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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  The rumors are true! Solid car! - 2006 Honda Accord
  By SammyC - February 9 - 8:27 pm

  Smart choice, great looks, reliable and an all around solid car. Have had it for roughly a year and still glad I chose it!

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  Follow up review - 2009 Honda Fit
  By Drud Report - February 9 - 7:20 pm

  Now that Ive had my Fit for a while, I have one follow-up note for you all. I still love my Fit -- its fun to drive, fuel efficient, safe and reliable, and it looks cool. But there is one issue that you need to know about. The front end is very low, and you may end up scratching it on driveways. I already have twice. The scratches are not noticeable since they are underneath the front end, but if you are fastidious about your vehicles condition, it may bother you. You have to almost stop at speed bumps and steep driveways to avoid scraping paint off the bottom of the front bumper. If it were an inch higher, this wouldnt be an issue. Nevertheless, I still recommend the new Fit.

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  5 year update - 2003 Honda Accord
  By cxv - February 9 - 3:30 pm

  After 5 years of ownership I can declare that the 03 Accord is an excellent car. Im in the military and we shipped the car to Europe and drove it all over the place. Now back in the US the car is still running and working great. Lots of Accords in my area so we lost the unique factor we had in Europe since the Euro Accord is an Acura TSX for us. My in laws may move close to us so we may pass the car to them and look into another Honda or Acura for us.

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  New Car & Surprises Not Always Good - 2005 Honda Civic
  By traveler - February 9 - 5:46 am

  Purchased this new car w/75 miles on it from dealer. Nice looking exterior, well appointed & roomy interior. Great car for city & all flatland driving. However, it does lack necessary torque/power/responsiveness to effectively & safely climb hills, pass, & freeway merge when necessary without having at least 3/4ths of a mile or more clear of traffic to get up to speed (0 to 60mph in not seconds, but 3 to 5 minutes! Amazingly poor & unsafe performance!

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  AC problems - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By Nancy Moore - February 8 - 5:22 pm

  Before purchasing this CRV, be VERY CAREFUL. The air conditioner has gone out the past three years every June. I have a great foreign car mechanic that will work with me and keeps great records. He was able to get a compressor for half price since I have had such poor experience with the AC unit in this car. I amnow considering something I never thought I would, changing brands to a Toyota. These AC repairs are killing me.

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  Great Value - 2005 Honda Accord
  By Richard A Ellingstad - February 8 - 11:36 am

  We are very satisfied with the styling,practicality and options on this vehicle. We got a good price and a good trade in deal on our 2003 Honda Accord.

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  Very Happy With Our CR-V - 1997 Honda CR-V
  By David in Michigan - February 8 - 9:12 am

  We have had this vehicle since the first year it became available in North America. Shortly after we purchased the vehicle, Honda replaced the auto transmission (apparently there was a design flaw). We have been extremely happy with everything about the CR-V and will keep it until it dies.

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  Absolutlely Awesome - 2004 Honda S2000
  By dwheath - February 8 - 2:00 am

  Im so glad i waited until the 2004 came out. The bigger engine is a big improvement and the 17 inch tires really make this car a winner. The handling is remarkable.

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  ChrisBs Element - 2003 Honda Element
  By topher101762 - February 8 - 2:00 am

  The Element has been a joy to own. It is incredibly easy to drive, very usefull, and you dont have to be 18 to own one. (Im 41) Wish it had some more punch and a little better fuel economy. Very hard to find an EX AWD with a manual; however, mileage is virtually identical with either transmission.

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  Not perfect, but close - 2003 Honda Element
  By ThadDecker - February 8 - 2:00 am

  The Honda Element satisfies most of the requirements of a typical family. The build quality is excellent. The performance and ride are great. The price is right and hopefully the resale will be good. After 9 months and 16,000 miles, we have had no problems, except for several intermittent rattles in the dash. We have had no mechanical issues and no trips to the dealer other than service. Though not perfect, it meets more of our requirements than did any other vehicle available at the time.