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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  rvs honda - 2006 Honda Civic
  By rosario valdez - December 14 - 11:40 am

  The car is very comfortable in the front. Although a person taller than 5 feet does not feel comfortable sitting in the back especially on the sides. I dont drive quick around corners but the turns feel smooth and tight and without hesitation. Sometimes I find myself driving over the limit on the freeway because I cant feel Im going that fast. When I first purchased the car, I noticed several people looking and some even asked what kind of car I was driving.

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  Happy Honda Customer - 2006 Honda Accord
  By MADGSF - December 14 - 10:53 am

  Just over 5000 miles and so far my Accord has been great without any rattles or issues. My average city mileage is 26 mpg, only been on one road trip and got 35 mpg. I expect both of those to climb a little with more miles. First oil change at 5000 with 30% left on maintenance minder. I will follow maintenance minder from now on and should get about 7000 between changes. Came from a Passat V6 manual 5spd and I am impressed with the 4 cylinder power. The Honda I-4 feels about like my VW did. Only minor complaint is the brakes. The initial bite is abrupt and they donÂ’t have the stopping power of the Passat. The brake feel was much better on the VW too.

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  Love It! - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By C - December 14 - 4:30 am

  This is my third CRV and I cant imagine driving anything else. I dont notice any problem with the tires like others have said. Excellent cargo capacity. Lots of little places to store things like maps, change, plenty of cup holders

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  Peppy, fun to drive - 2010 Honda Insight
  By Bob - December 14 - 3:23 am

  Bought this car an hour after test driving Honda Civic. Found Insight almost as peppy but with a slightly softer ride. Car is so bright inside, you feel like you have a sunroof. No complaints about acceleration: you just have kick down hard on the gas pedal as the manual recommends. Driving position and road feedback are exceptional. My two main complaints are that the sound system in LX model is a lot tinnier than in my 2008 Hyundai Sonata and the headlights arent bright enough.

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  PERFECT PILOT - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By lighty - December 14 - 2:00 am

  GREAT VEHICLE. FUN TO DRIVE, BEAUTIFUL CONTOURS. HONDA SHOULD BE PROUD OF THIS GREAT SUV. THE PILOT IS ALMOST PERFECT.

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  New Odessy Owner - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By SeanAlex - December 14 - 2:00 am

  We just bought our Honda van and we love it, very smooth, extremely powerful engine. Runs well and handles very well also. Kids love the entertainment system and its easy for them to use.

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  What a great car - 2000 Honda Accord
  By hawkeye6 - December 14 - 2:00 am

  This is our third Honda and we will probably never buy another make of vehicle. The 2000 Accord is a great car. As with all of our hondas we simply follow the manufacturers maintenance schedule and have never had to do any major repairs. Its a great car to drive, very comfortable. It handles great in bad weather(provided you have good tires). I would definately recommend this car to anyone.

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  Its Good to Be Back Home in a Honda! - 2004 Honda Civic
  By ntnbtfn99 - December 14 - 2:00 am

  I recently just pruchased a new 2004 Honda Civic DX model, and I am pleased as punch to be back again driving a Honda. Its a fun car to drive, good pick up and very roomy. Ill never go american made again!

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  Great Car - 2004 Honda Civic
  By First Honda - December 14 - 2:00 am

  I have had this car 6 weeks and I am very pleased with it. The ride and handling are great and the performance is more than adequate for both city and highway driving. Overall the car has a very substantial feel to it. Honda did a good with the styling for 2004 and with the upgrades to the LX it seems the best buy unless you absolutely have to have all the bells and whistles. I would recommend this car very highly

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  Versatile and functional - 2005 Honda Element
  By mthorn - December 13 - 10:14 pm

  The Element is the most adaptible vehicle I have ever owned. It allows me to use it for any task. It also allows me to have access to the rear seat comparment with having to move. This was critical to me because I use a wheelchair. For this reason alone the EX was the vehicle for me. Since my prior vehicle was a MB I have certain standards for quality and finish and I found the element offered these at a reasonable price.