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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  Quality car at a reasonable price - 2001 Honda Accord
  By Bictexman - April 28 - 2:00 am

  My honda has 35000 miles. So far so good but then thats exactly what I expected from a Honda this is my 4th Honda and am quite satisfied. A quality car at a very affordable price without the frills. I am 6ft 3 in and fit quite comfortably in it. Runs smooth and I just love it, Thanx honda

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  CRV - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By MANNY - April 28 - 2:00 am

  EXCELLENT SUV. GOOD BUY FOR THE MONEY. SMOOTH RIDE, GREAT HANDLING. IF I HAD TO DO IT AGAIN, I WOULD. A+++++++++++++ IN MY BOOK!!!!

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  Love It Or Leave It - 2002 Honda Accord
  By Greg Smith - April 28 - 2:00 am

  I truly am infactuated with my new SE, only been a month but "WOW" what a winner! Honda Vs Toyota? Do yourself a favor, both great vehicles (Toyota) $$$$$ (Honda) $$$ and more effort in Hondas interior design & style. There may be alot of them on the road however, theres a reason !!!

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  Excellent Car, just not for long trip - 2004 Honda Civic
  By babytam - April 28 - 2:00 am

  Its really smooth. It got all the horsepower/torque I need. Really great fuel efficiency (so far, I have 42.3 MPG.) The engine is usually quiet. Especially during stops, when the engine is off. But the engine is really loud on the highway. I cant hear the music (CD/Radio) when I am on the Highway. I was surprised by the fan staying on after I turn off the vehicle. I assume the fan is used to cool off the engine. During long trip (4 hours +), one can feel that the seat cushioning is not very good.

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  Best value in class - 2004 Honda Accord
  By perkins101 - April 28 - 2:00 am

  I traded in a 1999 BMW 3 Series for this car. My wife could not drive stick and needed more room for newborn, soon to arrive. Do not listen to peoples gripes about performance. While this car is certainly no BMW, it performes great for the value minded family owner who needs room, value and all of the other practical things. I have been well pleased with my purchase so far. I know that I will have trouble free transportation for 5 years and the car will not depreciate that quickly. Additionally, it is relatively fun to drive.

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  Honda Accord Reveiw - 1996 Honda Accord
  By Mohammad Ali - April 27 - 7:16 pm

  My dad got this car in 1996 and this car has really proven itself. It is truly amazing and we have over 130,000 miles on it but it still runs like a dream. And it also keep its retail value! This car is truly amazing!

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  Mixed feelings about the Element.... - 2004 Honda Element
  By Element_Owner - April 27 - 5:19 pm

  The Element handles nicely through curvy mountain roads. The AWD performs well in Winter conditions, but the undercarriage is low-slung, allowing little clearance. Predictable braking. Minimalist interior is quite functional, nicely ergodynamic, and easy to care for. Seats are firm, yet comfortable. At 22-24mpg, fuel economy is average at best. My girlfriends Element shifts smoothly - mine does not- her Element brakes responsively -mine does not. Loud, squeaky rear suspension. DRL headlights remain "on" during engine starts, making cold weather starts a challenge - or even impossible. Reliability has been abysmal. Radiator self-destruction. Heater trouble. Charging system problem.

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  A love, hate relationship - 1998 Honda Accord
  By MidwestAccord - April 27 - 3:20 pm

  Has been extremely reliable up until recently, but it has 193,000+ miles on it so I cant be too harsh. Before the clutch slave cylinder went out about 5,000 miles ago, it had never broken down. Still a pretty fast car for its size and still surprises many people that have never been in one. I wish Honda had kept the sportier looking Japanese design for the exterior, but the front still looks great.I added a different intake, which I highly recommend doing for the great sound and surprising performance gain.

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  Almost a perfect car for me - 2009 Honda Fit
  By kittyworld - April 27 - 1:03 pm

  Great little car that has just about everything I need. Great mileage around town (low 30s) and on the highway (high 30s). Looks really cute and handles great too. My only gripe is the exceptionally harsh suspension - driving in New York Citys pock-marked pavements or cracked concrete surface will shake your brain cells out. I also wish VSA comes standard.

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  Odyssey MPG - Very Poor - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By Paul - April 27 - 3:53 am

  The 2007 Odyssey with the variable cylinder engine, sacrifices city mpg for hwy mpg. As we use our vehicle predominately for city driving the average mileage of 14 mpg is significantly worse than our 2003 Odyssey average of 19 mpg. If we had known, we wouldnt have bought the vehicle. Sorry in CT with 2 1/2 years to go.