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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  Excellent Roadster - 2003 Honda S2000
  By alangc - January 2 - 3:11 pm

  This car is for those who like to drive performance cars. It is not a weekend roadster or a commuter car. It is built for one purpose only and that is for cornering and high speed.

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  My 3rd Honda Civic - 2001 Honda Civic
  By sunshinedaydream95 - January 2 - 2:03 pm

  I first had a 93 Civic coupe that lasted me 8 long years, then an 04 Civic hybrid, and now I bought this one in March 07. I bought it used with 72K miles on it, and I now have about 84K. When I bought it, I put new tires on it, new alignment, new water pump, and new timing belt. It has run perfectly the entire time Ive had it.

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  Best Car owned yet - 1998 Honda Accord
  By marc132132 - January 2 - 10:00 am

  I have owned many cars a 99 Grand Cherokee Larado which was horrible with gas, 98 monte Carlo, this Honda is by far the best car yet, got lucky with buying it with only 20,000 miles on it and put 50,000 miles on it in 2 years with no problems at all except for a dead battery due to stereo system, will buy another Honda when time comes

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  Boring, reliable car that MOOS - 1998 Honda Accord
  By tessa - January 2 - 10:00 am

  Good car, fun to drive, boring to look at, very reliable, but there is a mooing sound near the gas tank which has never been resolved. Every once in awhile, more often when it is hot, the car moos like it is relieving pressure. Very weird. Owned this car three years and have to sell for a minivan now. But wont consider the Odyssey because of the mooing.

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  LX 4Dr, 5Spd - 1998 Honda Accord
  By csmith6281 - January 2 - 10:00 am

  This is my 3rd LX 4Dr, 5Spd sedan, and the best one yet. (The other 2 are still in the family, and going strong) Honda gets incredible performance out of 4 cylinders, and the smooth, easy shifting clutch and trans make this car a ball to drive. Great handling under all conditions; never stuck in snow in New England winters. Loads of room, comfortable for 5 adults.

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  A "do-it-all" four seater. - 2003 Honda Element
  By pfeffer - January 2 - 10:00 am

  This is my first Honda. The reputation for build quality is evident from the start. If you can live with a four passenger vehicle, this is probably the best bang for the buck out there. Highly practical and easy to use, converting to a mini-truck in seconds. I like it and would get another in an instant.

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  Excellent SUV - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By jryoung - January 2 - 10:00 am

  We bought this vehicle last November and we absolutely love it. We drove north to Mont Tremblant in Canada from MA in February (pulling along our snowmobiles) and the ride was great. My brother had recently bought a Yukon and was sorry that he hadnt tried the Pilot first. We have had absolutely no issues with this vehicle to date (15k miles). The ride is just as smooth as the other Hondas I have owned. Our Pilot was imported from Canada so it has heated seats which is a big plus. Definitely worth the money (I only paid a few hundred dollars over invoice).

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  Good SUV for the price - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By Razor - January 2 - 10:00 am

  I purchased it at invoice without any haggling. I added the foglights and alarm system at time of purchase at near invoice plus labor. Great handling, very easy to manuever, good gas mileage, excellent interior design, very good material with the exceptions of some minor switches, the integrated brake lever is great, love the shift lever, stereo is a little weak like all hondas...planning to add the factory sub latter. I looked at Toyotas Highlander Limited & 4Runner Limited and decided on the CRV, similar amount of room, but better gas milage, lower ownership cost, and cost $$$ less.

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  Good bang for the buck - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By Allen - January 2 - 10:00 am

  Choosing between the Honda Odyssey and the new Toyota Sienna. Ive settle with the Odyssey since Toyota isnt making any deal on the new 04 Sienna. We took the car on a 2000+ miles road trip to Oregon just after a few days of purchase before the Labor day weekend. The handling is solid, excellent over all performance. Turning radius is good but the new Sienna is a bit smaller. You really cant go wrong with this Van.

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  Best Accord yet - 5Spd EX - 2000 Honda Accord
  By csmith6281 - January 2 - 10:00 am

  Stepped up to the EX for my 4th Accord (the other 3 are still in the family and going strong). Sun roof, leather, CD player, great performance for 4-cyl, who needs a Lexus? I love this car. Comfortable for 5 adults, fun to drive, best styling of any Accord.