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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  Love this quirky thang - 2004 Honda Element
  By 80honda - April 6 - 12:10 pm

  yes it may look odd, but the functionality blows away all others I considered.

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  CRV Review - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By cmac27 - April 6 - 8:30 am

  Test drove the RAV4, Forester and CR-V. For only $1K more the CR-V had moon roof, alloy wheels privacy glass and a hundred little gadgets like tire pressure monitoring, extra engine maint. gauges, trip estimates and a better sound system (w/ ipod input jack). The CR-V had better interior than both the RAV4 and Forester and was much much quieter. Was somewhat disappointed in fuel economy. Sticker says 22-27 but Ive been averaging about 19 mpg with half city/half hwy driving. Though I took it on a road trip last week and averaged 28.5 mpg w/ cruise on. Also, your not going to win any races with this car. The performance is adequate and responsive but not extraordinary.

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  Element of Elements - 2005 Honda Element
  By millernutz69 - April 6 - 7:26 am

  I bought my new Element Ex from Honda of Essex this past winter. Aside from the incredible service and treatment I received by the dealership and its staff I also recieved a great price, just under TMV. I could not be happier with my Element, it got me through all the rough weather this winter, and is tons of fun on dry roads. I would recommend both the Element and Honda Of Essex to anyone looking into a new AWD vehicle.

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  Our best Honda yet! - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By BullDurhamBlue - April 6 - 7:11 am

  Honda just keeps getting better. The wife has driven this hard for 9 months and 14,000 miles now. I suspect the car is not even broken in yet, still drives like brand new. Comfort and driveability is a strong point. Im a big 6-1 and after a three hour trip behind the wheel, I feel like Ive been sitting on my couch relaxing. A lot of thought went into the details, from the way you can configure the fold down seats to auto open for the moon roof. Every button seems to know exactly what you want to do. Gas milage is surprising for a car with this much room (seats five+stuff) 24 around town, almost 30 open road. Turning circle is crazy tight, feels like you can do a U-turn in your garage.

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  1999 Honda Accord EX- Do not buy - 1999 Honda Accord
  By Paul - April 5 - 4:11 pm

  I recently purchased a 1999 Honda Accord EX under the belief that Hondas were reliable. The car has 83K miles and the transmission slips and oil is leaking into the coolant. I will probably have to replace the engine and transmission. I have contacted Honda who are unwilling to help out. This is my third and last Honda. I mention this issue to others so they do not go through a similar experience.

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  I dont want to trade it. - 1998 Honda Accord
  By ACCORD - April 5 - 12:51 pm

  Very reliable, 115,678 miles and counting. Cold a/c, passenger power lock needs repair.

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  Heavenly Hybrid - 2003 Honda Civic
  By Kim - April 5 - 11:28 am

  I bought this car, primarily for the "Green Factor," but I have been amazed how reliable it has been. Even now, I still get about 50 MPG on the highway, and I will never commute in anything else. Here in Virginia, hybrids bought before 2006 are allowed on the HOV lanes, which is an extra bonus. I will be driving this car until it will no longer run, which seems likely to be many years from now. Aside from a rattle in the dash that comes and goes, this car is quiet, smooth, and makes me feel a little like a race car driver with its quick shift 5-speed manual transmission. I love this car!

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  Fun little car - 2006 Honda Civic
  By kc - April 5 - 3:20 am

  This car is a ball to drive. I have gotten a lot of compliments on it. The only minor things I dont like are the blind spot where the windshield comes together with the side windows (makes it hard to see because this area is very wide), and the rear seating in the center is not comfortable at all. The other rear seats are surprisingly comfortable for such a compact car. I would highly recommend this vehicle.

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  Great little car - 2007 Honda Civic
  By Jim Hannas - April 4 - 9:35 pm

  I owed this car for 10 years. It was purchased new and primarily driven by my mother and brother. The dealer honored issues that were well out of warranty like: re-painting the car twice and replacing the sun visors. It has been a great car. Weve driven it 86K miles

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  Bad AC - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By Josh - April 4 - 9:00 pm

  I just purchased a 2004 Honda crv lx.. Had owned 3 Toyotas previously. And a Honda Prelude at one time. Was always reliable. I thought the same would be true for the Honda crv. I was mistaken. Bought it with 46,500 miles. AC went out at 47,400. Never had this problem with my Toyotas or my 1988 Honda prelude. Very disappointed. Starting to Wonder why I am considering imports anymore. Reliability is not the same but they are still at a premium in cost.