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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  An affordable Accord - Value Package - 2007 Honda Accord
  By Ted Detjen - December 19 - 4:30 am

  We began looking at the Honda Civic but discovered that for a few hundred dollars more we could purchase an Accord. The Value Package includes front and side airbags, cruise control, anti-lock brakes, power windows, remote entry and locking, air conditioning with filtration, and a CD/Radio combination. The four cylinder engine and five speed transmission is smooth and peppy.

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  CRV - Smaller SUV but Excellent - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By Mary - December 19 - 2:03 am

  The Honda CRV is an excellent, smaller SUV. We are a family of four and it suits our needs perfectly. Comfortable seats (my husband is 6 3" and the seat adjusts higher or lower), great turning radius, good gas mileage and lots storage in the rear. More importantly very low maintenance! Just keep getting the oil changed and itll run forever.

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  Car is awesome - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By Zeiad tadros - December 19 - 1:55 am

  I just bought this car from a private party the car is awesome I never buy American cars they are garbage. You could not give me an American car for free I wont take it. I love this small SUV great on gas

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  A Fabulous "F"-Rating All Around! - 2005 Honda Element
  By SLPerry - December 18 - 11:54 pm

  This past summer I decided to buy myself what I referred to as "the last vehicle Ill ever buy." So I bought the 05 EX AWD 4dr (4cyl-4A) Element, moved everything into storage, loaded up the luggage, two cats, and just "took off" driving around the country for several months. In less than 4 months I have driven almost 19,000 miles at all speeds (yes, over 100mph up a steep grade, without incident or issue!), and in most all road (and some off-road), traffic, and weather conditions it excels in handling, power (thats one gutsy 4- cyl, V-tech engine!), comfort and fuel- efficiency, let alone functionality and just plain fun! It also makes a great pet and people transport vehicle. I love it!

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  Very Practical Car - 2003 Honda Element
  By Angela - December 18 - 9:12 pm

  I love my Element as it is the most versatile, practical vehicle I have ever owned. I can move the seats around and haul most anything. It is easy to clean since it has no carpeting. The all wheel drive has been most useful this year since we have had more snow and ice than usual. It gets great mileage for an SUV (about 22 mpg around town and 25 on the interstate) and I feel very safe in it. I will buy another Element, but next time I will get the side air bags.

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  Pilot of our own - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By Pilot Owner - December 18 - 6:42 pm

  Our sixth Honda - waited for the Pilot before plunging into SUV ownership. Heated seats means my wife drives the Pilot all the time. Radio and cruise controls on steering wheel make for safer driving. Interior design results in great versatility. Weve used the third row seat maybe six times in nearly two years, and it was useful. Lots of room for two kids, two labs, and lots of gear. Wish list - curtain air bags, six disk cd.

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  Very Satisfied - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By Cynthia Dittoe - December 18 - 6:40 pm

  My Pilot just turned 50K miles and Ive had no problems at all. Ive driven in the snow and ice, and it performed very well. Its been reliable and a pleasure to drive as well as economical compared to the larger SUVs on the market. I would highly recommend a Pilot.

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  jabtokar - 2004 Honda Element
  By jabtokar - December 18 - 6:32 pm

  Only maintenance service required, no problems, comfortable, love the raised back seats so my grandchildren can see out the front window, love the way the seats store when I have to pick up large things or loads, love the way the car handles both around town and on the highway. I have had people stop me in parking lots and ask to see the inside and I think I have help the dealer sell a bunch. There are more on the road around here every day. Just saw a new one in the driveway of one of my neighbors. We just check the totally around town stop and go mileage and it was about 23 mpg. Functional, comfortable, sensible, easy to keep clean, my husband, who called it ugly drives it a lot.

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  Honda Accord - 2007 Honda Accord
  By sloher - December 18 - 3:00 pm

  I just bought this car and have had it for almost a week. I loved it from the first time I test drove it. This car has everything from interior comfort to a sleek exterior design. I LOVE driving this car.

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  An expensive lesson - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By Bobby - December 18 - 8:20 am

  We left our 2005 CR-V SE at our winter home in Arizona with the intention of buying a new Honda Accord when we arrived in N.C. We purchased the Accord EXL. Immediately we knew that we made a huge error. After 3600 miles, we traded for a New CR-V EXL. We are hooked. I actually attained 36 MPG on a freeway trip driving at 59 MPH with the cruise control set. Unfortunately, the trade was expensive because I was at the dealers mercy. Am I sorry? Heck no. It only hurt for a little while and WE LOVE our two CR-Vs.