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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  95000 miles still going strong - 1999 Honda Civic
  By civicdriver - August 26 - 5:15 pm

  I wanted to give a quick 6 year follow up on my 99 ex coupe Civic. This has been a great car, with very little routine maintenance it has not given me one problem. I bought this car new with 6 miles on it and have driven it as a daily commuter since. I got 45,000 miles out of the original tires, and have 50,000 on the current ones. It still rides good, shifts smooth(5 spd.), and all the electronics still work well. Still getting close to 40 MPG. Overall this has been, and still is a great car.

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  Satisfying Van - 1999 Honda Odyssey
  By Peggy - August 25 - 5:56 pm

  This is a versatile and functional car. You will not be sorry you bought this one.

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  Nice Cars - 1998 Honda Civic
  By Travis Swift - August 25 - 10:00 am

  I got my car as a present from my parents on my birthday last year. It has been a great car, and--excluding the lack of power--has a sporty feel to it. My car is one of the few with a problem, so I get poor gas milage (only about 24 city driving)

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  Its Totally Elementary... - 2003 Honda Element
  By moonbeard - August 25 - 10:00 am

  This vehicle is just too cool, drives great, incredibly functional, and an all-around blast to own. Some of the complaints I read here make me think that some were expecting a rolling miracle instead of a uniquely designed mid-size SUV? This is a versatile "lifestyle vehicle" for active people. In my 25yrs of multi- vehicle ownership, I have never been happier with a purchase! Cant wait to take it out for hiking & skiing. Just brought home a new lawnmower (in a huge box), ten 1-gal plants & 6 cu.ft. of bagged soil from the warehouse store. No sweat with the rear seats folded up and there was room for even more!

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  Econo UT - 2003 Honda Element
  By Honest ReportCharlie - August 25 - 10:00 am

  Impressed with the Elements handling, performance, utility and economy. My 1st tank got 27.015 mpg driven on cntry at less than 70 mph; My 2nd tank 23.39 mpg, all cty; my 3rd tank 24.79 mpg, cty, cntry & hwy, a/c used abt 25%. I dont dump the pedal at stops. I dont tlgate or modulate the gas pedal, shift every 50 feet. The Element handles 95% of my needs. Opts $ @ dler are criminal. Look on the inet for orig Honda parts, hve the dler install, most are a peice of cake Plan on hving the dealer install Fg lts. If DYI take time and care. A good tire shine wrks for ext composite. 4 gal left in the tank aftr low fuel lght comes on.

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  Good Choice - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By Bobby J - August 25 - 10:00 am

  Honda has done well with the new Pilot. Although a bit pricey, its worth the money. It has the typical Honda reliability, and its resale value should be high. Dealers are driving tough bargains due to high demand, but armed with the knowledge you can get at places like this website, you can still negotiate a good deal. Im happy with the ride, and everything works as advertised. In the greater scheme of things, all of the complaints listed below are minor, and I am (as usual) a satisfied Honda owner.

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  Oddysey is not a bad choice!!!!!! - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By dnlehner - August 25 - 10:00 am

  Since I bought the vehicle, there has been nothing wrong with it. The color I got was a little darker than I hoped, but besides that minor problem, just high hopes!

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  Glad I Chose The Accord - 2003 Honda Accord
  By New Honda Driver - August 25 - 10:00 am

  The Honda Accord is a great car. I chose the 4-cylinder engine for the fuel economy. It has plenty of pep with the manual transmission, however it feels a little weak compared to the 8- and 6- cylinder engines Ive owned over the last several years. I do think the fuel savings is worth the trade-off. This car has plenty of room for my family of four. Eventhough it is a sedan it still looks quite sporty. The audio system gives great sound reproduction with no distortion. I am definitely satisfied with this purchase.

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  Honda continues to improve - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Edn - August 25 - 10:00 am

  Great vehicle. First automatic in 15 years, but very impressed with smooth operation and ability of ttransmission to selct optimal gear. 4 cylinder engine has great power, and the suspension is taut and responsive without the bone jarring set up used in the 6 cylinder sedan.

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  It FITs us. - 2007 Honda Fit
  By Richard Nyce - August 25 - 4:43 am

  We are enjoying this car very much. It handles very well and is taking the snow in stride. My wife is thrilled with the room inside. She is a home health and hospice nurse. The car is her office during the week. We use it whenever we travel. I am glad it is one of the "greenest" gasoline powered vehicles available. We researched for months and are very pleased with our choice.