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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  What SUV??? - 2006 Honda Civic
  By David - October 13 - 3:23 am

  What a surprise. Who knew that Honda would make a car with the tech features I demand, the mileage I need and price it at $21,100. I traded my luxury SUV with Nav, Power everything and 14MPG for this little "economy car" that gets 38MPG Hwy at 75MPH. I literally test drove the fresh off the truck Civic 1 block and told the salesman it was sold. Great car. It actually feels less like a Japanese econobox and more like a euro-inspired sedan with tight handling thanks to the 50-series standard tires. The Navigation is better than my Infinitis and it doesnt break the bank at the pump. Buy it and pay cash. Take the rest of the money and invest it!

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  best sports car aroud - 2003 Honda S2000
  By min - October 13 - 2:00 am

  The s2000 is the best sports car under 40 grand. This honda smokes the z3, audi tt, z4, miata, porsche boxster (over $50,000 and a $33,000 car smokes it)all in all honda out worked themselves with this 240hp, 0-60 in aprox. 5.2 seconds almost reaching the 911 porsche.

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  Hard to believe this cost me 20 Gs - 2003 Honda Element
  By Dirk Felowski - October 13 - 2:00 am

  The honda element really surprised me, I go up to the mountain feeling safe because of its awesome handling. The power is right on the mark, the should increase it by a little. Over all, This is like a dream car. For 20 grand, you wont beleive how much of an off-road and everywhere car the element is. I give Honda my best regards.

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  King of the family cars - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By kenseido - October 13 - 2:00 am

  Im not a van lover. With kids now and the lack of gas mileage in the large SUVs, I cant deny this thing is a true winner. The only reason I didnt give it a perfect 10 is lack of memory seats and leather steering wheel. Dealers wont negotiate much on these still, but they are worth the money. Got the EX with DVD system for $1000 under MSRP and a couple of extras thrown in. THe rear liner is good to have. No regrets, would buy again.

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  Minivan of Choice - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By Mr_Mondoman - October 13 - 2:00 am

  I have only owned this van for a little more than a month, and so far, it has been perfect in every way. My only complaint is that it goes through a 20 gallon tank of gas pretty quick. Not as good MPG as boosted, but heck, I am still breaking it in also. Seating for seven is very comforatable, easy to drive and great to look at.

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  Enjoy - 2003 Honda Civic
  By SK - October 13 - 2:00 am

  Bought new for $8900, year end-sale. Commuter-car. No problems at 15K. I dont understand the complaints about the paint, Hondas seem to have the best paint appearance in the business. Head room at 6 is tight, rear view in the coupe is tough. The exterior design of the coupe makes this car one of the best looking vehicles on the road. Does seem to have slightly soft suspension(not for slaloms). 39 MPG (mainly highway. Surprisingly large trunk space, and rear seats are reasonably comfortable for 2 people.

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  First Honda....Not the Last! - 2008 Honda Civic
  By dspears - October 13 - 12:36 am

  Just traded a 2006 Jetta Diesel for this beauty. What a great car. I am especially glad now that diesel is over 4.00 here. I saw an earlier post that trashed the transmission....mine is flawless. Smooth shifting...I was really surprised by the low rpms at 62 mph, around 2000. I am 6, and this car is super comfortable. Gas mileage is a little less than the jetta, but it will more that even out with the price difference. Combined first tank mpg was 36. I have a 07 yukon xl, and an 06 2500 chev duramax, this is by far my favorite to drive. Huge trunk, nice stereo, I really love this car.

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  Brake problems anyone...? - 2001 Honda Accord
  By bigfoot - October 12 - 3:59 pm

  Bought this car new in 2001 and have 117K miles on it. Overall have been very happy with performance and reliability. Only scheduled maintenance (110K is a killer - $900) and replacement of window motor, but expected that based on previous Honda experience. However, this vehicle has recurring problems with rotor warping/brake vibration and I was wonering of other owners have had similar experiences. Have had it back to Honda several times for in warranty and out of warranty fixes, but problem persists. Would like to know if this is a recurring theme as I am considering the purchase of an 05 Accord.

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  The Si - 2000 Honda Civic
  By ip120 - October 12 - 9:53 am

  Never have any mechanical problems with any of my hondas, and my si is no exeption. Great car and fun to drive.

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  Buy it! - 2017 Honda Ridgeline
  By DC - October 12 - 6:49 am

  Great truck for people who have treated there cars like trucks for years. The trunk feature in the truck bed is great. All around great truck.