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:

• 

  The Perfect Family Car - 2004 Honda Accord
  By D. Moore - August 15 - 11:26 am

  A fantastic car for the money. I was especially impressed by the power of the 2.4 liter 4-cylinder engine. I test drove the Camry, Altima, and Passat, and comparably equipped, the Accord is more car for less money.

• 

  Functional Goodness! - 2005 Honda Element
  By kawa - August 14 - 11:06 pm

  no other SUV compares to the element. completely functional, easily maintainable, very affordable.. and too too fun to drive!

• 

  great car - 1990 Honda Accord
  By pete reno - August 14 - 7:39 pm

  I bought this car with 120,000 miles. It now has 150,000 I have replaced the clutch, radiator and cv joints.It runs flawlessly! doesnt burn or leak any oil!!handles great. The transmission is tight as is the rest of the car. Avg 25-27 mpg city, 33-36 highway. When can I buy a diesel Accord!! I owned a 2000 jetta tdi nothing but problems!!! This car at 15 years old is a much better vehicle than the brand new vw.

• 

  200,000 and still going - 1992 Honda Civic
  By Great Car - August 14 - 12:09 pm

  I just purchase my Civic two months ago. I believe the previous owner didnt take good care of it but, despite its abuse, its still in great condition. I did have to replace the water pump, and the CV boots were split, but once those things were taken care of it felt like I was driving a new car. Gas mileage is still around 35 mpg, the cars acceleration is very responsive, and steering is great.

• 

  Very spacious car - 2007 Honda Accord
  By Mathew - August 14 - 11:16 am

  This is my fourth Honda vehicle. So, far very happy with the performance and features. This has more room in the back seat than most other midsized sedans.

• 

  Honda Element - 2003 Honda Element
  By jabb - August 14 - 10:00 am

  This is an excellent car for working parents that need to easily reach their children as they drive from place to place. The care is very confortable and drives easily. Stable when turning a corner and on the highway. It has a unique exterior design and all the practical details were considered for the interior.

• 

  South Texas HONDA ELEMENT - 2003 Honda Element
  By Johkneeboy - August 14 - 10:00 am

  The Element is new, fun, and reliable. There is so much space that it feels as if we are in a larger SUV. We have two dogs and the no carpet, water and stain proof seats are to our advantage. the only thing that I really didnt like was the fact that it did not come with a alarm, or keyless entry.

• 

  Not just an SUV - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By Sept78 - August 14 - 10:00 am

  I have owned my Pilot almost a year now and still feel thrilled everytime I get behind the wheel. The interior is spacious and accomodating whether you are carrying cargo or people. The seats flip up or seemingly disappear depending on your needs at that time. Mileage is good especially considing the people capacity of the vehicle. It gets as good as or better mileage than the averge minivan. Too bad all those nasty people who target SUVs as the eviromental destroyers of our Earth dont realize that!I have 3 children and they have friends, I need a safe people mover. The Pilot assures me a safe trip even in last winters deep heavy snow.

• 

  Honda 2003 Very good overall - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By akorn - August 14 - 10:00 am

  Overall an excellent car with very good handling and breaking. Very spacious and well-designed interior. Some minor quibbles: no heated side mirrors, extra resevoir for the rear washer fluid, or daylight running lights (all available in Canada).

• 

  CR-V fan - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By CR-V fan - August 14 - 10:00 am

  Did a lot of research and was not disappointed when it came time for the test drive. Plenty of room,features and power. The accessories I added finished it off nicely. Excellent vehicle!!