Not all that - 2008 Honda Civic
  By Deb - July 28 - 2:40 am

  I bought this car because of the Civic reliability and mostly because of resale value. I put a lot of miles on my cars and I need a good resale when I go to trade or sell them. I had 2 Hyundai Elantras prior to this car and my Elantra was a lot better car if you ask me. It was much quieter and felt more luxurious, even though it was still sporty and the gas mileage I got was the same. I also had an Accord at one time and it seems Honda cars have a "harder" ride, lots of bumps, lots of noise. Am looking to see what else I can get in 2010 since Im not too impressed with this car. As someone else said, the struts are noisy, lots of creaks, cabin/wind noise, crappy stereo, etc.

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  Rattle Box - 2004 Honda Element
  By beano - July 28 - 2:00 am

  Car started to rattle a day after driving it off the lot. The rattle was on the passenger side in the dashboard area. Took it to the dealer and while trying to fix it they broke the windshield. Put another one in and it was defective also and the rattle went from the passenger side to the driver side. Now, with the third windshield installed it has a completely different intermittent rattle in the dash area. Will try taking it to a different dealer.

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  Element Rules - 2004 Honda Element
  By gearedupcowboy - July 28 - 2:00 am

  LOVE my new Element. Always owned Ford in the past, never again. Versitile, stylish, fun, young, and a head turner...the Element has its good points too.

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  Quite a Bargain! - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By Richard Murphy - July 28 - 2:00 am

  Honda has a way of "doing it well" with anything that they do! The Honda Odyssey provides exceptional performance (240 HP)with great gas mileage (18-25 mpg and a 5 speed auto transmission, in a 4400lb vehicle... and thats quite an engineering accomplishment. They also provide Exceptional QUALITY! Everything fits, no rattles and no squeeks.

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  Odyssey Approaches Perfection - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By Michael Smith - July 28 - 2:00 am

  This is my third minivan. To me, it is pretty close to the ultimate expression of the type. I have only had it for about eight months, but the quality and attention to detail is stunning. You would be well advised to consider the Odyssey if you need to carry people and things and words like "practical" and "value" mean more to you than "stylish" and "trendy."

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  rating - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By Adina - July 28 - 2:00 am

  The brake system makes a noise. Was told it is normal for these cars when I took it to the dealership. Dealership at Honda Curry - Buford hwy said this some of these vechicles have the noise, some dont. If the test car I had driven had this noise I would NOT have purchased this vehicle.

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  oddssey - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By goofy1407 - July 28 - 2:00 am

  We love this car. It is comfortable, and fun to drive. We have had no problems with it and love it.