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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  Little Suv that could - 2008 Honda Element
  By Terenia - April 28 - 6:10 pm

  Just bought my kiwi green Element( named Froggy).Had a CRV prior, as a lease.I wanted a manual transmission and the CRV no longer comes in manual so leased an Element instead.For the most part I really love this " toaster on wheels"..My sister, who lives in Cleveland has one and really likes it.I love its versatility and its fun to drive. If i had to change a few things it would be to have the sunroof up front and have more storage space... thats it.All in all I really love the car and would definitely lease or purchase one!

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  Does Everything I Want! - 2004 Honda Element
  By Kat.K. - April 28 - 5:21 pm

  Dont care that its a "box on wheels". This vehicle has been entirely functional and reliable since the day I bought it new. Hondas maintenance schedule is spartan. Get your oil changed and keep on truckin. I use it for my odd jobs around the village (painter, interior decorating, etc, with ladder!). The interior is virtually indestructable. I cant count how many times Ive had the back seats either layed flat, flipped up against the side walls, or completely taken out. Many a bag of mulch, dirt, or flats of flowers have made their way home in this fashion. Very well made, very decent gas mileage. Turns and parks on a dime. You oughta see the cool cabana tent accessory also.

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  08 LX-P - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Chima - April 28 - 12:30 pm

  Very happy with my 08 Accord, performance is quite adequate it has nice looks and is a great long- distance cruiser.

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  Love this car! - 2008 Honda Accord
  By flyguy313 - April 28 - 9:50 am

  Traded in a a 2007 6 Cyl. SUV, wanted something with better gas mileage and something that had good resale value. Used edmunds and the dealership came in $800 under invoice. Not sure what invoice even means anymore. At first they said they couldnt go any lower than $75 over invoice but as I was about to walk away from the deal they lowered it.

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  My honda is a lemon - 1998 Honda Accord
  By localkid - April 28 - 2:00 am

  What ever happen to Hondas reputation for reliable engines. My diffuculties include engine shut off constantly as I approach a red light. I took my current Honda to a dealer to figure out what was wrong and they explained to me that it was due to a sensor canister (whatever Im not a mechanic) so I got it fixed and a couple of months later the same problem appeared - engine shut off. Second, are minor issues such as the winshield wiper blades nut or screw whatever the thing is every so often becomes lose and Ive had to tighten it a couple of times.

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  Best sports car under $60K - 2004 Honda S2000
  By Steve W - April 28 - 2:00 am

  Wonderful package that performs much better than reviews in real life. This is a fun, intuitive, personal car that does all the things one expects from a performance roadster while being well mannered. On commute of 100 miles this car is FUN!!! The transmission is smooth as silk with short throws. You can easily heel and toe. There is adequate torque even at low rpm. When you need the power it is there in spades. The brakes are incredible.

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  04 S2K - 2004 Honda S2000
  By aguido - April 28 - 2:00 am

  For 2004 Honda Couldnt have done a better job with the S2000 without redesigning the whole car. There isnt to many cars being sold that offer this kind of performance with good gas mileage. According to Car and Driver the 2004 Honda S2000 does a 0-60 in 5.4 sec. and a 1/4 mile in 14.1, with an average of 22 mpg (fueleconomy.gov) mixed driving.

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  Who says theyre for Gen X-ers only!? - 2004 Honda Element
  By PhilipNTx - April 28 - 2:00 am

  I needed a car with better mileage that could still haul stuff if needed. Enter Element. Its engine is quite spry and handles the job more than adequately. It runs so quietly. At 80mph its almost silent. The inside is sparse, but thats fine by me. No center console, I assume because the subwoofer would be blasting onto it if there was one. This makes for no place to store small items, especially CDs. Otherwise the interior is quite functional. One problem with the side doors: If you park in a lot with a car on either side and you have to access the back seats, its quite difficult to open the front and back doors while standing between the two.

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  its ok - 2004 Honda Element
  By wood - April 28 - 2:00 am

  The only small suv I could fit in. I am 65. Good Honda quality, fairly cheap utility vehicle. Can carry lots of tools. Fairly harsh bumpy ride on back roads. Disappointing gas mileage for a 4 cyl. My old audi A6 got about the same 22mpg. I know 5 people that bought one and they are all over 50, so much for the youth appeal. Overall good transportation for New England winter roads. Probably not a family car.

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  First Honda - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By Joe/jhkwrogers - April 28 - 2:00 am

  I never thought Id be caught dead in a mini-van but I love this Odyssey! It has space, comfort, power and gets good mileage. Its ideal for retirement travel, including picking up the grandkids from the airport. Drove it VA to Texas and back, 3200 miles, first week, 28 mpg. Traded a BMW 352 for this car but Im satisfied with its handling and performance, given its size and weight. So far, 11000 trouble free miles.