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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  My second Honda - 2007 Honda Fit
  By swisteve - March 29 - 6:03 am

  I have put over 10000 miles on this car. My prime reasons for purchasing this car was safety reasons and mileage in an economic package. I get an average of 38 miles / gallon. My best results was a staggering 49 m/g traveling @ 65 m/h with the worst at 32. I am pleased with the functionality. My teenage boys like to drive it, but do not want to sit in the back. The younger kids dont mind. The car has a lot of room, a good sound package. The engine can be a little noisy at higher rpm. The advantage of the VTEC engine can be felt if driving alone.

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  Best Car Ever! - 2001 Honda Civic
  By 2001 Honda Civic A++ - March 29 - 2:45 am

  I bought my car used about five years ago with 42,000 mi. I now have 172,000 miles and it is still going strong. I have delivered pizzas in it for almost five years, and have driven it to 40 states, some more than once. I did have some major transmission problems at about 140,000 miles and had to pay $1750 to fix (I hear this is a common problem with this model year). Besides this though, I have NEVER had to fix ANYTHING apart from normal maintenance (tires, brakes, battery, spark plugs). And I mean NOTHING. It has never left me stranded- even when the tranny went out it made it to the mechanic. This car also gets GREAT gas mileage- between 35-40 mpg. You cant do much better than this car!

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  Not Bad But Awful Shift Points - 2008 Honda Element
  By Peter - March 28 - 9:32 pm

  Bought it for work use. Love the rubber interior features and space. Unfortunately was delivered with defective right rear hub, but was replaced quickly. More horsepower needed. Extremely disappointed with shift points of auto trans.. Cant seem to get 4th and 5th gear to shift in order to lower RPMs and maybe improve mediocre gas mileage - currently have 5300 miles on it and cant get better than 20 highway. Windshield size and angle makes it very difficult to see traffic lights. If I had realized transmission problem I might have considered the manual trans.

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  Best All Around Car - 1995 Honda Accord
  By Jeff Reidler - March 28 - 12:36 pm

  This is the best car I have owned. It now has 100,000 miles with Honda service and it still runs and rides like new. Pretty fast with the 5-speed 150 HP 4-cylinder, and it averages 30 MPG around town and 35 MPG on the road.

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  Great Car - 2005 Honda Accord
  By Bobby Scott - March 28 - 11:46 am

  Great car to drive...brakes are still good as new despite having over 45,000 miles on the car. I love to drive this car. The power is awesome!

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  Pilot Saved Our Lives Too - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By Bilbo999 - March 27 - 9:43 pm

  I was broad-sided by another SUV going about 35 mph. Passenger side was crushed and my Pilot rolled over. Witnesses thought we were dead, but my kids and I walked away with minor bruises. I cant say enough about the safety of this SUV and I will definitely buy another!!! Inside is roomy and reasonably comfortable

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  Its a Honda!! - 2008 Honda Pilot
  By Its a Honda - March 27 - 6:50 pm

  This is one sweet ride. Have owned two other Hondas in past 10 years. Both sedans, needed more room to haul more people and stuff. The Pilot is just the ticket. The ride is smooth and very quiet. Leather heated seats are a nice plus. Room for 8 if needed. Smart styling and Honda reliability. I looked at other American made SUVs and could not do it. Honda reliability has a powerful way of keeping customers coming back. Hondas do seem to sell themselves. Well done Honda!!!

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  Great SUV/ Cross Over - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By Lynns SUV - March 27 - 4:03 pm

  We purchased our CR-V in October 2007. I love this vehicle. Easy to drive, handles the road well, ergonomics are great. The CR-V gets 25-26 MPG in the city. AWD was very good up in Michigan. They had 14" of snow in late January went thru it like it was nothing . My husband I are very pleased with the CR-V. We have 8800 miles on it and love it . Very easy to park also !

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  Not what it should be - 2003 Honda Element
  By Ken - March 27 - 2:08 pm

  I got the car and thought it was the best for about a year, but since then i have had 3 windshields replaced, and 2 more chipped, because the windshield is to stright. My drives seat has had to be replaced, Honda said I wore it out, not so it is made out of bad material and they wont fess up to that. Now I have had to tune up the computer so the engine light would go out. The millage lights in the dash had to be replaced. Bottom line to many things are going wrong to give this car a good review, i wish i had some of the cars these other people are talking about.

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  Three months so far - 2008 Honda Element
  By TheGreatOneFan - March 27 - 2:03 pm

  Have my Element for three months. If you are looking for luxury, dont buy this car. Very functional. MPG as advertised. If I were to purchase again, I would.