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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  Luxury sedan with room for 7 - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By steve - July 3 - 11:13 am

  We initially went to look for mid-sized SUVs, with all of the bells and whistles. Then by chance we stopped into a Honda dealer, just to look. Wow, is this minivan loaded! And comfortable too! Yeah its not as stylish as some of the SUVs. But theres more room and you end up with about $10,000 to spend on something else.

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  Good little car - 2008 Honda Fit
  By Brother George - July 3 - 10:20 am

  The Fit is a good little car. The storage area and flexibility are unmatched. I bought a new mower and was concerned about it fitting in such a small car. I got the mower in easily and figured I could have carried 2 more (3 total). Amazing. The car steers easily and the gas mileage is decent but could be better. Plenty of pep, both in town and on the highway. No problems. So far mileage has been between 32 and 40, with 35-36 average. Most of my driving is in town or suburban areas. The 40 MPG was on a trip to Dallas. I dont like the silver color, electric windows, electric locks--but there was no choice. The exterior design is cheap (a couple of stripes would help). Not many in stock.

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  02 Civic, best for this gas price - 2002 Honda Civic
  By HondaGuy - July 3 - 9:13 am

  I bought this car almost 2yrs back, and driving 2000 miles a month on an average. And it meets my first criteria, be fuel economic. I was getting 33-34 mpg couple of months back, and now after the raise in gas prices I try to drive it efficiently and which gives me a 40-42 mpg. I have an ideal drive to work, in an almost empty highway. I havent put much money on it, but never missed any regular maintenance appointments.

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  Finally got it - 2008 Honda Odyssey
  By SPDFan - July 3 - 1:47 am

  Just picked up the van Touring W/O PAX today after months of research. Odyssey was the top choice hands down. We also got a great deal ($6000 off MSRP plus 2.9% APR special). Very pleased with the van. It drives smooth like a car and it drives much smaller than it is. The power and agility are remarkable for a vehicle this size (I owned an Infiniti G35 coupe and M35 the Odyssey drives like a nice sedan). The interior is so comfortable. The build quality and material are top notch. The flexibility of the seats is fantastic. It has tons of cargo room or it can seat 8 people in style and comfort. There are so many features on the touring model. Almost too many to learn.

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  The Most Amazing Gas Mileage... Ever - 1995 Honda Civic
  By bomoellobo - July 3 - 12:35 am

  My 95 Honda Civic (standard, not automatic) has been a real treat for me after starting out driving Lincoln Town Cars. When I was getting into the 30s for gas mileage, I was quite pleased. When I got 40 MPG, I was tickled pink. And when I got 45 MPG on the highway, I thought that couldnt be beat. Good God, was I wrong. On a 136-mile trip from Portland, ME, to Bangor, ME, I averaged about 62 MPG. 62. I used 2.183 gallons to fill my tank after clocking 136 miles from the last full tank. I could not believe it. There was no error in my math or in the numbers I used. This car is an amazing machine, and I will run this thing until the day it cant run anymore.

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  Ahead of its time - 1998 Honda Odyssey
  By john - July 2 - 10:36 pm

  We have owner this small van for 1-1/2 years. Purchased from original owners who only put 72,000 miles on it in the 8 years they owned it. It handles really well and is surprisingly good in the Maine snow. The car feels solid and is relatively heavy for its size. Nevertheless, the 4 cylinder VTEC engine provides nice power when needed. And when we drive conservatively, we have been able to squeeze 30 mpg. If Honda had offered a 5 speed manual for this vehicle, it would be our dream car. And, I know we could bump the gas mileage up a couple MPG. HINT TO HONDA: Bring back this wonderful ahead of its time car!! HINT TO TOYOTA: Bring back the remarkable Corolla All-trac wagon!!

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  Great SUV - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By Brian D. - July 2 - 8:09 pm

  The vehicle has been all that I expected and more. I am not one of the morons who buy a car thinking that I will never have a problem. The few issues that I had were either diagnosed as normal or fixed under the warranty. The CR-V is a pleasure to own and drive. It handles well and is good on gas. I am 6-3" and fit in the car well. The interior is well designed (except the silly gear shift lever) and comfortable. The sound system is great. The sun roof is a great feature, never a leak. The fold down tray between the front seats is very handy. There is great small item storage. Mechanically, it is a solid car. Take care of it and it will run and run and ...

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  2008 Odyssey Touring - 2008 Honda Odyssey
  By Ted - July 2 - 6:30 pm

  I traded in my old 2001 Odyssey EX w/NAV for a 2008 Odyssey Touring w/o PAX. Its been about month since I purchased it and everybody loves it. The $3,000. discount off of MSRP from the dealer was a big incentive. In terms of quality, comfort, fun to drive, handling, and entertainment features, its been great for my wife and our kids. For such a complex vehicle with all of its gadgets, there has not been one defect so far; not even a rattle or squeak. The only negative I have seen so far is the mileage is not all that good. My average mpg is around 14. My old 2001 Odyssey had better average mpg at 18.

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  Great v6 - 2005 Honda Accord
  By RAZ - July 2 - 3:25 pm

  I retired my 1993 Accord with over 400,000 miles on it, (head gasket blown), and went with this v6. I travel 70% highway 70 mph ( I am not gunning it ever) and getting 27 mpg. A recent hwy trip 34 mpg at 70 mph. It gets better gas mileage than my 4cly 93! Go figure? Great power when needed. No problems yet, 66,000 miles on the car. Leather is very comfortable, radio 6-cd great!

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  Two bad wheel bearings at 25,000 miles!! - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By Not worth 30K - July 2 - 12:35 pm

  The first year of driving the van, I loved it. Not so much the second year. I have had several problems and yet the Honda dealership always claims they dont hear the noise or that there is nothing they can do i.e the squeak it makes when turning left. Hmm why hasnt Honda recalled this since the dealership claims that Honda is aware of this noise and they have received many complaints? AND now both of my wheel bearings have gone bad at 25,000 miles?! The leather is not the greatest. The passenger seat has a tear and only after two years! The controls are not well placed. Not to mention my DVD player is starting to act up. Whats next I ask? I cant wait to get rid of this over priced van!