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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  well rounded mid SUV - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By 07CRVowner - July 9 - 5:20 am

  There is only one thing that anyone in the market for a small suv can complain about. And that is the towing cap. at a measly 1500 lbs. Other than that, the CRV has been great for my whole family, my wife, 2 kids and 2 great danes.

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  An SUV without the guilt! - 2003 Honda Element
  By happy joe - July 8 - 10:00 am

  It drives more like a car than a truck but like a really FUN car. Its small outside belies its roomy inside. Even though ive always driven a large car i still felt cramped. Well no more! And when we double up everyone chooses my little element because they love the back seats. And with a simple twitch of the nose my 4 passenger vehicle turns into a 2 passenger truck ... perfect for my wifes unplanned bargains or my little handyman jobs. And, being in the snow belt, were looking forward to a winter without fear now that were armed with AWD and ABS :-)

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  Civic Si = GoKart - 2002 Honda Civic
  By DynaSpeed - July 8 - 10:00 am

  Ive never been able to throw a car around quite as much as this. A few suspension mods, and this thing really comes alive. Most fun car Ive ever driven.

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  Amazing Vehicle - 2003 Honda Civic
  By Liza H. - July 8 - 10:00 am

  i purchased my civic hybrid from Omar Hamid @ Paragon Honda in queens,NY. Hes the nicest salesperson. The car is amazing. it is such a nice, reliable car. no noise or problems. you cant even tell its a hybrid.

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  GREAT CAR - 2003 Honda Accord
  By SEAN - July 8 - 10:00 am

  IT IS A FUN CAR TO DRIVE. I GOT THE VERY TOP OF THE LINE MODEL WITH ALL OF THE BELLS AND WHISTLES. I COMPARED IT TO OTHER CARS IN THE SAME PRICE RANGE AND I FOUND YOU CANT GET AS MANY FEATURES AS THIS CAR OFFERS FOR YOUR MONEY.

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  best of the best - 2003 Honda Accord
  By joe cool - July 8 - 10:00 am

  best value and features you can find in a car for the price !!!!!!!!!!!!

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  Hot stuff - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Tabbi - July 8 - 10:00 am

  Just bought a black on black and it is gorgeous! Very nice ride and avg about 24mpg with the V6. Good power and quite quick with the 5spd auto. Excellent build quality, the car is just tight. Great features and sound system. Nice climate control. Wonderful leather seats. Even had a valet guy tell me "I love these new Accords"! Traded in a 1999 Corvette that was falling apart at 48K miles.

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  Simply Awesome - 2003 Honda Accord
  By skippy001 - July 8 - 10:00 am

  I previously owned a 2000 EX V6 4 Door Accord - was very happy with it. Quick, well handling, conservative styling, good value for the money. I now own the 03 EX V6 w/Navi 4 Door - WOW what an improvement. This car just keeps getting better and better - the 240 hp hauls! - and great MPG also. At 70 mph the trip computer was reading 32 mpg - thats more than the factory sticker states it should get. Trust me - go drive this car - you will buy it. The fit and finish along with the quality make this car the best buy on the planet.

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  2 Honda Elements - 2005 Honda Element
  By William Grenoble - July 8 - 5:06 am

  My wife bought a Honda Element AWD EX in July 2004. We pull a 4 Kayak trailer with it, and have a roof rack to haul one additional kayak up top if needed. We have two Golden Retrievers, and a Border Collie . The Element is ideal for boating and hauling dogs. With the plastic floor, clean up is easy. With both doors open on one side, it is simple to stand up on the floor and tie down the boat on top. I was driving an Chevy van, and was due to trade. I liked my wifes Element so much, I went out and bought one for myself. My other hobby is radio control sailplanes, and with the rear seats out, it is simple for me to haul planes and my wife , for a week of flying. 2 Elements are great !

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  my 5th honda civic - 2006 Honda Civic
  By moog33 - July 7 - 6:26 pm

  This 2006 honda civic is a Giant leap forward compared to my previous honda, a 2002 civic. This car has a great smooth ride and handles like a small accord. The engine has a smooth silky feeling to it (like all hondas), also has plenty of power for passing at highway speeds. My driver side door did need a small adjustment, dealer took care of it. Drove the mazda 3 before buying my civic and found the ride harsh and expected long term maintenance too expensive. Drive the civic before buying anthing else, An absolute must if you want a quality, reliable and economic small car, plus the styling will stay fresh for years.