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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  EXCELLENT FUN - 2004 Honda S2000
  By SHARK - October 7 - 10:00 am

  JUST AN AMAZING CAR TO DRIVE--THE PICK UP OUT OF 2ND OR 3RD GEAR IS AWESOME. POWER ON HIGH END. COMFORT IS GREAT, CONSIDERING I AM A LARGER GUY...GREAT HANDLING TOO...

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  WOOHOOO! - 2004 Honda Element
  By mattmanr1969 - October 7 - 10:00 am

  Im so happy with my Element! I have 2 dogs, and like to go camping. As well, I own apartment rentals and need to haul lots of things from home depot. Fold down seats make car camping a breeze. No carpeting makes cleanup easy. I wish there were a drainhole so i could literally "hose it out".

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  My first car!! - 2004 Honda Civic
  By tanyakimstone - October 7 - 10:00 am

  This model Honda Civic is perfect for me... and would be for your children, too! I am seventeen and a high school senior, and the 04 civic lx fits perfectly into my athletic and busy life. !!!! i LOVE it!

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  Its all good! - 2004 Honda Accord
  By Silver Beauty - October 7 - 10:00 am

  Forget about the Camry. Forget about the "Psssssssst." This stylish Accord has sleek lines, curves, and a redefined rear-end. Top it off with the NAVI and XM and youre all set. The NAVI encompasses state-of-the-art technology in an easy-to-use format. The TL is nice, but do you really want to shell out the extra bucks? With almost 30MPG on a 240-HP V6, this car is fuel efficient, yet loaded with power.

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  Honda Accord LX review - 2004 Honda Accord
  By Edmunds - October 7 - 10:00 am

  Very well desinged car, that is quite economical. Unfortunately, the body is very poorly put together and the car has multiple noises that the dealership is currently working on. Fit and finish are also decidedly below expectations. It is as if the car has never gone through any quality control at the factory and I had a list of about 5 different items that had to be taken care off after the purchase of the vehicle...

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  Best Accord so far- - 2004 Honda Accord
  By NJDiver - October 7 - 10:00 am

  This is my 5th Honda Accord since 89 -Great mileage (27 city with only 500 miles on the car), safety features including side curtian bags standard this year with leather. Lots of room in the back seats, great ride and all the things that makes it a relaxing, safe car to spend the day in. I looked and drove the Acura TSX, Volvo S40 and S60, Maxima, Passat and this is by far the better value and has more room and features at a lower price and the Accord doesnt require premium gas like the other cars I test drove. All my Hondas have been very reliable and my 94 EX Accord with 143,000 miles is now my sons and trouble free with just normal oil, brakes etc.

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  Excellent Car! - 2007 Honda Accord
  By Happy Honda Owner - October 6 - 9:26 pm

  I have owned my 4-cylinder EX-L w/Nav since July 07, and I have been very happy with it. I hope this new car will be as trouble-free and reliable as my two previous Hondas. The fit and finish of this car is excellent - no cheap-feeling or cheesy-looking materials. The leather feels durable and supple. The instrument panel is easy to see and all of the controls are within easy reach and are easy to operate. The car has plenty of get-up- and go - no problem getting up to freeway speed or accelerating to pass cars. The ride on both the street and the freeway are very smooth and solid. Great fuel economy: 33 mpg highway.

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  Too much road noise, NO CD PLAYER - 2017 Honda CR V
  By Robert Dillon - October 6 - 11:00 am

  I never would have bought this vehicle if I knew it didnt have a CD player, which I use to listen to audio books. I retired after 32 years as a state police lieutenant. This car has WAY TOO MUCH ROAD NOISE. When you start going to larger wheels and tires, especially at highway speeds, you absolutely have to have superior insulation and probably add "touring" tires, with less roll resistance. I traded in a 2012 Chev Impala with 34K, since I had a state police 2006 take-home Impala, and both these cars were quiet. This car sounds like it has snow tires on it.

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  Did I make a mistake buying this van? - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By Partha - October 5 - 2:40 pm

  My 2007 Honda Odyssey with 8,000 miles started taking my sleep away. Within a month of buying this van, transmission of sound from DVD system to wireless earphones failed, for which internal wiring had to be replaced and rewired. Within a week from this incident, DVD system started malfunctioning and it was replaced. Soon after this the CD/radio was replaced to cure a fault. Next was a passenger seat in the middle row which was jamming; it was replaced too. Front wipers were waiting to break next. My van is with the dealer now to fix them. I wonder if anything in the van will remain as a factory installed equipment at the end of three-year / 36,000 miles warranty.

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  Good review of the Honda Civic Hybrid - 2005 Honda Civic
  By Paul Ebel - October 5 - 10:26 am

  The car works just fine. I find one "funky" feature and that is the electric power steering. If the engine turns off at all stoplights then the power steering cannot be the normal hydraulic type. I think the electric steering assist is jumpy and not nearly as satisfying as the hydraulic kind. This is my only objection to the car. Otherwise it is a great car,