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:

• 

  Most Fun Ive Ever Had Driving - 2005 Honda S2000
  By Bob - November 9 - 7:30 pm

  Been driving for 52 years and never had so much fun in my life! I LOVE this car. Dont see many of them on the road and thats kinda fun to have sort of an exclusive. The handling is unbelievable, except on wet or even cold (Wisconsin) roads unless you back off on the aggessiveness. Had to buy a winter car. :-( A few interior amenities would be nice: outside air temp lighted visor mirror cup holder, maybe? Boot looks great on, but a real hassle to install never use it. Thats something that could really use improvement. Top operation is a breeze (no pun intended) and great fun to drive around with it down. I get lots of great comments. This car is super therapy for ones psyche.

• 

  Best Car Ever!! - 1995 Honda Accord
  By SuzyQ - November 9 - 11:45 am

  I bought my Accord new in 95 got the DX to save money. I am getting ready to sell it because I want automatic with power stuff. I have 270,000 miles on it and it still runs great and gets 32mpg, and still rides like new!!! It still has the orig clutch, trans, engine, everything. We maintained it as recommended by the dealer. There was a recall about 3 or 4 years ago on some seal in the engine which caused us to need a new timing belt when they replaced the seal, but Honda paid. I wish I had bought the automatic in 95--then I would just keep it!!

• 

  Mini Hope is her name - 2012 Honda Odyssey
  By Dave Klein - November 9 - 5:26 am

• 

  Dream Bean - 1991 Honda Civic
  By Alcestis - November 9 - 12:57 am

  My first car was the STD model of this car, which I drove to 117k miles, sold and then bought the Si version at 108k miles from a good friend of mine. With the exception of two minor (only a few inches across) rust spots by the wheel well, this fourteen year old car still has the orig engine, clutch and tranny. I do NOT baby this car, I actually autocross it now, as well as driving it everyday. Its certainly more reliable than my 99 Volvo (with only 56k miles). Only slight wear to the side of the front seat (where I rub against getting in) otherwise interior is pristine. I havent even changed all the light bulbs! I will NEVER sell this car.

• 

  Salesmans Dream - 2005 Honda Element
  By beerman19841 - November 8 - 11:51 pm

  As a sales rep for a map company, I use my Element to haul my product to service my route. I love the amount of cargo space and headroom (Im 65") and it is just plain fun to drive. I have plenty of power and the gas mileage (22- 25 mpg) is a major plus.

• 

  Happy with Honda - 2005 Honda Accord
  By RLB - November 8 - 9:46 pm

  Great to drive, plenty of power when needed & great fuel economy.

• 

  Run Forever - 1997 Honda Accord
  By jenthor - November 8 - 7:45 pm

  Bought this car used with 62,000 miles on it and currently has 107,500 and have changed the timing belt and should be good to go for another 100,000 miles. Never had a probelem with this car.

• 

  Good car - Transmission Trouble - 1998 Honda Accord
  By Mike - November 8 - 7:16 pm

  I have owned this car for 7 years. It is the second Accord I have owned, I also have a 1994. Overall this is a very good car. It was the first model year that the Honda increased the size of the vehicle. The car has been trouble free except for the transmission. At 75000 miles it started to slip between first and second gear. The dealer wanted over $4000 to fix it. My wife called Honda customer service and firmly complained. They extended the warranty on the later years. After just one call Honda covered the transmission cost. My cost $200. I was pleasantly surprised after 7 yrs they fixed it for $200.

• 

  Very Reliable Vehicle! - 1991 Honda Accord
  By AdamHonda91 - November 8 - 4:19 pm

  I bought this car with 111k miles it now has 245k + and still running strong with no repairs except for a timing belt and plugs at 220k miles. This car gets a steady 32mpg and is great to drive!

• 

  True MPV Not SUV - 2005 Honda Element
  By 4fun - November 8 - 1:37 pm

  Very unique vehicle. Youll get the stare. Its an MPV not an SUV. Small but great for big people. Gets tossy not tippy on high speed. Not a racer but a pacer. Front passenger seat is too low and cannot be adjusted like the driver seat. Fun to drive with great sound system. Good low center gravity well grounded. Fits my lifestyle and certainly not for everyone. I prefer the EX-P Tangerine model with matching body color panel.